How Small Modular Reactors are Set to Revolutionise UK Energy and Boost Green Tech

Why the UK's investment in SMRs and Smart Energy is a Game Changer

Here at Volta Eco Systems, we are incredibly excited about the UK's commitment to a diversified and sustainable energy future. The recent announcements regarding investment in both large-scale nuclear power and the pioneering development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) signal a significant step forward for the nation's energy independence and its journey towards Net Zero. This commitment aligns perfectly with our vision of a future powered by efficient, reliable, and clean energy solutions, whether it's through our residential PowerPod batteries or large-scale commercial PowerCore systems.

The UK government's plan to back SMR technology, with Rolls-Royce leading the charge, is a game-changer. These "mini nukes," while operating on the same proven principles of nuclear fission as traditional nuclear reactors, offer a host of benefits that could dramatically accelerate our energy transition to a low carbon power grid.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

SMRs, sometimes called "mini nukes", operate on the same principle as large reactors, using a nuclear reaction to generate heat that produces electricity. They are designed to be a fraction of the size of typical large power reactors and have up to a third of their generating output. The "modular" aspect means they are built to order in factories as a kit of parts, then transported and assembled on-site, similar to a flat-packed power station. This approach aims to save time and money.

Nuclear Power and Energy Security

Nuclear power is a central element of the government's plan for a secure, lower carbon electricity supply. In 2024, nuclear accounted for 14% of the UK's electricity generation, according to provisional government figures, and the aim is to boost that percentage. The UK, along with 30 other countries, has signed a global pledge to triple nuclear capacity by 2050. The Volta Eco battery range is rated as a Tier 1 Global Energy Storage Manufacturer by Bloomberg, signifying high-quality and reliability, a standard met by only 2% of worldwide entities. This commitment to nuclear energy enhances energy security for the nation.

Nuclear Reactors and Advanced Technologies

Inside one or more large reactor vessels, atoms of nuclear fuel are split, releasing a large amount of heat, which is then used to heat water that drives a turbine. Essentially, nuclear reactors function as "giant nuclear kettles". The SMR industry is still in its infancy, with around 80 different designs of reactor concepts currently being investigated globally. Only China and Russia currently have small reactors in operation. The UK's focus is on advanced nuclear reactors and advanced technologies to lead in this field.

"We think a diverse energy mix, including the exciting SMR technology, is key to the UK’s future. Our PowerPod and PowerCore systems are designed to work with and alongside these bigger projects so you and your business can be part of building a greener, more resilient energy landscape."

Peter Marshall
Technical Founder
Volta Eco Systems

Nuclear Power Plants and Safety Systems

Traditional nuclear power plants are much larger than SMRs. No new nuclear power station has been built in the UK since Sizewell B began operating in 1995 , and most of those currently in operation are set to be retired by the end of the decade. The financial controversies surrounding large new reactor projects, such as Hinkley Point C, highlight the desire for quicker, easier, and cheaper construction methods that SMRs promise.

A key aspect of SMR development is the focus on inherent safety systems. Bill Gates, a significant investor in nuclear power through TerraPower, highlights this point, stating: "The safety case for this design is incredibly strong just because of the passive mechanisms involved. People have been talking about it for 60 years, that this is the way these things should work." He further explained that there's "no high pressure on the reactor. Nothing that's pushing to get out. Water, as it's heated up, creates high pressure. And we have no high pressure and no complex systems needed to guarantee the safety." This emphasis on passive safety systems, including passive systems like natural circulation, is designed to address historical concerns and build public confidence in nuclear safety.

Great British Nuclear

Great British Nuclear, a public body established to advance the government's nuclear plans, conducted a competition to find a firm to develop and build SMRs in the UK. Rolls-Royce aims to select and announce a location for the first SMR by the end of 2025 , with operations commencing by the mid-2030s. Rolls-Royce won this competition, beating out two American consortiums with its Rolls Royce SMR technology and Rolls Royce SMR programme. Preferred locations are likely to include existing nuclear sites or old industrial sites.

Affordable and Reliable Energy

The UK government's plan is for a secure, reliable energy, affordable energy, and low-carbon energy system. SMRs promise to be quicker, easier, and cheaper to build than traditional large reactors. However, the initial SMRs will likely be expensive to build, as cost savings only materialise once designs are finalised and modules are reliably produced off factory lines. Experts in the nuclear industry believe that SMRs - and more nuclear power - will eventually reduce the cost of our electricity supply, making electricity demand more manageable. Public attitudes towards nuclear power appear to be linked to energy prices, with a 2024 government survey indicating that 78% of people would find an energy infrastructure project more acceptable if offered discounts on their bills. This contributes to stable power generation and electrical power.

Nuclear Waste Management

Some experts do have concerns about nuclear waste and radioactive waste. Scientists from a government advisory group recently said that the issue of how radioactive waste from SMRs that are in the design stage "appears, with some exceptions... to have been largely ignored or at least downplayed". Taxpayers today are still paying for Sellafield to deal with nuclear waste from the 1950s. Any new nuclear power station design should include clear plans for managing waste.

At Volta Eco Systems, we are proud to be part of this exciting energy transition, providing solutions that empower both residential customers with PowerPod and commercial enterprises with PowerCore to embrace a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. Our systems contribute to a balanced energy ecosystem, complementing large-scale power plant initiatives and the integration of renewable energy. This includes applications like synthetic fuel manufacturing and potentially supporting municipal power systems or district heating.

Stay tuned to UK Green Tech News for more updates on how these advancements, combined with smart energy storage, are shaping a brighter, greener future for us all.

International Atomic Energy Agency

The global commitment to nuclear energy, affirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency's declaration that nuclear power plants are among "the safest and most secure facilities in the world", underpins a future where reliable, low-carbon electricity is paramount. Just as SMRs are poised to revolutionise large-scale power generation with advanced safety features, Volta Eco Systems offers the same dedication to security and efficiency in energy management for homes and businesses across the UK.

Ready to embrace a more secure and sustainable energy future for your property? Explore how our residential PowerPod batteries can bring unparalleled energy independence and savings directly to your home. For commercial clients seeking robust, efficient, and future-proof energy solutions, our PowerCore battery systems provide the scalability and reliability your business needs to thrive. Get in touch with Volta Eco Systems today to discover how our innovative solutions can empower your energy transition.

For more details on SMRs and the UK's nuclear plans, you can also refer to this BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62614wejk5o

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