The CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR urges swift action following the company’s shortlisting in the first stage of the Great British Nuclear Small Modular Reactor technology selection process. This development, which includes the inclusion of the UK’s own Rolls-Royce SMR, a factory-built nuclear power plant, is a tremendous opportunity to deliver affordable clean electricity to over a million homes for more than 60 years. Furthermore, it will contribute to the country’s net zero targets.
Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, emphasizes that their technology represents a British solution to the global energy security and decarbonization challenge. The recognition of being shortlisted is greatly appreciated, and the company is eager to build on this momentum, swiftly progressing to the next stage to negotiate a deployment contract. By doing so, they can actively support the government in achieving its ambitious goal of delivering up to 24GW of nuclear power by 2050.
Highlighting their significant advantage, Cholerton stresses that Rolls-Royce SMR is currently the only SMR technology in an advanced European regulatory approval process. This positions them nearly two years ahead of their competitors, underscoring the importance of securing a domestic contract to unlock their clean energy technology’s vast global export potential.
A favorable outcome from the GBN selection process will not only result in immediate investment in the UK supply chain and manufacturing sectors but also create thousands of high-skilled, long-term jobs. With an existing workforce of over 600 professionals based in the UK, Rolls-Royce SMR is already making notable progress through the Generic Design Assessment process. They are diligently working alongside independent regulators within the nuclear industry to obtain consent for their technology’s operation in the country.