Rolls-Royce has adjusted its strategy for constructing nuclear factories in the UK, citing prolonged delays in a government design competition for its small modular reactor (SMR) initiative. Initially proposing the establishment of two factories, the company has opted out of constructing a pressure vessel manufacturing facility due to time constraints, choosing instead to procure heavy pressure vessels from external suppliers. While plans for a second factory geared towards producing modular units for SMRs persist, this shift underscores the obstacles posed by the protracted design competition delay. Rolls-Royce has hinted at the potential reconsideration of its decision regarding the pressure vessel factory contingent upon the development of a robust order pipeline. In response, a Department of Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson emphasized the UK’s commitment to expediting the SMR competition, aiming for swift investment inflow to bolster the nation’s energy infrastructure. Rolls-Royce SMR spokesperson echoed the sentiment, highlighting the prioritization of the Modules Assembly & Test Facility for component integration, essential for accelerating deployment. However, they emphasized the potential for future investment in additional factory infrastructure contingent upon fleet commitments both domestically and internationally.
