Research and analysis

Advanced modular reactors (AMRs): technical assessment

This research paper presents an assessment of the most promising advanced modular reactor technologies that have the potential to support UK objectives of meeting net zero climate change targets by 2050.

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BEIS is seeking to make decisions on the direction of the Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) programme, building on our commitment for an AMR demonstration by the early 2030s at the latest, to prove the potential of the technology.

This research paper from the Nuclear Innovation & Research Office (NIRO) presents an assessment of the most promising AMR reactor technologies to identify the preferred choice of technology that could support UK objectives of meeting net zero climate change targets by 2050.

The analysis indicates that high temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) are the preferred technology, with respect to the key objective of demonstrating the ability to generate high-temperature heat which could be used for:

  • low carbon hydrogen production
  • process heat for industrial and domestic use
  • cost-competitive electricity generation

Please read alongside the call for evidence on the potential of high temperature gas reactors to support the AMR R&D demonstration programme which closes on 9 September 2021.

Published 29 July 2021