Sweden Chooses Rolls-Royce for New Nuclear Reactors
Sweden’s Videberg Kraft, supported by utility giant Vattenfall, has selected Rolls-Royce to supply three small modular reactor (SMR) units, marking the country’s first new nuclear power project in over 40 years. This move underscores Sweden’s renewed focus on nuclear energy amid growing energy security concerns in Europe.
The contract solidifies Rolls-Royce’s position as the only SMR developer with binding agreements across three European countries, including the UK, Czech Republic, and now Sweden. This deal is part of a broader strategy underpinned by significant UK government trade support, aimed at expanding the footprint of British nuclear technology in Europe.
Earlier this year, Great British Energy Nuclear, a UK-based consortium, advanced plans for initial SMR units at Wylfa in North Wales. In the Czech Republic, energy company CEZ signed an early works agreement for deploying Rolls-Royce SMRs at the Temelin site, with ambitions to reach up to 3 GW of capacity. CEZ also acquired a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce’s SMR subsidiary, reinforcing the strategic partnership.
Complementing the commercial expansion, Rolls-Royce recently entered a trilateral agreement with the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory and Japan’s Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) to advance research and development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology. The collaboration focuses on next-generation TRISO-style coated particle fuel, which is key to improving reactor safety and efficiency.
This consortium aims to leverage HTGR technology as a parallel development stream alongside the existing 470 MWe pressurized-water SMRs. The modular design and supply-chain methodologies remain consistent across these reactor types. The UK’s historical expertise with advanced nuclear fuels, dating back to the Dragon reactor program in the 1960s, informs the development of this accident-tolerant fuel, making it a critical component of future nuclear power systems.
In addition to its European projects, Rolls-Royce is contributing to US efforts, notably through its involvement with BWXT’s Project Pele for the US Department of Defense. This initiative is developing a mobile microreactor, with Rolls-Royce providing the power conversion module, illustrating the company’s growing role in next-generation nuclear technology globally.
The Swedish initiative reflects a broader trend in Europe to reinvigorate nuclear power production as a reliable and low-carbon energy source. With energy security challenges and climate objectives at the forefront, small modular reactors represent a promising technology offering scalable and flexible nuclear power deployment.
As Sweden moves forward with these new nuclear plants, it reaffirms its commitment to a diversified and sustainable energy future, while strengthening cooperation with international partners to innovate and deploy cutting-edge nuclear technology.
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