A new strategic agreement between Rolls-Royce SMR and specialist firm Curtiss-Wright is driving the evolution of the UK nuclear sector. This agreement covers the supply of diverse and non-programmable protection systems for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) model, a technology for future low-carbon power generation in the UK.
The supply chain and industrialization of SMR
With this agreement, Curtiss-Wright, with decades of experience in nuclear safety, will assume design, qualification and testing activities to support the global deployment of Rolls-Royce’s SMR plants. Engineering and manufacturing will be performed from its facilities in Wimborne, Dorset.
The partnership will invigorate the UK nuclear industrial ecosystem by fostering the transfer of technological capabilities and the development of specialized talent. Ruth Todd, operations director at Rolls-Royce SMR, mentioned that the collaboration minimizes technical risks by integrating a supplier with a proven track record in high-demand environments.
The SMR program program has been selected by CEZ to deploy up to 3 GW of capacity in the Czech Republic and was recently designated as a preferred supplier by Great British Energy – Nuclear. At the regulatory level, the technology is progressing through the final stage of review by independent bodies in the UK, outperforming other similar solutions in Europe.
Each SMR unit will be factory-fabricated and transported to the final site, minimizing costs and construction times. The compact plants will be able to supply carbon-free power to one million homes for more than six decades, cementing the UK as a leader in modular nuclear solutions.
Source and photo: Rolls-Royce
