Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a multi-million-pound contract and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with nuclear services and technology company, BWX Technologies.
Signing the detailed design contract for the nuclear steam generators is another step forward in the development of the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
BWXT subsidiary, BWXT Canada Ltd based in Ontario, has been producing steam generators for the nuclear energy industry for more than 60 years and has supplied more than 315 steam generators to plants around the world.
Ruth Todd, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Operations and Supply Chain Director, said: “The agreement with BWXT for the design of the nuclear steam generators – reinforced by an MoU to support the first units in a global fleet of Rolls-Royce SMRs – is another major stride forward for our organisation.
“Sourcing these critical components from world-leading suppliers is part of our ‘designed for delivery’ approach – combining modularisation and proven nuclear technology – significantly reducing cost, construction time and removing project risk. This is undoubtedly an important milestone, and there remain a huge range of opportunities for the supply chain to become involved and contribute to this transformational programme.”
John MacQuarrie, president for BWXT Commercial Operations, added: “This agreement is a strong example of how BWXT is positioned to enable nuclear reactor developers around the world to meet the growing demand for clean, reliable energy. We look forward to further developing this collaboration with the team at Rolls-Royce SMR and continuing to build out this robust nuclear manufacturing chain.”
The agreement includes development of a localisation strategy to support future manufacturing and related activities in the UK, Czech Republic and across Europe – maximising opportunities for local suppliers to engage in this work supporting jobs, growth and skills, and delivering meaningful benefits to local communities.
To enable its localisation strategy, Rolls-Royce SMR will host supplier days in both the UK and Czech Republic.
These events are the latest in a series that will provide updates on the opportunities ahead across critical categories, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels, turbine island and aspects of civil engineering and construction.
Rolls-Royce SMR has multiple SMR commitments in Europe, having been selected as preferred bidder in the Great British Energy – Nuclear SMR competition, and by European utility, ČEZ, to build up to three gigawatts of new nuclear power in the Czech Republic.
