In reaction to Rolls-Royce SMR completing the first step of the Generic Design Assessment (link), Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“This is an important step for the Rolls-Royce SMR project and for British nuclear technology. The UK needs a fleet of Small Modular Reactors to strengthen energy security and cut our dependence on gas as we move toward Net Zero.
“SMRs will play an essential role in enhancing British industrial capability, creating tens of thousands of jobs, revitalising the nuclear skills base and boosting the green economic recovery.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The UK has five generating nuclear power stations, providing around 15% of the country’s electricity from 5.9 GW of capacity.
- Hartlepool and Heysham I stations will retire by March 2026, and Heysham II and Torness will retire by March 2028, leaving only Sizewell B, with 1.2 GW of generating capacity.
- The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe found nuclear to have the lowest land use, lowest ecosystem impact and lowest lifecycle carbon of all generating technologies at 5.1g CO2/KWh. CCS with gas is 130g CO2/KWh.
- Nuclear has saved the UK 2.3 billion tonnes of carbon emissions, far more than any other source. The saving is equivalent to all UK emissions from 2015 through 2020.
About the Nuclear Industry Association
As the trade association for the civil nuclear industry in the UK, the Nuclear Industry Association represents more than 250 companies across the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
Links
Visit our website: www.niauk.org
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For further information, please contact:
Iolo James
[email protected]
07517108023
