Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactor (SMR) has reached a significant milestone by being the first UK advanced reactor to apply for a justification decision, which is crucial for the progress of nuclear technology in the country.
- The Nuclear Industry Association has submitted the application, marking the UK’s first attempt to gain a justification decision for an SMR, essential for practices involving ionising radiation.
- The justification decision is a preliminary step that evaluates potential benefits and risks of the SMR, although it does not directly authorise a specific project.
- Rolls-Royce SMR asserts that their reactor offers substantial benefits in terms of clean, firm, and flexible power, outweighing the potential risks which are mitigated by robust safety features.
- The UK Government has accepted the application for consideration, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs supporting the secretary of state in making the decision.
The Nuclear Industry Association has achieved a landmark development by submitting the United Kingdom’s first-ever application for a justification decision concerning Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactor (SMR) design. This application is a vital step within the intricate processes governing new nuclear practices, focusing on ionising radiation operations.
The decision for justification serves as an essential preliminary measure, assessing whether the new class or type of nuclear practice could be beneficial on a general level. It does not equate to approval for a specific implementation but is rather a high-level evaluation that precedes future regulatory protocols. This ensures compliance with regulatory standards and facilitates further advancements in nuclear technology, providing a backdrop for more detailed evaluations in the near future.
Rolls-Royce SMR has articulated that the proposed reactor design aims to deliver unmatched benefits including clean, consistent, and adaptable power generation, far surpassing perceived risks. These risks, they argue, are mitigated effectively through inherent robust safety mechanisms, which include passive safety systems thoroughly embedded in the design according to stringent UK regulations.
This development is critical to UK’s energy landscape, bolstering the grid’s stability and reducing consumer energy costs while enhancing economic competitiveness. The Government’s acceptance of the application underscores a commitment to revitalising the UK’s nuclear capabilities and pursuing low-carbon energy solutions critical to achieving net zero goals.
Tom Greatrex, the CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association, highlighted the promise of SMRs such as the one designed by Rolls-Royce in reviving domestic industrial capabilities and achieving energy security while contributing to net zero emissions. He suggests that the government should endorse widespread deployment to justify manufacturing within the UK supply chain.
Helena Perry, Rolls-Royce SMR’s director of safety and regulatory affairs, emphasised the progression towards deployment. Each ‘factory-built’ reactor is projected to power a million homes over a lifespan exceeding six decades, offering energy security and a significant economic contribution.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation and other environmental bodies continue the generic design assessment (GDA) for the technology. The GDA is a complex and lengthy process, expected to take approximately four years, ensuring that every aspect of the design meets regulatory scrutiny.
Alongside Rolls-Royce, other designs are under consideration, reflecting a competitive environment fostered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. All of this aligns with the new government’s manifesto promise to expand the use of SMRs as a cornerstone of its energy strategy.
This step represents a pivotal moment for advancing nuclear technology and energy policy in the UK, aligning with strategic goals for innovation and sustainability.
