Rolls-Royce explores automation for 470 MW nuclear reactors’ speedy deployment

ABB, a Switzerland-based engineering company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rolls-Royce SMR to explore technology for the latter’s standardized, factory-built small modular reactors. Developed through ABB’s UK operations in Warrington, the collaboration will assess how automation, electrification, instrumentation and communication solutions could help Rolls-Royce SMR scale its planned fleet. The effort is aimed at supporting the expansion of reliable and affordable low-carbon baseload power. Technology for factory-built reactors The agreement brings together solutions from ABB’s three business areas as Rolls-Royce SMR works to change how nuclear projects are delivered. Its approach involves manufacturing most of each reactor under factory conditions before transporting modules to the selected site for assembly. “Rolls-Royce SMR is transforming the way nuclear projects are delivered, to give greater cost and schedule certainty with a standardized, factory-built approach,” said Stacy O’Brien, Head of Procurement Enterprise at Rolls-Royce SMR. “ABB has a long and impressive record of delivering automation and electrification solutions to energy infrastructure projects, and this agreement brings an opportunity to consider how we can further strengthen our delivery team,” he added. 470-MW reactor for one million homes The Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe pressurized water reactor designed to power one million UK homes for 60 years. About 90 percent of the unit, which measures roughly 16 meters by 4 meters, will be manufactured in a factory. On-site work will largely involve assembling prefabricated and pre-tested modules. According to the company, this approach significantly reduces project risk and could shorten construction schedules. The UK government selected the reactor as its preferred technology for the country’s first SMR project in June 2025. Wylfa in North Wales was later named as the planned location for three units, although the site could potentially accommodate up to eight. A final investment decision is expected in 2029. Plans for a wider reactor fleet Outside the UK, Czech energy company ČEZ selected the technology in October 2024 for projects totaling up to 3 GW and acquired a 20 percent stake in Rolls-Royce SMR. The first unit is planned near the existing Temelín nuclear power station, with further projects being considered at coal-fired power plant sites. An early works agreement is advancing licensing, permitting and site-specific design activities for the planned deployment in the Czech Republic. “We are delighted to explore how we can work with Rolls-Royce SMR on its efforts to develop a global fleet of SMRs that can help expand reliable and affordable baseload power capacity to meet an increasing demand for low-carbon energy,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Collaboration is also key – no single company or country alone can deliver the scale of energy expansion and energy transformation required to meet future demand. Partnerships along the energy value chain are instrumental for accelerating the commercialization of modern, advanced nuclear technologies,” he added.ABB is also working with Swedish reactor developer Blykalla on automation, electrification, digitalization and cybersecurity solutions for its lead-cooled SMR technology.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Atharva is a full-time content writer with a post-graduate degree in media & amp; entertainment and a graduate degree in electronics & telecommunications. He has written in the sports and technology domains respectively. In his leisure time, Atharva loves learning about digital marketing and watching soccer matches. His main goal behind joining Interesting Engineering is to learn more about how the recent technological advancements are helping human beings on both societal and individual levels in their daily lives.