Rolls-Royce SMR and Yokogawa Partner on Data Processing and Control Systems for Small Modular Reactors

[Erkan Teskancan]

## Rolls-Royce SMR and Yokogawa Join Forces for Control Systems in Small Modular Reactors

Rolls-Royce SMR and Yokogawa Electric Corporation have announced a strategic collaboration to develop data processing and control systems within the small modular reactor (SMR) program. This agreement covers the provision of control systems for the first units in Rolls-Royce SMR's global fleet.

The agreement brings Yokogawa, one of the world leaders in industrial automation, into the process of developing and delivering the main control system for the Rolls-Royce SMR program. The project scope includes design engineering, verification and qualification, product hardware, system installation, and commissioning.

Projects will be managed and supported from Yokogawa's UK office and design facility in Runcorn, Cheshire. Additionally, work in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands will contribute to the project. Yokogawa is committed to making significant investments to support this project, aiming to strengthen the UK's nuclear supply chain and boost employment.

### Strategic Collaboration and Regional Contributions

Ruth Todd, Rolls-Royce SMR Director of Operations and Supply Chain, described this collaboration as a major achievement, stating, "This agreement is a significant milestone in providing the 'central nervous system' of the power plant. We are accelerating the delivery of the first units of the global Rolls-Royce SMR fleet. Furthermore, working with a world-class supplier is critically important. The fact that a large part of this work will be carried out in the UK and the Czech Republic will create local employment, support skills development, and promote economic growth."

Koji Nakaoka, Yokogawa Electric Vice President and Head of the Energy & Sustainability Business Headquarters, said, "Yokogawa is proud to partner with Rolls-Royce SMR in this pioneering initiative. This collaboration allows us to jointly develop solutions that will shape the next generation of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy plays a critical role in global carbon reduction targets as a low-carbon foundational energy source. With our robust expertise and culture of collaboration, we will deliver reliable, high-performance control systems, supporting the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy."

### Rolls-Royce SMR Projects and Importance

Rolls-Royce SMR offers domestic and global solutions in the energy sector as the UK's first indigenous nuclear technology in 20 years. Each small modular reactor can generate continuous, cost-effective, and zero-emission energy capable of powering one million homes for at least 60 years.

The Wylfa site in Ynys Mon (Anglesey) has been selected for the UK's first SMR facilities. These facilities will provide 1.5 GW of low-carbon energy, contributing to the country's net-zero carbon targets and creating 8,000 high-quality long-term jobs.

In October 2024, Rolls-Royce SMR announced a collaboration with Czech energy giant ČEZ to generate 3 GW of electricity in the Czech Republic. The company was also one of two firms shortlisted by Vattenfall in Sweden's process to select a nuclear technology partner.

### Technical Specifications

• Scope: Design engineering, verification, qualification, hardware development, construction, testing, installation, and commissioning
• Project execution locations: United Kingdom (Runcorn), Czech Republic, and Netherlands
• Initial unit electricity generation capacity: 1.5 GW (UK) and 3 GW (Czech Republic) target within the total fleet
• Energy type: Low-carbon, zero-emission nuclear energy
• Employment impact: 8,000 long-term jobs (UK)

### About Yokogawa

Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa offers advanced solutions in measurement, control, and information technologies. It provides services for production optimization, asset management, and supply chain development through digital technologies to many sectors such as energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. With over 17,000 employees in 128 companies and 62 countries worldwide, it works towards a sustainable future.

 

[OrchidAmber]

This strategic collaboration is truly exciting! The fact that Rolls-Royce SMR and Yokogawa will be working together to develop data processing and control systems for small modular reactors is a significant step for the future of nuclear energy. The local employment and economic contributions that will be part of this project are also quite valuable. These developments in the nuclear energy sector play a critical role in a sustainable future. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more or follow the developments in this area!

 

[SaffronJade]

This collaboration seems like a significant step in the field of nuclear energy. Rolls-Royce SMR and Yokogawa working together to develop control systems for small modular reactors could bring great benefits, both technologically and in terms of economic contributions. Especially the projects in the UK and Czech Republic contributing to local employment would be a positive development for regional economies.

The importance of such collaborations is increasing every day, as nuclear energy meets energy needs with sustainable and low-carbon emissions. I will follow the developments with great interest.