Siemens Energy to Supply Steam Turbines for Rolls-Royce SMR's Nuclear Power Plants

Siemens Energy and Rolls-Royce SMR announced a supply partnership that locks in Siemens Energy as “its global turbine systems partner” of conventional technology for future small modular reactors (SMRs).

Per the agreement, Siemens Energy will exclusively supply steam turbines and generators— with outputs ranging from 20 MW to 1,900 MW—and other auxiliary systems for Rolls-Royce SMR's planned Generation 3+ modular nuclear power plants. The company will support the entire turbine systems package, including design, manufacture, installation, and commissioning for a global fleet of factory-built SMR power plants.

"We are currently experiencing a global renaissance of nuclear energy,” said Karim Amin, a Siemens Energy Executive Board member. “Numerous countries are turning to nuclear technology to produce low-emission electricity, and small modular reactors will play a key role in this. Siemens Energy brings decades of experience in conventional equipment, while Rolls-Royce has the necessary implementation expertise. This perfect symbiosis enables us to shape the future of energy supply jointly. We are pleased to work with Rolls-Royce SMR on this exciting project."

The final contract, detailing all specifics, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Rolls-Royce SMR is developing a "mini nuclear power plant" that relies on its standardized, modular design to be operational faster than traditionally built plants due to its standardized, modular design. Its pressurized water reactors are designed to achieve an electrical output of up to 470 MW.

“The turbine systems are a vital part of the Rolls-Royce SMR power plant, and we are delighted to be working with Siemens Energy, a global leader in energy systems who have significant experience and a proven track record in nuclear steam turbines,” said Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive. “This partnership will unlock U.K. jobs and a range of manufacturing opportunities. We are delighted that Siemens Energy will support our capability and enhance our ability to deliver a global fleet of Rolls-Royce SMRs.”

Siemens Energy said that SMRs are a promising technology for the future of nuclear energy and a key factor in the energy transition's success. Compared to conventional nuclear power plants, they are:

• more compact
• safer
• more cost-efficient

Rolls-Royce SMR was also selected to deploy SMR units in the Czech Republic and down-selected for potential projects in the United Kingdom and Sweden.

Siemens Energy News

Earlier this week, Siemens Energy announced its supply agreement for Taiwan's 1,200-MW Kuo Kuang 2 power plant. It will supply a complete power island, including two SGT6-9000HL gas turbines, one SST6-5000 steam turbine, three SGEN6-2000P generators, and the Omnivise T3000 control system. The plant, with CTCI as its engineering, procurement, and construction partner, will support Taiwan’s phase-out of coal and nuclear while integrating renewable and low-carbon energy.

Rolls-Royce Nuclear

James Montgomery, Chief Design Engineer for the Rolls-Royce novel nuclear team, and John Mason, Systems Design and Integration Technical Specialist working at Rolls-Royce's Novel Concepts team, spoke to Turbomachinery International last year about its micro-reactor technology. Microreactors are compact, portable rectors that produce thermal energy, which can be used as heat or converted to electric power. Micro-reactors can be quickly deployed and installed, and when they utilize a responsive design concept, they can prevent overheating and require fewer components, fewer operators, and less maintenance.

Check out our Q&A with Felix Aschendorf, Sales Director Nuclear at Siemens Energy. He discusses its role as Rolls-Royce’s “global turbine systems partner” for conventional technology for small modular reactors (SMRs), technical challenges, and nuclear trends.