Rolls-Royce is not only a manufacturer of industry-leading luxury cars, but is also one of the world’s premier SMR manufacturers. In a move that aims to strengthen the deployment of SMRs around the world, Rolls-Royce has announced a new strategic partnership with BWXT. The new partnership between two exceedingly large companies aims to advance modular reactor deployment across the world. Along with the planned development of the reactor technology, the pair has also signed a memorandum of understanding to support future collaboration on the development of the Rolls-Royce SMR.
Two of the nuclear sector’s major companies have come together to advance the sector’s ability and potential
Rolls-Royce has been developing its SMR, or small modular reactor, for some time now, and through the new partnership with BWXT, will continue to stand as a cornerstone of the nuclear sector.
BWXT is a market leader in the development of high-quality steam generators for the nuclear energy industry and has been operating for over 60 years. The company has shipped roughly 315 steam generators to plant locations all across the globe, exemplifying its expertise in the sector.
Rolls-Royce has been developing its pressurized water reactor capable of producing 470 MWe. Crucially, the water reactor requires three steam generators to operate efficiently, which it will now lean on BWXT to supply.
“This agreement is a strong example of how BWXT is positioned to enable advanced 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.” – John MacQuarrie, president for BWXT Commercial Operations
Rolls-Royce’s dominance in the nuclear power sector is something to behold
For the vast majority of people, Rolls-Royce is a British manufacturer of the finest cars in the world. However, their expertise in developing nuclear reactors is truly a sight to behold. The world is increasingly relying on the renewable energy sector to provide essential energy resources as the end of the fossil fuel sector edges ever closer.
The MoU signed by the two companies outlines several key elements that are essential to improving and advancing the sector globally. Including Rolls-Royce’s SMR readiness and proclivity to acquire steam generators from BWXT. Additionally, the MoU outlines the need for a new plan that fosters the development of a localization plan for future manufacturing work.
Rolls-Royce released a statement noting its plans for the next step in advancing the company’s localization strategy.
“To enable our localization strategy, Rolls-Royce SMR will host supplier days in both the UK and Czech Republic. The UK event will take place on 13 November, followed by an event in Prague on 27 November.” – Rolls-Royce
The nuclear sector is gaining momentum as the world aims to end its reliance on conventional energy generation, which has led to several nations experiencing new highs in nuclear efficiency. Rolls-Royce and BWXT are set to develop the new SMRs that will reshape the future of the global energy sector.
Europe has turned to Rolls-Royce as its preferred nuclear reactor supplier
Rolls-Royce is the only company that can boast multiple nuclear commitments in Europe, with bids for nuclear contracts in the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. Other European nations have also seen significant advancements in the nuclear sector, with Belgium building a site for a radioactive waste repository at Dessel. The nuclear power industry is set to dominate the renewable market as the world aims to diversify its energy production sector. Hopefully, the new partnership between Rolls-Royce and BWXT can accelerate the embrace of the renewable energy sector across the world.
