ABB and Rolls-Royce SMR Forge Agreement for Nuclear Reactor Electrification and Automation

ABB has formalized a strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR to integrate advanced automation and electrification solutions into small modular nuclear reactors, driving the global expansion of low-carbon energy and sustainable infrastructure.

The pursuit of cleaner and more stable energy matrices has just received a significant boost. Technology giant ABB has entered into a strategic agreement with the British manufacturer Rolls-Royce SMR, which focuses on the development of small-scale modular nuclear reactors, known by the acronym SMR (Small Modular Reactors).

The central focus of the collaboration is the application of ABB‘s cutting-edge technologies — globally recognized in industrial automation and electrification — to optimize the operation and efficiency of the British company’s nuclear energy projects. This synergy promises to accelerate the delivery of large-scale clean energy solutions, meeting the growing global demand for reliable baseload power sources.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Nuclear Energy

The partnership is not limited to the supply of components but aims for deep integration into global projects. Each reactor developed by Rolls-Royce SMR has the capacity to generate 470 MW of electricity, enough to power about one million homes over a six-decade operational cycle. The goal is to create a robust energy generation infrastructure that assists countries in meeting their decarbonization targets safely and efficiently.

“This agreement represents an opportunity for us to evaluate how we can further strengthen our delivery team. ABB has a long and impressive track record of supplying automation and electrification solutions for energy infrastructure projects,” stated Stacy O’Brien, Head of Corporate Procurement at Rolls-Royce SMR.

Global Expansion and New Projects

Rolls-Royce SMR‘s expansion plan is ambitious and already includes concrete negotiations. The company is advancing the technical design for the installation of three units in Wales and has advanced discussions with the Czech group ČEZ to implement reactors at the Temelín, Tušimice, and Dětmarovice power plants. Furthermore, projects are underway in Sweden with the generator Videberg Kraft, consolidating SMRs as a key element in the future of the European energy sector.

“We are pleased to work with Rolls-Royce SMR in their efforts to develop a fleet of SMRs that can expand reliable and affordable baseload power generation capacity to meet the growing demand for low-carbon energy,” highlighted Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division.

The Future of Modular Reactors

The impact of this collaboration reflects a macroeconomic trend monitored by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Currently, global electricity capacity from small modular nuclear reactors is expected to reach 40 GW by 2050. However, with government incentives and modernized business models, experts believe this potential could jump to 120 GW.

The union between ABB‘s expertise in control systems and Rolls-Royce SMR‘s technological innovation positions both companies at the forefront of the energy transition. The technical viability of small-scale nuclear reactors is seen today as one of the most promising pillars for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of sustainable energy, even amidst the intermittency typical of other renewable sources.