The Rolls Royce Of Power Stations

Rolls Royce has announced plans to develop a nuclear division to secure a role in new-build programmes around the world.

Rolls Royce estimates the civil nuclear industry will be worth £50billion a year by 2023 – a rise of £20billion from the market’s current value.

Sir John Rose, chief executive, said: “Our experience is directly applicable to all phases of new-build programmes that are planned in the UK and globally, and also to the upgrade of existing plants. Our capability is unique in the UK and matched by only a handful of companies worldwide.”

Unknown to many, Rolls-Royce currently has the largest nuclear skills base of any UK company, with around 2,000 specialist nuclear-focused employees in the UK, France and the US. It also has the UK’s most substantial nuclear supply chain, comprising around 260 proven suppliers.

The company’s strength in nuclear power originates from its involvement in the development and support of the nuclear steam raising plant for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine programme. In addition it established Data Systems & Solutions (DS&S) in 1999. DS&S provides safety critical instrumentation and control for civil nuclear reactors in Europe, including France’s 58 reactors, the US and other markets such as China.