Rolls-Royce SMR has established a multi-million pound Module Development Facility at the University of Sheffield’s Factory 2050 to prototype components for its small modular reactors (SMRs). The initial £2.7m phase forms part of a £15m+ investment to de-risk Britain’s first homegrown nuclear technology in decades, using modular construction techniques proven in oil and gas sectors.
Factory-Built Nuclear Plants Take Shape
The facility will produce working prototypes of prefabricated reactor modules, testing manufacturing processes for Rolls-Royce’s planned fleet of 470MW SMRs. “This allows us to refine digital manufacturing and quality assurance before full-scale production,” said Chief Manufacturing Engineer Victoria Scott. Each power station will comprise hundreds of factory-built modules assembled on-site to reduce construction timelines.
Government Backs Nuclear Expansion
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho highlighted the project’s role in quadrupling UK nuclear capacity by 2050, calling Sheffield’s selection “a vote of confidence in British manufacturing.” The AMRC’s expertise in advanced machining and robotics will support development of what Rolls-Royce claims could be the world’s most affordable SMR at £50-70/MWh.
South Yorkshire’s Clean Tech Leadership
The investment reinforces Sheffield’s position as the UK’s largest clean technology cluster, with specialisms spanning nuclear, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels. South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard noted the region now leads in next-gen energy systems, while University Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts emphasized its manufacturing innovation ecosystem.
Global Export Potential
With 400MWe output per unit, Rolls-Royce SMRs aim to address both UK energy security and international demand. The Sheffield prototypes will validate processes for a planned production line creating thousands of jobs, with first units operational by early 2030s. The technology could eventually supply 5-16 reactors annually for domestic and export markets.
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