US-based Jacobs has been selected by the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) to help develop a high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). NNL is working with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) on a new reactor design for the UK market, with a focus on production of high temperature heat for industrial applications.
Jacobs will review the initial designs and delivery plans for the reactor. Jacobs will help develop cost and schedule estimates as part of a broader investment case submission to the UK Treasury; review market demand and end-use cases for HTGR technology; carry out a detailed engineering design review to ensure regulatory compliance; and support engagement with UK regulators.
In 2020 NNL and JAEA announced that their existing technical collaboration agreement, signed in 2001, would be broadened to encompass HTGR technology. Research and development work on advanced modular reactor concepts is funded by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) as part of a competition to enable the development and demonstration of HTGR technology. In December 2022, the UK government announced £60m ($77m) in funding of for research into HTGRs, aiming for a demonstration project by the end of the decade. Subject to further support from DESNZ, the next phase of the project would comprise detailed design, manufacturing, construction and commissioning of an HTGR demonstrator.
In September 2023, NNL and JAEA signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of HTGRs, as well as a memorandum for collaboration on the next stage of the UK HTGR Demonstration Reactor programme.
“We will deploy our deep experience and knowledge of nuclear reactor technology to help deliver a power plant with the potential to contribute to one of the most challenging aspects of energy transition – the decarbonization of heavy industry such as steel and cement production,” said Jacobs Vice President Andy White.
“This is a groundbreaking project,” said NNL VP for Government and New Build Emma Vernon. “We are looking forward to working together on the development of the UKJ-HTR design, through this phase of the DESNZ competition, which will help UK industry to adapt to a changing world and take a step closer to achieving our net-zero goals.”
