(RYCEY)
When it comes to energy and innovation, Rolls-Royce is doing their part with the development of their small modular reactor (SMR). With a rich history in engineering, the company is now making big moves in nuclear technology. Rolls-Royce is working with SMRs and space nuclear micro-reactors and is set to revolutionize energy solutions on Earth and beyond.
Rolls-Royce's (SMR) design has reached the final stage of the UK's Generic Design Assessment (GDA), UK’s regulatory agency, marking a major milestone. Supported by the UK government, these small nuclear plants are part of a plan to hit net-zero targets. Rolls-Royce's SMR is estimated to cost £2 billion ($2.6 billion) and generate 470 megawatts of power, presenting a more affordable solution compared to larger projects like Hinkley Point C. SMR can generate 470 megawatts of power (powering 470,000 homes), and having cleared the second phase of the GDA, it's now set for a detailed review, including public consultations to ensure it meets all regulatory standards. Expected to be operational by the 2030s, these reactors offer a cost-effective and quicker-to-build alternative to large nuclear projects, potentially replacing older plants and aiding the UK's shift to low-carbon energy.
Going beyond Earth, Rolls-Royce is also leading in nuclear tech for space. With £4.8 million ($6.2 million) in backing from the UK Space Agency, the company is advancing its space nuclear microreactor technology. This project is part of a larger £9.1 million ($11.8 million) initiative under the National Space Innovation Programme. Over the next 18 months, in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Bangor University, Rolls-Royce will refine the reactor's design and technology. This micro-reactor is designed to provide power independent of solar energy, supporting long-term lunar and space exploration by addressing current power limitations.
Rolls-Royce is also introducing a new mobile nuclear-powered micro-reactor, pushing their innovation into zero-emission power solutions. This compact reactor, capable of generating one to 10 megawatts of power, is easily transportable and suitable for various uses, including military, industrial, and space exploration. Since it operates independently of solar power, it is a reliable energy source for remote locations and space missions. This technology could significantly aid global net-zero targets by delivering a clean and versatile power option across multiple sectors, with the first operational test expected by the end of the decade.
To further advance SMR tech, Rolls-Royce has teamed up with the University of Sheffield. Together, they've set up a manufacturing and testing facility in South Yorkshire, UK, focused on developing SMRs. Located at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre's Factory 2050, this facility is the first phase of a £15 million ($19.5 million) program. It's aimed at producing prototype modules for factory-built, transportable nuclear power plants, offering a scalable and cost-effective option to traditional nuclear stations. Rolls-Royce's progress in nuclear technology is also gaining international traction. The Polish government has supported plans to build SMRs in Poland, marking a significant step in the process. Led by the Polish industrial group Industria, this endeavor aligns with Poland's energy and climate goals, offering a scalable and cost-effective clean energy solution. This move allows Rolls-Royce to advance commercial and technical talks for deploying these reactors in Poland, boosting the country's energy independence and cutting carbon emissions.
I truly believe that nuclear energy will someday make energy so abundant and affordable, we could make all of the EVs we want, mine all of the Bitcoins we want, and utilize enough AI to turn us into the humans on WALL-E. That might be taking it a bit too far, but I’ve invested in RYCEY and maybe my returns will one day allow me to buy an actual Rolls Royce.
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