UK consults on Rolls Royce SMR design for nuclear power

A major milestone for UK nuclear. DEFRA has launched a public consultation on the regulatory justification for the Rolls-Royce SMR. It’s the first time a UK reactor design has entered this process, and it could pave the way for clean, modular power with a 60-year lifespan. The Nuclear Industry Association is making the case: robust safety, factory-built modules, and consistent low-carbon generation. The consultation runs until 1 December and it’s a chance for the sector to shape the future. Want more updates like this? Sign up to the Nuclear South West newsletter for sector insights, regional wins, and commentary that cuts through. https://lnkd.in/eqSqydWf #NuclearSouthWest #SMR #RollsRoyceSMR #CleanEnergy #UKNuclear #SectorUpdate

Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e6ZuTEpM For communities eyeing the transformative potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), understanding the rigorous safety and regulatory landscape is key. SMRs are subject to the same stringent safety standards and scrutiny as large-scale nuclear power plants, prioritizing the protection of people and the environment. International collaboration is foundational, with bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) establishing global benchmarks. National regulators in leading regions are proactively adapting: -Canada: The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) employs a risk-informed, technology-neutral approach, recently marking a milestone with its first SMR approval. -United States: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is modernizing its processes, developing "Part 53" for a predictable, technology-inclusive pathway for advanced reactors. -European Union: While a national responsibility, EU-level collaboration through entities like ENSREG, WENRA and the European SMR Industrial Alliance ensures coordinated and safe SMR deployment. Public engagement and community consultation are integral to the regulatory process in these regions, ensuring transparency and bolstering local support. A global move towards international regulatory harmonization would streamline deployment by aligning safety expectations and review processes. This means smarter, collaborative regulation – not lower standards – facilitating efficient and reliable access to this clean energy solution. Robust regulatory frameworks ensure SMRs offer a safe, reliable, and pivotal technology for our future energy needs. #SMRs #NuclearSafety #EnergyRegulation #Investment #CleanEnergy #Innovation

EDF Planning To Begin Preparatory Work On New EPR2 #Nuclear Plants At Bugey. #NuclearPower #NuclearEnergy #NuclearNews Project would be third in ambitious plans for up to 14 new large-scale reactors in #France https://lnkd.in/ev9aFFeJ

How can regulators enable and support growth in the nuclear sector?   That was the focus of a panel discussion at this week’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) annual conference - where Rolls-Royce SMR’s Safety and Regulatory Affairs Director, Helena Perry, joined leaders from across the industry. Chaired by ONR’s Director of Regulation for Operating Facilities, Dan Hasted, the panel also featured AWE CEO Nick Elliott CB MBE, NDA Group Chief Nuclear Strategy Officer Clive Nixon, and ONR Head of Regulation Tim Parkes.   🎙 Helena shared: “Growth in nuclear isn’t just a UK opportunity - it’s global. We’ve found that early and open engagement with regulators, both at home and internationally, leads to better outcomes. Sometimes a ‘no’ just needs a small tweak to become a ‘yes’, and UK regulators have shown real willingness to evolve and collaborate pragmatically as we progress through the regulatory processes.”   The event was a great example of the open dialogue and shared commitment between industry and regulators to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory frameworks, essential as we work together to deliver clean, secure energy for the future. #Nuclear #Regulation #Innovation #RollsRoyceSMR #CleanEnergy #ONR #GDA #NetZero

EDF Planning To Begin Preparatory Work On New EPR2 #Nuclear Plants At Bugey. #NuclearPower #NuclearEnergy #NuclearNews Project would be third in ambitious plans for up to 14 new large-scale reactors in #France https://lnkd.in/eswhRV6T

Oklo Break Ground Oklo has officially broken ground on its Aurora-INL reactor at Idaho National Lab, a first-of-a-kind, fast-spectrum design that moves well beyond the traditional light water SMR model. It’s part of the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program, designed to accelerate commercial deployment of innovative reactors by 2030 and Oklo’s aiming to deliver by July 4, 2026. This is what momentum looks like: A fast reactor, not just a small one Backed by DOE and the US government Built by Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Designed to recycle fuel and deliver high-assay output First commercial project under the DOE’s new programme Oklo is one of several advanced players reshaping the nuclear landscape and this is a clear signal: the US isn’t waiting. Dispatchable. Clean. Scalable. New nuclear is happening. #NewNuclearNow #AdvancedNuclear #SMR #AuroraINL #Oklo

Sweden’s 2026 draft plan for 220 billion kronor ($23.4 billion) in loans for the construction of 5 gigawatts of new #nuclear capacity is one of the most generous nuclear support frameworks on the continent, but developers still have concerns. #electricityprices

Lloyd's Register has partnered with US nuclear technology firm Deployable Energy to advance the safe use of micro-nuclear reactor technology on ships. https://lnkd.in/gJQVFQtp #shipping #decarbonsation #nuclear

The government announces 6 decommissioned sites marked for the potential development of the new small nuclear reactors. #nuclear #development #energytransition https://lnkd.in/eC2W5Psn

#Argentina Announces Progress On Life Extension Programme For Atucha-1 #Nuclear Power Plant. #NuclearPower #NuclearEnergy #NuclearNews $463m project aimed at extending reactor’s lifetime by 20 years https://lnkd.in/eiQGzHAq