Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor Ltd (SMR) has appointed SNC-Lavalin as an engineering supplier as it enters the next phase of its pioneering programme.
Building on its role as a Phase One partner in the original UK SMR consortium, SNC-Lavalin will now provide Rolls-Royce SMR with engineering services and specialist support as it builds its business.
Rolls-Royce SMR is developing low-cost, low-carbon nuclear SMR plants, with plans to have the first UK plant operational by the early 2030s.
A modular approach to nuclear energy
During the first phase of the program, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin group, led the unique modular design of the SMR power station which will be critical to its success: approximately 90% of the manufacturing and assembly activities are carried out in factory conditions, significantly reducing cost and build time.
As an approved supplier, SNC-Lavalin’s UK team will now offer civil, structural and architectural support along with safety and regulatory services, waste management, mechanical handling, mechanical and process engineering, project management, and digital services.
Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO, SNC-Lavalin, said: “SMRs will enable the deployment of dependable, low-carbon technology swiftly and cost-effectively – an attractive prospect to many countries aiming to decarbonise generation and meet net zero commitments.”
Sandy Taylor, President, Nuclear, SNC-Lavalin, added: “Clean, reliable nuclear power is an important pillar in a net zero energy system, from large nuclear plants to Small Modular Reactors.
“Our continued work with Rolls-Royce SMR affords us the opportunity to share our nuclear expertise and play an integral role in applying the benefits of modularised solutions to critical energy infrastructure.”
Rolls-Royce SMR 470MW plants have the potential to support both on-grid electricity and off-grid solutions, including the decarbonisation of industrial processes and production of clean fuels, the company said.
Tom Samson, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce SMR, added: “SNC-Lavalin’s ongoing support and contribution to the growing Rolls-Royce SMR business is incredibly important.
“As phase 1 partners they contributed to our development in important areas such as regulation and a breadth of engineering challenges. We look forward to working collaboratively as we target the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMRs and our shared decarbonisation objectives.”
Image credit: A render of Rolls-Royce’s Small Modular Reactor (Credit: Rolls-Royce)
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