It then needs the Government to agree on a location to host the first power plant and open negotiations on the price to be paid for the energy it generates.
Samson said: “Achieving the first SMR online in 2029 means the government is committed to deploying our technology in the UK now.
“We are ready to sign a contract to deliver our first unit and, with a government order or instructions, we can immediately start building factories to produce our modules and work with the Nuclear Dismantling Authority or others to house our technology in the UK. existing nuclear estate “.
People close to Rolls say UK support as a prime customer is key to making the technology a successful UK export, as foreign governments have wondered how far Britain is at the moment. to approve the first agreement.
Rolls will now choose from factories in Richmond, Sunderland, Deeside in Wales, Ferrybridge in West Yorkshire, Stallingborough, Lincolnshire and Carlisle.
It is understood that the Government is in favor of moving forward at a pace, but with an eye on security.
Kwasi Kwarteng, the business secretary, asked the nuclear regulator to begin the design approval process in March.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine has illuminated the dependence of the United Kingdom and other nations on energy imports.
Oil and gas prices have skyrocketed as countries try to end the purchase of oil and gas in Russia, which is one of the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels.
Speaking to Parliament on Monday, Johnson urged the OPEC + alliance of oil-rich countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq, to increase production and reduce prices.
He said: “There is no doubt that we will need much more OPEC + oil.”
Rolls-Royce faces other mini-reactor developers, who are also competing for design approval.
While Rolls has opted for an established technology, the pressurized water reactor, a London-based rival created by a nuclear physicist turned medical entrepreneur wants to use a newer process to convert the 140-liter plutonium waste dump. tons of UK energy, making reactors even smaller. which could feed ships.
Newcleo will likely put its first reactor on British soil due to a precedent for private nuclear plant operators in the UK, Italian physicist Stefano Buono, executive director, told The Telegraph last month.
The company raised € 300 million (£ 257 million) last month to help fund its first reactors after raising € 100 million last year from investors such as former Goldman Sachs banker Claudio Costamagna and asset manager Azimut last year.
A government spokesman said: “Although small modular reactors do not yet exist, ministers are determined to accelerate progress whenever possible.
“Technology offers exciting opportunities to reduce costs and build faster, and we have already committed £ 210 million to the project.
“The design of the Rolls-Royce reactor is currently being evaluated by safety regulators, a process of great importance that must be allowed to continue its course.”