Every few years something comes along that disrupts the market, revolutionising how we do things. Whilst some innovations make a big splash, others come in much smaller packages.
This is certainly the case when it comes to the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology. A team of experts from industry leaders Assystem, Atkins, BAM Nuttall, Jacobs, Laing O’Rourke, Rolls-Royce and TWI have joined forces with the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) and Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) to form the UK Nuclear SMR consortium. Together they’re pioneering the development of SMR technology to drive a more intelligent and affordable way to generate low carbon power.
What’s it all about?
Small Modular Reactors provide a more scalable alternative to large nuclear power stations. The UK SMR uses existing nuclear energy technology, but manufactures the entire power station in a factory. This cuts costs and times for delivery meaning low carbon power for the grid, or for industrial use, or manufacturing net zero carbon synthetic fuels is more affordable - helping decarbonise a whole energy system.
The reduced scale also means a smaller environmental impact, whilst allowing for flexibility where power generation needs it. Every inch of its design has been led by innovation and safety, and its single build location means it can be easily shipped to another global location for assembly on site – opening up further opportunities to explore export sales.
(Source: Rolls-Royce)
A chance to find out more about SMR technology
For those interested in finding out more about potential supply chain opportunities to support low carbon SMR projects, the NRL Group were pleased to support an informative webinar organised by NOF which included speakers from the UK Nuclear SMR Consortium.
During the webinar, held on Wednesday 6th May 2021, attendees heard more about the role SMRs will play to help achieve net zero targets and how the UK’s experienced supply chain can add valuable insight to future SMR projects.
As a joint event sponsor, NRL’s Director Rebecca Graves was on hand to share her recruitment expertise – drawing on the NRL Group’s 40+ years history supporting the nuclear supply chain. Also in attendance was Tim Stubbs from NRL’s Non-Destructive Testing business, who specialises in ultrasonic qualification and inspection services to the UK civil nuclear market.
