Rolls-Royce Signs £15m Deal to Test Mini-Nuclear Reactors in Sheffield

[SheffieldForum]

Rolls-Royce has announced a £15 million deal with Sheffield University to trial manufacturing techniques for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), marking a significant milestone in the quest to make affordable nuclear power a reality.

Collaboration with Sheffield University

 

 

Under this new agreement, Rolls-Royce will create the first working prototypes of SMR modules at Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. The goal is to develop efficient, repeatable processes that will enable large-scale production of these reactors. 

Claire Coutinho, the Energy Secretary, praised the investment:

“Small Modular Reactors are the future of nuclear technology, and key to quadrupling the UK’s nuclear capacity by 2050 as part of the biggest expansion in 70 years. This multi-million-pound SMR manufacturing facility will be fantastic for Sheffield – making the Steel City once again the home to world-leading industry.”

 

Modular Construction and Economic Impact

SMRs are designed to be assembled from factory-made modules that can be transported and put together on-site, akin to "Lego bricks." The initial phase of the Sheffield University partnership will see Rolls-Royce invest £2.7 million to produce three prototype modules by the end of the year. Successful completion of this phase will lead to further investment of over £15 million to create prototypes for each of the 15 types of modules required for a complete SMR.

 

Victoria Scott, Chief Manufacturing Engineer at Rolls-Royce SMR, commented:

“Our investment in setting up this facility and building prototype modules is another significant milestone for our business.”

Local and National Benefits

 

The project has garnered local support, reinforcing South Yorkshire’s position as a leader in cutting-edge nuclear technology. Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, expressed his pride:

 

“We are very proud that Rolls-Royce SMR has chosen to base its module development facility at our Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.”

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s mayor, highlighted the broader implications:

“This announcement cements South Yorkshire’s position as the leading place to build small modular reactors, a cutting-edge technology which will be a key part of the global transition to clean energy.”

SMRs: The Future of Nuclear Power

 

SMRs are seen as game-changers for the nuclear industry due to their modular construction, which promises quicker and cheaper builds compared to traditional nuclear power plants. Rolls-Royce estimates that each SMR will cost around £2 billion and generate approximately 470 megawatts (MW) of electricity. In contrast, the Hinkley Point C plant is projected to cost up to £35 billion to produce 3.3 gigawatts of power.

 

Despite their potential, SMRs remain untested, with no operational examples worldwide. The trials in Sheffield are a critical step in advancing this technology.

Future Prospects

 

As Rolls-Royce trials manufacturing techniques in Sheffield, the company is also considering locations for a future factory to produce SMR modules. The Sheffield initiative not only underscores the potential for the city to become a hub for innovative industry but also signifies a crucial step towards sustainable and affordable energy solutions.

 

Conclusion

 

The partnership between Rolls-Royce and Sheffield University potentially marks a pivotal moment for SMR technology and the future of nuclear power in the UK. This initiative highlights Sheffield’s role in pioneering sustainable energy solutions and revitalising its industrial heritage through advanced manufacturing.

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fantastic news, thanks for sharing!

 

well done to everyone involved.

[Baron99]

It old news.  I seem to remember a similar thread on SF with a number of other well known engineering giants throwing their weight behind it.  

Here's an earlier story from 2020.

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/plan-for-small-nuclear-reactors-in-uk-this-decade-28-01-2020/

Looks like the pandemic might have delayed things. 

 

I see that one of the main partners / beneficiaries is Sheffield University. 

 

No doubt that lot of students that were camping out to try & change Sheffield University's partnerships the other week will now have another gripe to moan at, nuclear power & they certainly won't like Rolls-Royce with its background in military hardware. 

 

Meanwhile while, the Chinese students will be learning about advanced engineering. 

 

Let's hope Sheffield University & Sheffield as a whole can get some benefit & recognition with this new venture.