Rolls-Royce Wins UK Funds For ‘Moon’ Nuclear Reactors

The United Kingdom government has granted funding to Rolls-Royce plc to develop the world’s first small modular nuclear reactors, dubbed “moon” reactors, which could be used to power everything from private homes to entire cities.

Rolls-Royce, a major British engineering company, will receive £18 million in government funds to develop the technology, which it says could revolutionize the nuclear industry.

The small modular reactors (SMRs) are designed to be much smaller than traditional nuclear reactors, with a capacity of less than 300 megawatts. They will be factory-built and designed to be easy to transport, making them ideal for remote locations and small communities.

Rolls-Royce says the SMRs could provide a low-carbon source of energy for homes, businesses, and cities, and could help reduce carbon emissions by up to 10 percent.

The company has been working on the technology for several years, and says the government funding will help accelerate the development of the SMRs.

“This is an important milestone for the development of small modular reactors in the U.K. and a major step forward in our ambition to be the world leader in this exciting new technology,” said Warren East, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce.

The government funding is part of a £44 million package of investments aimed at developing advanced nuclear technologies. The money will also be used to develop fusion power plants, which could provide an alternative to traditional nuclear power.

The U.K. is the first country to invest in the development of SMRs, a move that could put it at the forefront of the global nuclear power industry.

Rolls-Royce is confident the SMRs will be a success, and hopes to have the first prototypes ready for testing by the early 2020s. The company says the technology has the potential to revolutionize the nuclear industry, and could lead to a new generation of clean, low-carbon energy sources.