 From todays D Telegraph,WED 19th Feb
Much the same as previously said but with a little bit more meat on the bones.
Rolls-Royce is under pressure to buy Czech parts for its pioneering mini-nuclear power stations after striking a deal with Prague to build a generator in the country.
The British engineering giant revealed in October that CEZ, the Czech state energy company, had placed the first order for its small modular reactors (SMRs) and was taking a minority stake in the venture as well.
It was hailed as a landmark deal that would see the Czech Republic benefit from being part of the technology’s supply chain.
But according to local media reports, Rolls and CEZ are in disagreement about where to source key components from.
CEZ has reportedly been pushing for its subsidiary Skoda JS – a former part of the Skoda Works empire that is now separate to the car company of the same name – to be awarded the contract to manufacture reactor pressure vessels, according to Czech newspaper Ekonomicky denik.
However, the report claimed that Rolls is pushing for Doosan, in South Korea, to be given the work instead because it can do a better job for a lower price.
Daniel Benes and Tufan Erginbilgic CEZ chief Daniel Benes (left) and Rolls boss Tufan Erginbilgic. Rolls and CEZ are reportedly in disagreement over where to source nuclear reactor parts Rolls was also said to be frustrated that CEZ had not agreed to post engineers to Britain to help finish the company’s SMR designs.
Rolls insiders strongly rejected suggestions that there was any rift between the partners. “There is absolutely no issue here,” one source close to the discussions said on Tuesday.
The companies have held early discussions about where to obtain parts such as reactor pressure vessels, steam generators and turbines, with the choice for certain items between as few as two vendors.
Engineers from both companies had been meeting in Britain and the Czech Republic “every other week” to discuss the designs, the source added.
While the source confirmed that the choice was between Skoda and Doosan, they claimed that this was because they were the only two reactor pressure vessel manufacturers in the world that could realistically meet the joint venture’s requirements.
Rolls had “no preference” currently and was seeking to conduct an open process, they said.
“We know how important the domestic supply chain issue is to the Czechs and we are taking that very seriously,” the source added.
“Of course, we want to bring UK companies in as well where possible. But we have not made any hard decisions about these things yet. We will be working with the Czechs to make sure we get the balance right.”
Under the agreement between the two companies, CEZ has ordered up to three gigawatts of SMR reactors from Rolls-Royce – equivalent to roughly six mini reactors – and will become a “strategic partner”.
The transaction is expected to complete in the coming weeks, with CEZ set to take a 20pc stake in the SMR venture.
Rolls will remain the majority shareholder with a 50pc holding. The other minority shareholders include the billionaire Perrodo family, the Qatar Investment Authority and utility giant Constellation Energy.
Early work to build the first SMR is expected to begin this year in Temelin, in the south of the Czech Republic, where there is already a large nuclear power station.
The Czech government has faced criticism for relying on foreign suppliers for other, larger nuclear projects.
It has awarded a contract to Doosan, part of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, to build two new large nuclear reactors at an existing site in Dukovany and key parts such as the main turbine expected to be imported from South Korea.
On Tuesday, a Rolls-Royce SMR spokesman said: “We have received preliminary notification that competition clearances have been approved and we are now taking the necessary finalisation steps, to enable CEZ to join as a shareholder imminently.
“We are very excited about welcoming them as a strategic partner.”
Rolls is battling three other shortlisted companies – GE-Hitachi, Holtec International and Westinghouse – in an SMR design competition being run in the UK by Great British Nuclear, a quango.
At least two winners are expected to be chosen by the summer. The victors will receive funding to build the UK’s first SMRs, which would be switched on in the mid-2030s. |
After hours in NY saw decent trading in RR stock to close at $8.22 = £6.53. |
 British engineering giant urged to award contract to Skoda despite leaning towards Korean company
18 February 2025 5:24pm GMT
Rolls-Royce is under pressure to buy Czech parts for its pioneering mini-nuclear power stations after striking a deal with Prague to build a generator in the country.
The British engineering giant revealed in October that CEZ, the Czech state energy company, had placed the first order for its small modular reactors (SMRs) and was taking a minority stake in the venture as well.
