Author Topic: Rolls-Royce plans mini nuclear reactors by 2029 (Read 1054 times)

Jocko · « **on:** January 25, 2020, 04:05:27 PM »

Announcement yesterday that a consortium, led by Rolls Royce, intend developing modular mini nuclear power stations. They intend having them operating by 2029. As usual there are plenty naysayers but it certainly offers hope for the survival of nuclear power, here in the UK.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51233444

Johncb500 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2020, 04:52:02 PM »

I would expect them to be ideal.

And RR are a company that I would trust to get it done

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

Jocko · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2020, 05:03:42 PM »

They reckon every town could have it's own power station, but think that building on common sites would be better for security.

https://www.rolls-royce.com/products-and-services/nuclear/small-modular-reactors.aspx#/

Johncb500 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2020, 05:08:25 PM »

And just to prove it is safe. Site one on Westminster Green. Next to the House of commons.
And another on Hampstead Heath

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

peteo48 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2020, 05:31:54 PM »

I think this is good to see. One of the less edifying features of our energy policy in recent years is the fact that we are building Hinkley Point B with French expertise and Chinese money and this, the UK, a country that was amongst the leaders in the civilian use of nuclear power back in the day.

The local thing is interesting as well. I gather in Germany, for example, there is much more local power generation than here in the UK.

culzean · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2020, 06:36:46 PM »

Quote from: Jocko on January 25, 2020, 05:03:42 PM

They reckon every town could have it's own power station, but think that building on common sites would be better for security.

Agree, nuclear reactors are a magnet for terrorists, it is one thing building a local coal fired power station ( like Germany seems to be doing these days ) because terrorists are not interested in coal ash - but the by-product of nuclear power station would certainly get their interest.

sparky Paul · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2020, 06:55:18 PM »

I agree about the security issues.

As for the technology, I don't see why they should have any problems - Rolls-Royce have been designing and building small pressurised water nuclear reactors for British submarines since 1965, and still do so today. A new reactor built by RR, but ironically a new US design based on RR technology, will power the new Dreadnought class submarines, currently under construction.

That's why I could never understand the rush to hand design, build and operation of nuclear power stations to foreign companies (and governments), after a long history of nuclear reactor design and development in this country. Hopefully, our withdrawal from Euratom will not mean that we no longer play an active role in the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) too.