Rolls-Royce sets up new unit to address civil nuclear market

Power systems manufacturer Rolls-Royce today said that it plans to establish a new business unit to address the global market for civil nuclear power, a sector that it estimates to be worth £50 billion a year globally in 15 years.

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.

Rolls-Royce has now established a single focus for its global civil nuclear activity. The work that Rolls-Royce currently undertakes for the Royal Navy's submarine programme will be unaffected by the changes.

Sir John Rose, Chief Executive, said: "Rolls-Royce has been involved in the UK's nuclear industry for over 50 years. 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.

"The expansion of the civil nuclear market represents an exciting opportunity which builds on our extensive nuclear capabilities."