It was hailed as a landmark deal that would see the Czech Republic benefit from being part of the technology’s supply chain.
But according to local media reports, Rolls and CEZ are in disagreement about where to source key components from.
CEZ has reportedly been pushing for its subsidiary Skoda JS – a former part of the Skoda Works empire that is now separate to the car company of the same name – to be awarded the contract to manufacture reactor pressure vessels, according to Czech newspaper Ekonomicky denik.
However, the report claimed that Rolls is pushing for Doosan, in South Korea, to be given the work instead because it can do a better job for a lower price.
CEZ chief Daniel Benes (left) and Rolls boss Tufan Erginbilgic. Rolls and CEZ are reportedly in disagreement over where to source nuclear reactor parts Rolls was also said to be frustrated that CEZ had not agreed to post engineers to Britain to help finish the company’s SMR designs.
Rolls insiders strongly rejected suggestions that there was any rift between the partners. “There is absolutely no issue here,” one source close to the discussions said on Tuesday.
The companies have held early discussions about where to obtain parts such as reactor pressure vessels, steam generators and turbines, with the choice for certain items between as few as two vendors.
Engineers from both companies had been meeting in Britain and the Czech Republic “every other week” to discuss the designs, the source added.
While the source confirmed that the choice was between Skoda and Doosan, they claimed that this was because they were the only two reactor pressure vessel manufacturers in the world that could realistically meet the joint venture’s requirements.
Rolls had “no preference” currently and was seeking to conduct an open process, they said.
“We know how important the domestic supply chain issue is to the Czechs and we are taking that very seriously,” the source added.
“Of course, we want to bring UK companies in as well where possible. But we have not made any hard decisions about these things yet. We will be working with the Czechs to make sure we get the balance right.”
Under the agreement between the two companies, CEZ has ordered up to three gigawatts of SMR reactors from Rolls-Royce – equivalent to roughly six mini reactors – and will become a “strategic partner”.
The transaction is expected to complete in the coming weeks, with CEZ set to take a 20pc stake in the SMR venture.
Rolls will remain the majority shareholder with a 50pc holding. The other minority shareholders include the billionaire Perrodo family, the Qatar Investment Authority and utility giant Constellation Energy.
Early work to build the first SMR is expected to begin this year in Temelin, in the south of the Czech Republic, where there is already a large nuclear power station.
The Czech government has faced criticism for relying on foreign suppliers for other, larger nuclear projects.
It has awarded a contract to Doosan, part of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, to build two new large nuclear reactors at an existing site in Dukovany and key parts such as the main turbine expected to be imported from South Korea.
On Tuesday, a Rolls-Royce SMR spokesman said: “We have received preliminary notification that competition clearances have been approved and we are now taking the necessary finalisation steps, to enable CEZ to join as a shareholder imminently.
“We are very excited about welcoming them as a strategic partner.”
Rolls is battling three other shortlisted companies – GE-Hitachi, Holtec International and Westinghouse – in an SMR design competition being run in the UK by Great British Nuclear, a quango.
At least two winners are expected to be chosen by the summer. The victors will receive funding to build the UK’s first SMRs, which would be switched on in the mid-2030s. |
Minping, yeh, Putinaire and his 7 aliases, what a complete moron. |
That's where putinaire was selling. Great call. Not hard though |
Loving this, bought 33,333 at 75p ? |
Nice rally from 70p here. Where the king gerbil was calling for 20pNot here anymore i see. Funny that |
A new thread for anyone interested in Thales.. |
A new thread for anyone interested in Thales.. |
 Rolls Supplying Engines for USN Hovercrafts
Feb. 17, 2025
Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis has a new Pentagon contract to produce dozens of gas turboshaft engines to power air-cushioned landing craft, an order that could be worth $167.4 million if all options are exercised.
Rolls-Royce Corp. in Indianapolis has drawn a new U.S. Navy contract worth $167.4 million for production of 40 MT7 turboshaft engines – the power unit for the Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector (LCAC 100) landing craft.
