McDermott signs on for potential Dutch Rolls-Royce SMR integration work
Supply-chain and systems integration focus
McDermott has agreed to support potential Dutch Rolls-Royce SMR-related projects through integration of small modular reactor-powered energy solutions with energy-intensive industrial processes. The cooperation is intended to combine McDermott’s experience in energy transition and industrial decarbonisation—covering low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture and utilisation—with ULC-Energy’s nuclear project development capabilities.
- Integration of SMR-powered energy solutions with industrial processes, including hydrogen and ammonia pathways, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture and utilisation
- Use of McDermott’s engineering design and cost input for balance of plant and heat integration systems, building on prior work with ULC-Energy
Follow-on to prior hydrogen study
McDermott and ULC-Energy previously collaborated in 2023 on a study of industrial-scale hydrogen production using a Rolls-Royce SMR power plant coupled with a Solid Oxide Electrolyser. ULC-Energy acted as project coordinator and McDermott provided engineering design and cost input for the balance of plant and heat integration systems, which the new cooperation is reported to build upon.
Partner network and SMR policy context
McDermott is joining ULC-Energy’s expanding network of strategic partners led by Rolls-Royce SMR. Other named partners in that network include Siemens Energy, BAM, Mammoet, Bureau Veritas, Urenco, Orano and Fugro, supporting delivery of SMR-powered energy solutions in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Named partner network includes Siemens Energy, BAM, Mammoet, Bureau Veritas, Urenco, Orano and Fugro
Netherlands new-build direction and SMR readiness
The agreement sits alongside reported Dutch policy moves. In December 2021, the Netherlands’ new coalition government placed nuclear power at the heart of its climate and energy policy, including keeping the Borssele plant in operation for longer and calling for construction of new reactors. Based on preliminary plans, two new reactors are expected to be completed around 2035, each with a capacity of 1000-1650 MWe. The government is also taking steps to prepare the Netherlands for possible SMR deployment.
- Preliminary plans: two new reactors targeted around 2035, each rated 1000-1650 MWe
- Government also taking steps toward SMR readiness
What Rolls-Royce SMR would deliver
Rolls-Royce SMR’s design is described as a 470 MWe small pressurised water reactor intended for consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years. About 90% of the design is expected to be built in factory conditions, with on-site activity mainly limited to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested modules, a feature intended to reduce project risk and potentially shorten build schedules. In August 2022, Rolls-Royce SMR signed an exclusive agreement with ULC-Energy to collaborate on deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR power plants in the Netherlands.