Advanced Modular Reactor Research, Development and Demonstration Programme: successful organisations and programme summary
The AMR RD&D programme aims to demonstrate high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology by the early 2030s, in time for potential commercial AMRs to support net zero by 2050.
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The AMR RD&D programme aims to demonstrate high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology by the early 2030s, in time for any potential commercial AMRs to support net zero by 2050.
This HTGR demonstration, which will be sited in the UK, should be shaped by end-user requirements, and should incentivise private investment in HTGRs by removing technical risk. It should have innovation at the centre of its design, build, and application.
Phase A of the AMR RD&D programme
Five lead UK organisations received funding as part of the first phase of the programme, across 6 projects. Projects will test the feasibility of high temperature gas reactor technology and coated particle fuel.
To support Phase A the nuclear regulators, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency (EA) were allocated up to £830,000 to continue to build and maintain their capability on advanced nuclear technologies.
Phase B of the AMR RD&D programme
Phase B of the AMR RD&D programme provides development funding for 2 high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) reactor designs to undertake FEED+ (Front End Engineering Design and supporting activities) studies until March 2025 to help enable an AMR Demonstration by the early 2030s.
In parallel, Phase B will also push the development of an advanced fuel required for AMRs, through the UK Coated Particle Fuel (CPF) – Step 1 Programme. This first step builds on the learning of the Advanced Cycle Fuel Programme and provides the National Nuclear Laboratory with funding to coordinate a team to continue UK know-how and expertise on CPF fabrication and scale-up activities.
Regulatory engagement
To support Phase B the nuclear regulators, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency (EA) have been allocated up to £4.3 million to continue to build their capability to support the development and future deployment of AMRs in the UK. The scope of work includes:
- review of relevant guidance to ensure it is fit for purpose for AMR development and deployment in the UK
- engagement with Phase B reactor and Coated Particle Fuel projects until March 2025 to provide regulatory guidance as appropriate to support the development of innovative technologies in the UK
- provide regulatory advice to the department for policy development and competition design and delivery.
Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) Knowledge Capture Project
Separately the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is providing up to £4 million funding for the Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) Knowledge Capture Project, as a complementary project to the AMR Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) programme.
The project seeks to facilitate knowledge capture and sharing to reduce the time, risk, and cost of AMR RD&D programme delivery, and provide UK organisations with valuable knowledge to leverage against international funding.
The contract to take forward the AMR Knowledge Capture Project has been awarded to Ove Arup and Partners Limited who are leading a consortium with partners National Nuclear Laboratory Ltd and Bangor University.
If you have questions about the Knowledge Capture Project, get in touch via the messaging area on the Jaggaer platform
Background
The AMR RD&D programme is part of the Advanced Nuclear Fund and is aligned with the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative clean energy technologies and processes through the 2020s and 2030s.
Updates to this page
Last updated 30 January 2024 + show all updates
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Added Post-closure summary of Phase A.
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Added AMR RD&D Phase B: successful organisations.
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First published.