In addition to manufacturing and supplying the engines, the order covers ancillary parts, installation kits, and a portable test tool inspection service. If the Navy exercises all the options provided, the contract would be completed by December 2028.
The LCAC 100 is a hovercraft used for rapid deployments, logistical support, and vehicle transfer, updating an earlier landing craft vessel. In November 2024 the Navy assigned a new contract worth $394.2 million to Textron Inc. for nine LCAC 100 vessels.
Each hovercraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce MT7 marine gas turbofan engines, each engine capable of delivering 6,000 HP, with top speeds of 58 mph (50 kn; 93 km/h.) According to the manufacturer, the MT7 gas turbine is a compact design with a core architecture in common with the aero engine powering the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. It provides high-power density, fuel efficiency, and performance retention – which equates to flexibility for the hovercraft designers and builders in regard to propulsion system layout.
Rolls-Royce Corp. is the group’s largest engineering and manufacturing location in the world, producing propulsion systems for defense and civilian aircraft, helicopters, and marine engines. The Indianapolis base also tests engines for a range of products, and performs modernization projects for equipment and technology.
The Pentagon noted that the contract was not competitively procured, explaining that Rolls-Royce Corp. “is only responsible source, and no other type of property or services will satisfy the need of the agency.” |
Defence firms soar amid talk of extra military spending: BAE leads way in London as Rolls-Royce hits record high |
 From todays D Tele.
Britain’s first “micro” nuclear reactors are to be built on the site of a former coal-fired power station in south Wales. Four reactors will be installed at the decommissioned Llynfi power station in Bridgend under the proposals, each generating up to 20 megawatts (MW) of electricity. These will be assembled in modules after being produced in a factory off-site. The 14-acre project is being overseen by Last Energy, a Washington-headquartered business, in a major early test for the Government’s green energy policy. It will be the first new UK location to house a commercial nuclear power reactor since the Torness nuclear power station in East Lothian in 1978. Until now, modern UK nuclear projects have been built on sites previously occupied by an earlier plant. The last time any nuclear power station was built in Britain was in 1995, when Sizewell B in Suffolk was commissioned into operation.
The reactors are much smaller than the so-called small modular reactors (SMRs) that have been promised for the past decade, but not yet delivered. SMRs designed by the likes of Rolls-Royce are viewed as potential game-changers by the industry since they would be vastly quicker and cheaper to build than larger plants. But progress has been slow, with several companies encountering red tape and funding challenges. Last Energy’s micro nuclear reactors could power specific data centres, factories, manufacturers and other industrial operations rather than being deployed to run the domestic grid. If rolled out more widely, they could be set up as power plants next to major industrial centres for a reliable source of energy unaffected by drops in wind or solar power. The project marks a major step forward for Sir Keir Starmer’s ambitions to boost nuclear deployment, a strategy that is underpinned by SMR and other nuclear developments.
The Prime Minister vowed last month to “push past the Nimbyism” and fast-track nuclear reactor projects across the country. That includes allowing reactors to be built outside eight designated zones in England and Wales. Last Energy’s project aims to produce as much annual power as the amount of energy used by around 244,000 homes in Britain per year. The first micro reactor is expected to be delivered in 2027. The project, which is backed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States, is the first privately financed scheme to enter the nuclear site licensing process. The developer bought the south Wales site in October 2024, after beginning talks with the ONR last May. It secured a grid connection offer from the National Grid last month to supply 22MW of power. Michael Jenner, the chief executive of Last Energy UK, said: “This is another critical milestone necessary to unlock nuclear power at scale in the UK, which will help meet growing energy demand and alleviate grid restraints.” |
Thank you MC ! |
If this Telegraph report is true then it appears to ride a coach and horses through the 'competition' that has constantly been delayed to award two companies (from the remaining four) the right to construct an SMR.
I'm puzzled.
some info. on the company |
Try This thegrafter. |
eeza could you post as it's behind a paywall |
Meanwhile, another new high @639.20p. |
 GTRE will collaborate with a foreign partner to develop the engine. Discussions are ongoing with potential international partners, including Safran and Rolls-Royce. The AMCA engine requires an estimated 110-130 kilonewtons of thrust.
