SNC-Lavalin has been appointed an engineering supplier by Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor Ltd (SMR) as it enters a new phase of its programme to develop 470MW modular nuclear power station.
Atkins, part of SNC-Lavalin, was a partner in the original UK SMR consortium, leading the modular design of the power station.
As an approved supplier, SNC-Lavalin’s UK team will now offer "civil, structural and architectural support along with safety and regulatory services, waste management, mechanical handling, mechanical and process engineering, project management, and digital services," a statement said.
Rolls-Royce SMR is developing low-cost, low-carbon nuclear SMR plants that could play a significant role in domestic and international decarbonisation targets, with plans to have the first UK plant operational by the early 2030s.
The 470MW SMRs have the potential to support both on-grid electricity and off-grid solutions, including the decarbonisation of industrial processes and production of clean fuels. Approximately 90% of the manufacturing and assembly activities are carried out in factory conditions, significantly reducing cost and build time, SNC-Lavalin said.
“SMRs will enable the deployment of dependable, low-carbon technology swiftly and cost-effectively – an attractive prospect to many countries aiming to decarbonise generation and meet net zero commitments,” said Ian Edwards, president and CEO, SNC-Lavalin.
The group noted that its continued involvement with the business builds on SNC-Lavalin's extensive contribution to the UK’s new generation of nuclear technology, from SMRs and large-scale new nuclear plants to its involvement in fusion energy research and development.
Photo: How a Rolls-Royce SMR might look (Photo credit: Rolls-Royce SMR)
