Rolls-Royce picked to build UK small nuclear reactors.


Rolls-Royce has been selected to build small modular nuclear reactors in the UK, after a competition run by the government to reduce Britain's reliance on fossil fuels.

Source: Sharecast

Great British Energy on Tuesday announced Rolls preferred bidder for the programme. The announcement was made as the government pledged £14.2bn to build the large Sizewell C power station in Suffolk.

Nuclear power is expected to feature heavily in Finance Minister Rachel Reeves' spending review tomorrow, amid embarrassment over the U-turn to axe winter fuel payments for pensioners and arguments over funding for police forces around the country.

Rolls beat competition from the US companies Holtec and GE Hitachi, while the Canadian-owned Westinghouse withdrew from the competition earlier.

“The truth is that we have this massive challenge to get off fossil fuels. That is the central driving ambition of the government’s clean energy superpower mission. We know that we’re going to have to see electricity demand at least double, by 2050," said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

“All of the expert advice says nuclear has a really important role to play in the energy system. In any sensible reckoning, this is essential to get to our clean power and net zero ambitions.”

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com


Exchange: London Stock Exchange
Sell:
880.40 p
Buy:
892.20 p
Change: -6.00 ( -0.67 %)
Date:
Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

Compare our accounts

If you're looking to grow your money over the longer term (5+ years), we have a range of investment choices to help.

Halifax is not responsible for the content and accuracy of the Markets News articles. We may not share the views of the author. Understand the risks, please remember the value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invest. We don't provide advice so if you are in any doubt about buying and selling shares or making your own investment decisions we recommend you seek advice from a suitably qualified Financial Advisor. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.