Micro-Reactor

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Deployable, safe, reliable and clean power solutions

Through our versatile next-generation Micro-Reactor technology, we’re developing a solution that can be deployed safely, affordably and at pace.

Drawing upon our vast nuclear knowledge and experience, our Micro-Reactor uses novel technologies based on proven, reliable power solutions.

What is a Micro-Reactor?

The Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor has a high-power density, which means that it can reliably, flexibly and sustainably support a range of operational demands, providing power and heat output, as required.

Crucially, the Micro-Reactor is scalable to be easily transportable by rail, sea and even into space, making it a versatile and credible power source for a multitude of applications.

The Micro-Reactor uses an inherently safe and robust fuel form. Within its core, each particle of uranium is surrounded by multiple protective layers, allowing it to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

Applications of a Nuclear Micro-Reactor

Micro-Reactor technology presents countless vital opportunities for the UK and beyond. Designed for rapid deployment and with black-start capability, it can provide power for a vast array of applications.

Defence

Defence

With multiple applications, including powering Main Operating Bases and Forward Operating Bases, the Micro-Reactor will be robust, safe and rugged to flex with mission demands, whilst requiring minimal interaction or intervention, reducing training and in-service load.

The Micro-Reactor provides the opportunity to:

Grow a new national capability with significant export potential
Advance new world-leading technology
Deliver the energy transition and net zero agenda in Defence
Secure access to Advanced Nuclear Technology

Remote Civil Power

Remote Civil Power

The Micro-Reactor provides a long-lasting, clean solution to baseload power demands in isolated microgrids and strategic locations, such as overseas territories and island communities with limited access to traditional power sources. Its fixed baseload capabilities mean that the Micro-Reactor can provide power generation in regions with significant power demand and fluctuation, alleviating the strain on existing national infrastructure.

The Micro-Reactor provides the opportunity to:

Deliver long-lasting clean energy to isolated communities
Remove pressure on existing infrastructures
Provide a safe, off-grid power solution, in any environment

Remote Industrial Power

Remote Industrial Power

The Micro-Reactor provides a long-lasting, clean solution to baseload power demands in isolated microgrids and strategic locations. It Is capable of providing a continuous power source for the most remote locations, enabling energy security, with grid independence and co-generation of heat and electricity.

The Micro-Reactor provides the opportunity to:

Deliver continuous and safe energy to the most remote locations
Provide reliability for industries with a heavy power usage
Support industry’s clean energy and Net Zero commitments

Power in Space

Nuclear power offers significant advantages in space exploration. As a self-contained and power-dense solution, a Micro-Reactor can provide power for the exploration of a planetary surface, or power and propulsion for spacecraft.

Continuous power and efficient propulsion can provide satellites with more flexible movement to protect and defend key orbits and enable reliable surface power for the Moon to aid scientific and technological progress.

The Micro-Reactor provides the opportunity to:

Enable persistent and resilient power and propulsion to explore space
Provide surface power for a lunar base
Operate safely and reliably in even the harshest of environments

What’s the difference between a Micro-Reactor and a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?

Whilst Micro-Reactors and Small Modular Reactors both use nuclear technology and are part of the Rolls-Royce nuclear portfolio, they use different technologies and would be used to power different things. For example, a Micro-Reactor can provide 1-10 megawatts of power and its more compact size makes it a transportable source of power. Whereas a SMR would be powering to around 0.5 giga-watts and operate from a static site approximately the size of two football pitches.

A Strategic UK Imperative

Micro-Reactor technology provides the UK with a significant opportunity to develop its national power and export capabilities. By partnering with key international technology organisations, Rolls-Royce is leading the development of a commercially viable solution that leverages our unique skills and supply chain.

Rolls-Royce’s Novel Nuclear programme will bring together our nuclear expertise to deliver a Net Zero agenda and drive forward the energy transition while underpinning the next generation of nuclear engineering.

For more information on the Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor, please email: [email protected]