Rolls-Royce has entered into a pair of new international cooperation agreements designed to advance next-generation nuclear technologies in the UK. The engineering company, which operates major nuclear facilities in Derby, signed two trilateral agreements with the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The collaborations will focus on accelerating the development of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) technology and next-generation coated particle fuel. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled to take place during the UK visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
The agreements are intended to support research activities, fuel qualification programmes and manufacturing capabilities needed for the future deployment of advanced modular reactors. AMRs are being developed to provide low-carbon heat and power for industrial, defence and off-grid applications. The technology is aimed at delivering a compact and adaptable energy solution while contributing to decarbonisation efforts and strengthening energy security. Through the UK Japan Nuclear Agreements, the three organisations will combine expertise and technical resources to address key development challenges associated with advanced reactor systems and fuel technologies.
Chris Cholerton, Group President, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our two agreements with UKNNL and JAEA are a milestone moment for the UK’s nuclear sector. Strengthening existing relationships between our nations and combining our broad nuclear capability, they will enable us to jointly address technical challenges and accelerate the development of Advanced Modular Reactors and their advanced coated particle fuel, to deliver industrial growth, skilled jobs and energy security for our nations.”
In addition to technology development, the organisations will collaborate on innovation initiatives, workforce skills programmes and access to specialist facilities to reinforce the UK’s advanced nuclear supply chain and technical capabilities. The UK Japan Nuclear Agreements also align with Rolls-Royce’s broader strategy to expand its nuclear activities beyond small modular reactors while exploring opportunities within the emerging AMR market.