The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has taken a significant step towards the future of nuclear energy in the UK by submitting a justification application to the government for Rolls-Royce SMR’s small modular reactor (SMR).
This groundbreaking move marks the first-ever application for the approval of a UK-designed reactor.
Regulatory Framework and Safety Assurance
Under UK regulations, any new practice involving ionising radiation must undergo a rigorous evaluation of its potential benefits and detriments.
The NIA’s application confidently asserts that the advantages of clean, reliable, and adaptable power generated by the SMR far outweigh any potential risks.
These risks are meticulously managed through robust safety features, including passive safety systems, integrated into the reactor’s design in strict adherence to UK regulatory standards.
The application also highlights the SMR’s crucial role in contributing to a stable and well-balanced electricity grid, ultimately leading to reduced consumer bills and enhanced economic competitiveness.
Government Review and Consultation
The government has formally acknowledged the receipt of the application and has initiated a comprehensive review process.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will collaborate with the Secretary of State, acting as the justifying authority, to make an informed decision.
DEFRA will conduct an internal review and engage in consultations with various statutory stakeholders.
Understanding the Justification Decision
It is important to note that a justification decision, while a mandatory step for introducing new nuclear technologies in the UK, does not constitute a permit or licence for a specific project.
Instead, it represents a generic decision based on a high-level assessment of the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed nuclear practice. This decision serves as a precursor to future regulatory processes.
The NIA’s Role in Justification Applications
The NIA, as the representative body of the UK civil nuclear industry, frequently submits justification applications.
This is because justification decisions are generic and can be relied upon by various stakeholders, not limited to individual reactor vendors or project developers.
The NIA has previously applied for justifications for Hitachi’s Advanced Boiling Water Reactor, Westinghouse’s AP1000, and Framatome’s EPR. In April of this year, they also sought justification for Newcleo’s Italian-designed lead-cooled fast reactor, the LFR-AS-200.
Industry Enthusiasm and National Implications
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the NIA, expressed his enthusiasm for Rolls-Royce SMR’s design, highlighting its potential to revitalize UK industrial capabilities and deliver low-carbon energy for net-zero goals and energy security.
He emphasized the importance of a “made in Britain” nuclear renaissance and urged the government to ensure the deployment of sufficient SMR designs to justify investment in the UK supply chain.
Helena Perry, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Safety and Regulatory Affairs Director, underscored the significance of the regulatory justification submission as a crucial step towards deployment in the UK.
She emphasized the SMR’s capacity to provide clean, affordable electricity to a million homes for over 60 years, bolstering energy security, enabling net-zero objectives, and making a transformative contribution to the UK economy.
Rolls-Royce SMR: A Technological Marvel
The Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe design based on a small pressurised water reactor. It is engineered to deliver consistent baseload generation for a minimum of 60 years.
The majority of the SMR, approximately 16 meters by 4 meters, will be constructed in factory conditions, significantly reducing on-site activity and project risks while potentially expediting build schedules.
The SMR has been shortlisted by Great British Nuclear for the UK’s SMR selection competition and is one of five vendors to submit a bid by the 8 July deadline. The government aims to make a final investment decision in two or three of the designs by 2029.