Tag: SMR

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Rolls‑Royce and Amentum Propel Europe’s SMR Revolution

Amentum and Rolls‑Royce SMR Forge a Defining Partnership for Europe’s Nuclear Future

A major step toward a revitalised nuclear landscape in Europe is taking shape as Rolls‑Royce SMR and Amentum formalise a partnership designed to deliver the first wave of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the UK and the Czech Republic.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the sector, uniting Rolls‑Royce SMR’s advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Amentum’s global expertise in programme delivery and complex nuclear infrastructure. Together, the companies are positioning SMRs as a cornerstone of future clean‑energy systems across Europe.

Rolls‑Royce SMR’s appointment of Amentum as its programme delivery partner places Amentum at the heart of Europe’s first SMR deployments. The company will play a central role in integrating and overseeing all major elements of delivery, governance, construction management, and multi‑disciplinary programme execution.

With a well‑established footprint in the UK and deep technical expertise across the full nuclear life cycle, Amentum is set to guide these projects from inception to grid integration, ensuring they remain on schedule and on budget. The UK stands to benefit enormously from this union.

Rolls‑Royce SMR expects to provide up to 1.5 GW of low‑carbon power to the national grid while supporting national net‑zero ambitions. Beyond energy contributions, the programme is expected to generate more than 8,000 skilled long‑term jobs, creating significant opportunities across engineering, construction, and the wider nuclear supply chain.

Czechia will also see major investment through the deployment of up to 3 GW of new SMR‑based capacity, reinforcing the region’s commitment to clean, reliable nuclear energy.

Both organisations emphasise the strategic value of the partnership. Rolls‑Royce SMR underscores that combining its advanced manufacturing leadership with Amentum’s proven delivery capabilities will allow multiple international projects to be executed with confidence and consistency.

Amentum, meanwhile, highlights the collaboration as a catalyst for strengthening European energy security and accelerating the transition to resilient, low‑carbon infrastructure. The shared commitment reflects a vision not only to deploy early SMR projects but to lay the groundwork for a fleet‑based approach that can scale rapidly across global markets.

This next generation of nuclear technology is designed around factory‑built precision and modular construction, an approach that dramatically reduces on‑site work, minimises cost risk, and avoids the lengthy timelines that have historically challenged large nuclear builds.

Approximately 90% of each Rolls‑Royce SMR unit will be manufactured in factory conditions before being transported for assembly, enabling repeatable, standardised deployment in diverse environments.

Retaining a 470 MWe output and a service life of at least 60 years, each reactor provides reliable baseload power while benefiting from modern engineering enhancements, including innovative seismic protection systems under development in partnership with engineering specialists such as Skanska.

For the nuclear workforce, supply chain partners, and future entrants into the sector, this collaboration signals the emergence of a new industrial era. The programme will expand opportunities in advanced manufacturing, civil engineering, regulatory oversight, systems integration, digital design, and project management, fields that will underpin SMR deployment for decades to come.

As the UK and Czech Republic begin to realise their first SMR projects, the Rolls‑Royce SMR–Amentum partnership is not only reshaping the energy landscape but also redefining the scale of opportunity available to the nuclear profession.

This alliance demonstrates the powerful role that SMRs can play in strengthening energy resilience, supporting decarbonisation, and revitalising nuclear capability across Europe.

With delivery partners now aligned and early development milestones underway, the stage is firmly set for a new chapter in nuclear innovation, one driven by collaboration, standardisation, and a shared commitment to a clean‑energy future.

Picture: Rolls Royce SMR

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Bulgaria Bets Big on SMRs for a Clean Energy Future

Bulgaria is charting a bold course in its nuclear landscape by embracing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) not just as power plants, but as catalysts for energy security, decarbonisation, and high-tech growth. The spotlight is on the BWRX‑300 design from GE Vernova Hitachi, and several recent developments make this an especially exciting moment for the sector.

A Strategic Joint Venture to Launch SMRs

New JV is linked to Poland’s Synthos Green Energy (SGE) and Bulgaria’s Blue Bird Energy (BBE), a consortium anchored by Glavbolgarstroy and Asarel‑Medet, have signed a letter of intent to create a joint venture targeting up to six BWRX‑300 units in Bulgaria.

These 300 MWe reactors, harnessing passive safety and natural circulation, leverage the proven design lineage of the conventional ESBWR, offering a compact yet robust addition to Bulgaria’s nuclear fleet.

The JV’s mandate is extensive and incorporates site selection and licensing to construction, funding, and operation, designed to jumpstart a domestic SMR ecosystem.

There’s high-level momentum & global backing for Bulgaria as well as diplomatic synergy from Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov engaged with GE Vernova’s Roger Martella, first in New York and later in Sofia, to explore partnerships.

These discussions followed an MoU from August 2024 between Bulgarian Energy Holding and GE Hitachi, laying a groundwork for BWRX‑300 development

With cross-border cooperation with a U.S.–Bulgaria intergovernmental agreement, signed during an IAEA conference, includes provisions for civil nuclear support, U.S. lab participation in feasibility studies, and potential funding via the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

And why does Bulgaria’s Embracing of SMR’s Matter?

Energy stability with low emissions, economic & industrial uplift, and supply chain integration will all see a productive impact.

Bulgaria already generates ~⅓ of its electricity with two VVER‑1000 units and is building two AP1000 reactors at Kozloduy. SMRs will deliver reliable, clean baseload power while supporting grid flexibility.

