Rolls-Royce closes in on two nuclear reactor deals

Rolls-Royce is advancing towards securing contracts for the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Sweden and The Netherlands, following its recent selection as the preferred supplier for the Czech Republic's state-owned power group CEZ. This decision marks a significant achievement for the British engineering firm, which has seen its shares reach record highs. The first SMR in the Czech Republic is expected to be operational by 2035, highlighting the growing interest in nuclear energy solutions across Europe. In Sweden, Rolls-Royce is competing with another company to deploy a fleet of SMRs, having been shortlisted by Vattenfall to address the increasing electricity demand. Meanwhile, in The Netherlands, the company has entered an exclusive partnership with ULC-Energy to facilitate the deployment of SMRs, pending government approval. These developments reflect a broader trend of nations seeking innovative energy solutions to meet their energy needs. The push for SMRs is also gaining momentum in the UK, where pressure is mounting on Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to approve similar projects. Rolls-Royce is advocating for a swift decision from the government, aiming for a resolution by the end of the year. The UK has been slow to progress in this area, despite the announcement of a competition for SMR development in 2015. The competitive landscape includes several international firms, such as GE-Hitachi and NuScale Power, indicating a robust interest in the SMR market. As countries like Poland have already begun to embrace SMR technology, the urgency for the UK to act is becoming increasingly apparent, with potential implications for energy security and economic growth.