UK-based Rolls-Royce on 9 November signed a memorandum of understanding with the state-owned Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) to carry out a technical feasibility study for the construction of a Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Jordan.
The deal reflects the growing international interest in SMR technology, says Harry Holt, President, Nuclear, Rolls-Royce. “With demand for global energy set to rise due to new technologies such as electric cars and increasing requirements for water desalination and district cooling, international interest in Rolls-Royce small modular reactor technology is growing," Holt said. "It represents an important British export opportunity.”
JAEC Chairman Dr Khaled Touqan said: “SMRs offer unique opportunities to address many of the challenges confronting Jordan, in particular, water scarcity and small grid size, through the introduction of nuclear in the country as part of the energy mix.”
The two organisations will now work together to define the technical, safety, economic and financial requirements for building a Rolls-Royce SMR power station in Jordan for electricity generation and water desalination. The outcome of the feasibility study will be used to inform an investment decision by JAEC to move forward to project delivery phase.
Rolls-Royce is leading a consortium of UK companies in a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to design, manufacture and operate an SMR power station to help the UK meet its carbon commitments.
Rolls-Royce and consortium partners Amec Foster Wheeler (now Wood), Arup, Laing O'Rourke, Nuclear AMRC and Nuvia, released a report in September arguing that a UK SMR programme could create 40,000 skilled jobs, contribute £100bn ($132bn) to the economy and open up a potential £400bn global export market.
Photo: The Rolls-Royce SMR
