McDermott to support potential Dutch Rolls-Royce SMR projects

The cooperation includes the integration of small modular reactor-powered energy solutions with energy-intensive industrial processes. It is expected to leverage McDermott's expertise in energy transition and industrial decarbonisation, including low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture and utilisation, combined with ULC-Energy's nuclear project development capabilities.

McDermott and ULC-Energy previously collaborated in 2023 on a study assessing the industrial-scale production of hydrogen using a Rolls-Royce SMR power plant coupled with a Solid Oxide Electrolyser. ULC-Energy was project coordinator and McDermott provided engineering design and cost input for the balance of plant and heat integration systems.

"This agreement builds on our existing relationship with ULC-Energy and reflects our shared commitment to advancing low-carbon energy solutions in the Netherlands," said Rob Shaul, McDermott's Senior Vice President of Low Carbon Solutions. "With a long-standing presence in the country and a major hub in The Hague supporting projects across Europe, we bring the engineering and execution expertise needed to support the development of Rolls-Royce SMR projects and their integration into industrial energy systems."

ULC-Energy CEO Dirk Rabelink added: "At ULC-Energy, we see nuclear as most effective when integrated into energy systems. SMRs offer the flexibility to deliver electricity, heat or hydrogen where it creates the greatest value. Our previous collaboration with McDermott demonstrated the strength of this approach, and we look forward to further expanding our cooperation in other applications."

McDermott joins ULC‑Energy's expanding network of strategic partners led by Rolls‑Royce SMR, alongside Siemens Energy, BAM, Mammoet, Bureau Veritas, Urenco, Orano and Fugro, supporting the delivery of SMR-powered energy solutions in the Netherlands and Belgium.

In December 2021, the Netherlands' new coalition government placed nuclear power at the heart of its climate and energy policy. In addition to keeping the Borssele plant in operation for longer, the government also called for the construction of new reactors. Based on preliminary plans, two new reactors will be completed around 2035, and each will have a capacity of 1000-1650 MWe. The government is also taking steps to prepare the Netherlands for the possible deployment of SMRs.

In August 2022, Rolls-Royce SMR signed an exclusive agreement with ULC-Energy to collaborate on the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR power plants in the Netherlands. ULC-Energy - established in 2021 and based in Amsterdam - aims to accelerate decarbonisation in the Netherlands by developing nuclear energy projects that efficiently integrate with residential and industrial energy networks in the country.

The Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe design based on a small pressurised water reactor. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years. Around 90% of the SMR will be built in factory conditions, limiting on-site activity primarily to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested, modules which significantly reduces project risk and has the potential to drastically shorten build schedules.