Rolls-Royce Revises UK Nuclear Factory Plans Amid Government Delays

01/05/2024

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Rolls-Royce has adjusted its strategy for constructing nuclear factories in the UK, citing prolonged delays in a government design competition for its small modular reactor (SMR) initiative. Initially proposing the establishment of two factories, the company has opted out of constructing a pressure vessel manufacturing facility due to time constraints, choosing instead to procure heavy pressure vessels from external suppliers. While plans for a second factory geared towards producing modular units for SMRs persist, this shift underscores the obstacles posed by the protracted design competition delay. Rolls-Royce has hinted at the potential reconsideration of its decision regarding the pressure vessel factory contingent upon the development of a robust order pipeline. In response, a Department of Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson emphasized the UK’s commitment to expediting the SMR competition, aiming for swift investment inflow to bolster the nation’s energy infrastructure. Rolls-Royce SMR spokesperson echoed the sentiment, highlighting the prioritization of the Modules Assembly & Test Facility for component integration, essential for accelerating deployment. However, they emphasized the potential for future investment in additional factory infrastructure contingent upon fleet commitments both domestically and internationally.

Source and Credit: energylivenews.com