GTRE is expanding its engineering and scientific teams to meet the demands of the AMCA engine program and seeking specialised talent in materials science, aerodynamics, control systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is in discussions with Rolls-Royce and Safran to co-develop a next-generation 110kN engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5.5-generation stealth fighter. The decision on which company will be India’s engine development partner for the AMCA program is expected soon.
Rolls-Royce's Proposal: Rolls-Royce has proposed a complete transfer of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the engine design and technology, which would give India full ownership and unrestricted access to crucial engine technology. This aligns with India’s long-term goal of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Rolls-Royce has also expressed its willingness to support India in becoming a major hub for engine manufacturing.
Safran's Offer: Safran has offered a complete transfer of technology (ToT), including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), for a newly developed engine. This offer extends to potential local manufacturing without export restrictions, enabling India to achieve self-sufficiency in producing high-thrust engines. GTRE will also retain IPR for future upgrades, ensuring India’s long-term strategic advantage. Safran’s existing presence in the Indian market, through projects like the Rafale fighter jet, provides a foundation for a potentially expanded partnership.
Safran has proposed a better engine core than the M-88, which powers the Rafale. They are also investing heavily in 6th generation fighter aircraft technology. Safran is reportedly the frontrunner for the deal.
Key Factors Influencing The Decision
The competition between Rolls-Royce and Safran for the engine development of India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is intensifying, with both companies presenting compelling proposals that emphasize technology transfer, strategic partnerships, and domestic production capabilities.
Technological Transfer: Rolls-Royce is offering a co-creation model that emphasizes joint ownership of intellectual property rights (IPR). This approach allows India to retain control over the technology developed, which is crucial for long-term strategic autonomy in defence capabilities. The company's extensive experience with advanced engines, such as the EJ200, positions it well to meet India's specific needs for a high-thrust engine.
Safran's Full IPR Transfer: In contrast, Safran has proposed a complete transfer of technology (ToT) along with full IPR rights. This offer includes the potential for local manufacturing without export restrictions, enabling India to achieve self-sufficiency in high-thrust engine production. Such an arrangement not only strengthens India's defence capabilities but also aligns with its "Make in India" initiative.
Innovation & Performance: Safran's New Engine Core: Safran has committed to developing a new engine core capable of generating 75kN of thrust, which could reach up to 120kN with an afterburner. This engine will incorporate advanced materials and technologies designed to withstand higher operational temperatures, thus enhancing performance across various flight regimes. The prototype is expected to be ready within five years, with initial trials planned on a Rafale fighter jet.
India's decision-making process regarding the engine partner will likely be influenced by its geopolitical ties with both the UK and France. The growing defense cooperation between India and France may give Safran an edge, especially considering its existing projects like the Rafale jet. However, Rolls-Royce's commitment to supporting India's aspirations in becoming an engine manufacturing hub cannot be overlooked.
Both Rolls-Royce and Safran have committed to establishing production and testing facilities in India as part of their proposals. This commitment is crucial for ensuring that the AMCA program not only meets immediate defense needs but also contributes to India's long-term goal of self-reliance in military aviation.
The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the new engine will remain with GTRE. There will be no export restrictions on the engine, providing India with strategic flexibility in defense exports and future development.
In conclusion, while Rolls-Royce offers a collaborative approach with shared IPR, Safran's aggressive stance on full technology transfer presents a significant advantage in the context of India's AMCA program. The final decision will hinge on a combination of technological capabilities, geopolitical considerations, and commitments to domestic production. |
GTRE Indicates Rolls-Royce as Frontrunner in Race for AMCA Jet's 110kN Engine, Complete Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) a Key Factor : https://defence.in/threads/gtre-indicates-rolls-royce-as-frontrunner-in-race-for-amca-jets-110kn-engine-complete-intellectual-property-rights-ipr-a-key-factor.12911/ |
A great post svend2 !!! |
Reminds me that Spitfires were constructed from donated aluminium cooking pans.
An interesting find freddie. Thanks. |