These reactor platforms can energise new data centres, AI hubs, gigafactories, and hydrogen facilities, turning Bulgaria into a regional innovation powerhouse.

With local industry players in the JV, Bulgarian firms are poised to join the global SMR value chain, boosting domestic jobs and capabilities.

GE Vernova’s BWRX‑300 is already under construction in Canada, and the technology is attracting interest in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Romania, underscoring its momentum across Europe.

Bulgaria’s approach is both balanced and strategic, maintaining large-core reactors at Kozloduy while advancing agile, low-carbon SMRs to complement and diversify its nuclear capacity.

With active engagement from U.S.-based U.S. national labs and financial channels, Bulgaria is aligning global nuclear expertise with local readiness, ensuring a well-rounded deployment pathway.

In conclusion

Bulgaria’s nuclear vision is crystal clear – harmonising legacy nuclear strengths with cutting edge SMR innovation to forge a resilient, clean, and future-ready energy system. With its cross-border partnerships, industrial leadership, and technology-forward mindset, Bulgaria is positioning itself to become a beacon of nuclear excellence in Southeastern Europe and a potential model for global SMR deployment.

If you want a deeper dive into BWRX‑300 safety features, licensing trajectories, or how SMRs integrate with national energy frameworks, we’d love to hear from you.

Sources: nucnet.org, bta.bg, gbs-bg.com, neimagazine.com, economic.bg, world-nuclear-news.org

Picture: Bulgarian Energy Ministry

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Holtec at Times Square

“Mega-billion” nuclear construction programme needs private investment and the public markets to support Holtec’s SMR-300 reactors.

Set to be repowered by the end of 2025, the Palisades Energy plant in Michigan will officially return to operational status.

This is a significant milestone in global nuclear energy news and is making strong progress towards achieving this goal.

The executive team were in New York City to celebrate Climate Week back in September this year with the Holtec team highlighted for its dedication to clean energy.

Visit this link; https://holtecinternational.com/2025/09/29/hh-40-21/

Picture: Holtec

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U.S. Disappointed with Rolls-Royce Build in Wales

As news of the first British site for Rolls-Royce SMR was announced, plenty of people celebrated while the U.S. was left disappointed by the decision.

We posted yesterday about this news, and although we want a strong bond between the UK and the U.S., British nuclear needs to plant its foot on home ground. We see no reason why other sites cannot be found elsewhere for future new builds; however, the site at Anglesey was something Westinghouse had their sights on.

The U.S. are interested in larger-scale nuclear projects, and utilising Westinghouse is seen as a faster, cheaper and already approved way to get cleaner, more affordable energy to the UK.

The AP300 leverages proven AP1000 tech for regulatory ease, offers simplified design for lower cost and faster construction with proven passive safety systems (gravity-fed cooling, natural circulation).

While everyone has their wants and needs over energy management and the nuclear future in Britian, we would do well to keep U.S.-UK relations strong, but really, only time will tell what’s next.

One thing’s for sure; a focus on skills and talent is going to be crucial. Britain has many nuclear and energy related infrastructure projects on-going and, in the future plans, the competition for top talent is rife and it’s only going to increase.

For those wanting to truly get ahead, we must address the skills gap at mid-career and look to succession plan up to the executive level. The sharing of expert knowledge and experience is crucial while transitioning talent into civil nuclear and energy. If we are to meet demand, we have to take our recruitment strategies seriously.

Picture: Getty Images

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Rolls-Royce SMR lands in North Wales

Fantastic news today for British nuclear and the immediate region in Anglesey. We recently had a trip to the area and the boost this will have on local skills, and the economy is going to be life changing.

Supporting ~3000 jobs and billions of pounds of investment over the coming decade; this is set to support a generation of young people.

Touted as the golden age of nuclear, North Wales is on the map for many different reasons and the first of its kind nuclear is the newest.

Critical rail upgrades and manufacturing are just two of the areas that will feel the £2.5 billion investment, and this will further enhance British nuclear security, sustainability, and is a vital part of our modern industrial strategy.

Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added:

“This is a historic moment for the UK and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy.

“These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.

“Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come.”

Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said:

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.

“This is a tremendous opportunity not just for North Wales but for the whole country, as we establish an enduring supply chain that will enable our fleet deployment in the UK and a large export programme, starting in Czechia.

“We will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery. We are excited to be working with the local community to create jobs and growth.”

The Prime Minister said:

“Britain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind.

“Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth – to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales.

“This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.

“That’s national renewal in action: powered by British talent, powered by nuclear, and powered by a government that’s delivering for working people.”

Read more; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/north-wales-to-pioneer-uks-first-small-modular-reactors

Picture: gov.uk

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Nuclear Component Manufacturing MoU Signed

BWX Technologies and Rolls-Royce SMR announce MoU signing for the manufacture of key nuclear components.

BWXT is in a powerful global position when it comes to enabling advanced nuclear developers to fulfil their growing demands. The Canadian subsidiary has been producing steam generators for over 60-years and has already supplied 315 steam generators around the world.

Each RR SMR reactor uses 3 steam generators to generate 470 MWe while utilising its pressurised water system. This MoU could include supporting the global roll out of Rolls-Royce’s SMR technology worldwide.

Collaboration is key when it comes to advanced technology and the nuclear industry. The power of a strong manufacturing partnership cannot be understated and with the increased focus on clean, reliable energy, this announcement could prove to be a pivotal move for both companies.

Official release; https://www.bwxt.com/bwxt-and-rolls-royce-smr-sign-agreements-advancing-key-nuclear-component-manufacturing/

Picture: BWXT

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