ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Rolls-Royce SMR to explore collaboration opportunities for the development of
small modular reactor (SMR) projects aimed at delivering reliable, low-carbon
electricity across global markets.
Under the agreement, ABB will assess how its automation,
electrification, instrumentation and communication solutions can support
Rolls-Royce SMR’s plans to develop a fleet of standardised reactor units. Each
SMR unit is designed to generate 470 MW of low-carbon electricity and could
provide power to around one million UK homes for 60 years.
Rolls-Royce SMR has started site-specific design and
delivery activities for the UK’s first SMRs, initially planned as three units
in North Wales. The projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and
strengthen local supply chains. The company is also progressing SMR deployment
plans with ?EZ in the Czech Republic and Videberg Kraft in Sweden.
The collaboration will be developed through ABB’s UK
operations, headquartered in Warrington. ABB will explore opportunities to
contribute its expertise across energy automation and electrification systems
to support the expansion of advanced nuclear technologies.
Stacy O'Brien, Head of Procurement Enterprise at Rolls-Royce
SMR, said the partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen delivery
capabilities through ABB’s experience in automation and electrification
solutions for energy infrastructure projects.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), SMRs
could play a significant role in expanding low-carbon energy capacity. The
agency estimates global SMR capacity could reach 40 GW by 2050 under current
policy conditions, with potential to increase to 120 GW through supportive
policies, streamlined regulations and successful deployment of new designs.
Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries
division, said collaboration across the energy value chain will be essential to
accelerate the commercialisation of advanced nuclear technologies and meet
growing demand for reliable, affordable clean energy.
Rolls-Royce SMR technology is based on a pressurised water
reactor (PWR) design, incorporating multiple safety, redundancy and backup
systems. The reactor technology builds on established nuclear operating
principles while supporting the development of scalable and efficient
low-carbon power generation.