New Polish agreement brings small modular reactors step closer

Rolls-Royce SMR has welcomed the agreement between Polish industrial group, Industria, and UK-based Chiltern Vital Group (CVG) to collaborate on international projects to deliver low-carbon energy using Rolls-Royce SMR technology.

In 2023, after working with Rolls-Royce SMR for over two years, Industria selected Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to fulfil the zero-emission energy goals of the Central Hydrogen Cluster in Poland and as part of their plans to produce 50,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen every year.

CVG, a leading UK multi-sector project developer, was recently confirmed as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of the Gloucester Science & Technology Park from South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGSC).

With its partners – including Western Gateway, SGSC, University of Bristol, Vital Energi and Rolls Royce SMR – CVG intends to create a world-first net zero and nuclear technologies campus. This will be the first step towards a net zero super cluster investment zone, encouraging the roll out of Rolls- Royce SMRs alongside an array of net zero technologies.

Alan Woods, Rolls-Royce SMR director of strategy and business development, said: “This is an exciting development. Both CVG and Industria are highly capable organisations, able to deliver low-carbon energy projects powered by Rolls-Royce SMRs. This announcement further opens the opportunity for CVG to support and enable Great British Nuclear (GBN) to deliver innovative technology by the early to mid-2030s.”

The site, next to the former Berkeley Magnox nuclear power station on the banks of the River Severn, was home to the Berkeley Laboratories and has been at the forefront of science and nuclear technology for over 40 years. Berkeley and nearby Oldbury were already amongst several prioritised sites across England and Wales which have the potential to host multiple Rolls-Royce SMR power plants.

After being shortlisted at the end of 2023, Rolls-Royce SMR is committed to progressing through the GBN technology selection process. Being announced as a successful bidder, later this year, will allow immediate investment in the UK supply chain. Each Rolls-Royce SMR can power a million UK homes for 60 years, supplying clean, affordable electricity.

The Rolls-Royce SMR design is progressing well through the Generic Design Assessment process by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators and is two years ahead of any other SMR in European regulatory assessment.

Rolls-Royce SMR
www.rolls-royce-smr.com