Yokogawa and Rolls-Royce SMR to develop nuclear control systems

The global energy transition requires scalable, reliable, and low-carbon baseload power. While traditional nuclear projects often face delays and high costs due to bespoke engineering and massive scale, the emergence of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offers a more agile alternative. A key differentiator in this new market is the integration of advanced industrial automation, as evidenced by the strategic relationship between Rolls-Royce SMR and Yokogawa Electric Corporation.

Unlike conventional nuclear plants that rely on fragmented, legacy-style control infrastructures, the Rolls-Royce SMR program utilizes a centralized "digital nervous system." By partnering with Yokogawa, a specialist in global industrial automation, the program moves away from regionalized or manual-heavy operations toward a standardized, high-performance Data Processing and Control System (DPCS). This approach allows for greater predictability and efficiency in deployment, setting a new benchmark against competitors who may still rely on traditional, less integrated architectural designs.

Optimized Data Processing and Control
The core of this technology lies in the DPCS, which manages the complex operations of the power station. Yokogawa’s role involves developing the main control system that ensures stable and emission-free energy production. Each SMR unit is designed to power approximately one million homes for at least 60 years. By applying industrial automation expertise to the nuclear sector, the partnership achieves a level of operational precision and data transparency that is often difficult to reach in older, larger-scale nuclear facilities.

Strengthening Regional Supply Chains and Skills
A significant aspect of this collaboration is the localization of technical expertise. A substantial portion of the engineering and development work is concentrated in the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. This strategy differentiates the program by not only providing technology but also fostering a robust nuclear supply chain and high-value jobs in the regions where the first plants will be built, such as the Wylfa site in Wales.

Enabling Global Scalability Through Standardization
The primary advantage of the SMR model is its modularity. By co-innovating standardized control solutions, Yokogawa and Rolls-Royce SMR enable a "fleet" approach to nuclear power. This means that once the initial systems are perfected, they can be replicated globally with minimal architectural changes. This scalability addresses the common industry challenge of "first-of-a-kind" risks, providing a clear path to achieving net-zero goals through a reliable and repeatable technological framework.

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