The Engineer

Rolls-Royce SMR to deploy Small Modular Reactors in the Netherlands

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Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an exclusive agreement with Dutch development company ULC-Energy to deploy Small Modular Reactors in the Netherlands.

L-R: Bas Sujis (ULC-Energy), Sophie Macfarlane-Smith (Rolls-Royce SMR), Joanna Roper CMG (UK Ambassador to the Netherlands), Alan Woods (Rolls-Royce SMR), Dirk Rabelink (ULC-Energy)
L-R: Bas Sujis (ULC-Energy), Sophie Macfarlane-Smith (Rolls-Royce SMR), Joanna Roper CMG (UK Ambassador to the Netherlands), Alan Woods (Rolls-Royce SMR), Dirk Rabelink (ULC-Energy) - Rolls-Royce SMR

The two companies believe nuclear energy can accelerate the transition to a clean, affordable and reliable energy system.

ULC-Energy intends to develop nuclear projects deploying Rolls-Royce SMR’s reactors, which are based on proven nuclear technology to provide secure low-carbon electricity and heat.

90 per cent of the Rolls-Royce SMR is built in factory conditions, limiting on-site activity primarily to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested modules. This aims to significantly reduce project risk and shorten build schedules.

By signing the agreement, the parties will have formalised their alignment and will work closely together to advance application of the technology over coming years.

“Challenging energy market conditions, particularly in Western Europe, have clarified the importance of having reliable and affordable energy systems,” said Dirk Rabelink from ULC-Energy. 

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“The Dutch Government believes that nuclear can and should play a meaningful role in the Netherlands. The Rolls-Royce SMR is ideally suited for the Dutch market. 

“At 470MW, and with a capacity factor >95 per cent, each unit makes a meaningful difference and can be deployed efficiently to either supply power to the grid, or supply power and heat to dedicated industrial users.”

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, commented: “This agreement marks a welcome return of British reactor technology to global markets. All over the world, nuclear is making a comeback, and we should use that to bring jobs and investment here to Britain.

“It’s also high time that we got on with deploying a fleet of Rolls Royce SMRs in this country, because we should have a UK-flagged technology to help guarantee our energy security and our industrial skills base for the future.”

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