RSK Group and KOYA Nuclear Energy to collaborate on deployment of small modular reactors

RSK Group, a global leader in environmental and engineering solutions, and KOYA Nuclear Energy (KNE), a leading consortium that unites industry leaders, technology providers and strategic partners to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMR) globally, have signed a memorandum of understanding.

The agreement will see RSK, which offers integrated multidisciplinary solutions in 40 countries worldwide, providing technical and strategic collaboration to support the assessment, siting and regulatory and environmental readiness of KNE’s planned SMRs.

KNE aims to drive innovation, reduce costs and ensure a reliable supply of nuclear fuel and advanced reactors to meet the growing demand for clean energy.

RSK Board Director Lara Duro said: “Being able to support KNE in its path towards helping an energy transition is a key step for us. RSK Group has a proven track record in the nuclear sector, delivering expertise across the entire fuel cycle, radioactive waste management and environmental safety.

“Our businesses have supported major international projects such as deep geological repositories, new nuclear builds and complex decommissioning programmes. We combine advanced modelling, radiological protection, geotechnical investigations and stakeholder engagement to ensure safe, sustainable solutions for clients worldwide.

“We are particularly proud to contribute to the advancement of SMR technology, and the strategic alliance with KNE reflects our role as a trusted partner in shaping the safe future of nuclear power.”

KNE Chief Executive Officer Stephen Edkins said: “We are delighted to partner with RSK as part of our mission to make TRISO the global nuclear fuel of choice. Our reactor partners and project developer clients around the world realise the importance of having a reliable source of certified fuel. RSK has the distinct and value-adding experience to advise them on siting, obtaining regulatory approval in individual markets, how to manage cross border fuel logistics and the planning and management of the spent fuel.”

David Garcia, Nuclear Market Director of RSK Group business Amphos 21, emphasised the importance of the technology in meeting the world’s energy requirements in a sustainable way. He noted that the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) viewed small and medium-sized, or modular, reactors as a way to meet the demand for flexible power generation across a broader array of users and uses.

David added: “The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) also points out that SMRs are expected to have an essential and increasingly important role to play in supporting net zero targets. The NEA notes several possible advantages, including improved and passive safety features, as well as more appealing financing opportunities resulting from shorter construction timelines, fewer components and smaller plant sizes. The first SMRs are expected to be built this decade, followed by accelerated deployment around the world in the 2030s.”

RSK and KNE said that next steps included defining detailed workstreams and establishing a joint roadmap to guide the technical, regulatory and commercial activities over the coming months. This roadmap will outline responsibilities, milestones and coordination mechanisms between the two organisations, ensuring that efforts are structured and delivered in a timely manner.