SNC-Lavalin is taking another step into the market for small modular nuclear reactors. The Montreal company has won a major contract, the financial details of which have not been disclosed, to support Rolls-Royce in the development of small power plants which could see the light of day in the United Kingdom as early as 2030.
Present in the nuclear industry since the 1970s for CANDU reactors, SNC-Lavalin has just reached an agreement with Rolls-Royce SMR, a consortium led by the British conglomerate of the same name. The latter has been developing since 2017 a model of small modular reactors (SMR) – the UK SMR – presented as a “lower cost and low carbon emissions” power plant and which would come into operation in the United Kingdom by the beginning of the years. 2030.
SMRs are nuclear power plants with a production capacity that generally revolves around 300 MW, considerably less than typical reactors whose power oscillates rather between 700 MW and 1500 MW. The capacity of the Rolls-Royce SMR reactor should, for its part, reach 470 MW and would aim to decarbonize industrial processes with high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nuclear power features in Britain’s strategy to achieve the UK’s net zero emissions target by 2050. This autumn, the consortium presented its reactor design to UK regulators to obtain certifications .
Already, SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins subsidiary has led the modular design of this model. As part of this agreement, the Montreal company will extend its support to other facets ranging from the safety of facilities to waste management, including handling and mechanical engineering.
SNC-Lavalin did not respond to communications from Duty. In a statement, SNC-Lavalin CEO Ian L. Edwards said, “Small modular reactors will enable the rapid and cost-effective deployment of reliable low-carbon technology, an attractive prospect for many countries aiming to decarbonize power generation and meet their commitments to carbon neutrality. »
A world leader
Rolls-Royce SMR is among the energy companies trying to position themselves in the developing SMR market. The consortium is counting on the financial support of the American Exelon Generation, BNF Resources and the wealthy French Perrodo family, owner of the oil company Perenco.
In November, the British government injected 210 million pounds sterling (360 million Canadian dollars) for the development of the technology.
A month later, it was the turn of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund to invest 85 million pounds sterling (146 million Canadian dollars) and seek a 10% stake in the company.
UK Economy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: “This is a unique opportunity for the UK to deploy more low-carbon energy than ever before and deliver greater energy independence. »
The United Kingdom thus joined other countries that want to breathe new life into the sector to reduce GHG emissions, including the United States and Canada.
When unveiling his Canadian SMR Action Plan in December 2020, then-Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan argued that Canada “can be a world leader” in this “promising, innovative and zero emissions”.