Rolls-Royce to build and test nuclear reactor parts in new facility

The centre at Sheffield University will manufacture and test prototype modules for its small modular reactors.

Engineering giant Rolls-Royce is setting up a centre within Sheffield University to manufacture and test prototype modules for its small modular reactors (SMRs).

The Rolls-Royce SMR Module Development Facility – which will be based within the university’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050 facilities – will produce working prototypes of the individual modules that will be assembled into Rolls-Royce SMR power plants. The £2.7m plan is part of a wider £15m programme that aims to develop Rolls-Royce’s plans for small modular reactors, which could provide power for millions of homes.

Victoria Scott, Rolls-Royce SMR’s chief manufacturing engineer, said: “Our investment in setting up this facility and building prototype modules is another significant milestone for our business.“Our factories will produce hundreds of prefabricated and pre-tested modules ready for assembly on site. This facility will allow us to refine our production, testing and digital approach to manufacturing – helping de-risk our programme and ensure we increase our delivery certainty.”

Prof Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “We are very proud that Rolls-Royce SMR has chosen to base its Module Development Facility at our Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050. Today’s announcement is a testament to the university’s strengths in clean energy research and innovation, and our unrivalled expertise in developing leading-edge manufacturing techniques. We welcome this significant commitment from Rolls-Royce SMR to our ongoing partnership and the South Yorkshire region.”

South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: “This announcement cements South Yorkshire’s position as the leading place to build small modular reactors, a cutting-edge technology which will be a key part of the global transition to clean energy. It is also a sign of real confidence in our region’s world-leading advanced manufacturing innovation district which is helping us to create a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire.

“South Yorkshire is proud to be the home of the largest Clean Tech cluster in the UK, with specialisms in nuclear tech, hydrogen and aviation fuels. Being chosen as the home of the new Rolls-Royce SMR Module Development Facility further enhances our region’s reputation as the best place for Clean Tech in the UK and puts us at the forefront of creating a greener future for the UK and beyond.”

The Government announced last year that six companies – including Rolls-Royce – had been shortlisted to take forward plans for small modular nuclear reactors. In contrast to conventional nuclear plans, the smaller reactors are thought to be quicker, easier and cheaper to build. The Government has said it wants up to a quarter of all UK electricity to come from nuclear power by 2050.No announcement has been made yet on which of the schemes will receive Government backing, with a decision scheduled for the summer.

Source: https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/rolls-royce-build-test-nuclear-29208195