Under the detailed design contract, BWX Technologies (BWXT) will design the nuclear steam generators to be used in the Rolls-Royce SMR, a 470 MWe design based on a small pressurised water reactor that will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years. 90% of the small modular reactor (SMR) – measuring about 16 metres by 4 metres – will be built in factory conditions, limiting on-site activity primarily to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested, modules which significantly reduces project risk and has the potential to drastically shorten build schedules. Each reactor features three steam generators.
BWXT subsidiary BWXT Canada Ltd, based in Ontario, has been producing high-quality steam generators for the nuclear energy industry for more than 60 years and has supplied more than 315 steam generators to plants around the world.
Key elements of the MoU are Rolls-Royce SMR’s readiness to procure steam generators for multiple reactor units from BWXT and the development of a localisation plan for future manufacturing work and other activities, if necessary, to support the Rolls-Royce SMR deployment in the global market.
“The agreement with BWXT for the design of the nuclear steam generators – reinforced by an MoU to support the first units in a global fleet of Rolls-Royce SMRs – is another major stride forward for our organisation,” said Ruth Todd, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Operations and Supply Chain Director. “Sourcing these critical components from world-leading suppliers is part of our ‘designed for delivery’ approach – combining modularisation and proven nuclear technology – significantly reducing cost, construction time and removing project risk. This is undoubtedly an important milestone, and there remain a huge range of opportunities for the supply chain to become involved and contribute to this transformational programme.”
John MacQuarrie, president of BWXT Commercial Operations, added: “This agreement is a strong example of how BWXT is positioned to enable 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.”
Rolls-Royce SMR noted it is “the only company with multiple SMR commitments in Europe”. In June this year Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as the UK government’s preferred technology for the country’s first SMR project with the goal of signing contracts later this year and forming a development company. Great British Energy – Nuclear, which ran the selection, will also aim to allocate a site later this year and connect projects to the grid in the mid-2030s. A final investment decision is expected to be taken in 2029. The Czech Republic selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its partner for up to 3 GW of new nuclear capacity last year and Czech utility CEZ has taken a 20% shareholding in the UK-based company.
