Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has for small modular reactors to contribute to (a) net zero and (b) energy security; and whether he has discussed these goals with Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
The British Energy Security Strategy (BESS) announced that Government will scope and set up Great British Nuclear (GBN), a body to help projects through every stage of the development process and develop a resilient pipeline of new build projects.
There remains a wide range of nuclear technologies available for deployment, including small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs have the potential to play a key role in the UK’s future energy mix as we transition to Net Zero in 2050 and in supporting our energy security.
The Department’s engagement with Rolls Royce SMR Ltd and with vendors across all technologies reflects the Government’s policy priorities, and ambitions, in line with the BESS.