Assystem : is part of the exciting SMR story in the UK

Assystem is now part of a consortium that will use industrial technology to support Britain's future low carbon energy system, tackling climate change in the UK and exporting that capability across the world.

The SMR consortium is designing a nuclear power station that is compact, smart and affordable because it uses a variety of advanced manufacturing, modular construction and digital twin innovations to make and assemble it quickly.

The Rolls-Royce SMR team is leading a cross-sector consortium made up of Assystem, BAM Nuttall, Laing O'Rourke, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), SNC Lavalin/Atkins, Wood, The Welding Institute (TWI) and Nuclear AMRC. Between the partners, we will match-fund the £18 million that has just been confirmed by the UK Government organisation, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The first power station is targeted to be built and connected to the national electricity grid in the early 2030s, subject to UK Government passing supporting legislation, allocating a slot in the UK licensing calendar; and a site to build the first station.

Christian Jeanneau, Senior Vice President of Nuclear at Assystem said 'This is a landmark moment for Assystem and SMR in the UK. These new and innovative power stations have the potential to revolutionise the energy sector in the UK, bringing a supply of low carbon, secure and good value electricity into the market. Assystem is excited to be a part of this project and alongside our consortium partners, over the next 16 months we are focused on delivering the successful first phase to this programme, building a strong team and preparing the market for the arrival of this economically significant new industry into the UK.'

A full programme of power stations located at all existing UK nuclear sites is forecast to generate up to 40,000 jobs in the supply chain and create £52billion of added value to the UK economy by 2050. An important element for this power station design is its application in markets across the world. The intention is to target export totalling £250 billion by 2050, which is just a fraction of the multi-trillion-pound global energy market in the next 30 years. Each station is designed to operate for a minimum of 60 years and power a city of around 450,000 homes.