The United Kingdom has selected Jacobs to support developing a new nuclear reactor design for industrial purposes.
The company signed a deal with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory to consult on a joint program with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency to produce high-temperature heat.
Under the agreement, Jacobs will review the project’s initial designs and submit plans for the high-temperature gas reactor.
“We will deploy our deep experience and knowledge of nuclear reactor technology to help deliver a power plant with the potential to contribute to one of the most challenging aspects of energy transition: the decarbonization of heavy industry such as steel and cement production,” said Jacobs Vice President Andy White.
In a statement, Emma Vernon, vice president for government and new build at NNL, added that the development of the HTGR technology moves the U.K. government closer to its net zero goals.
Jacobs will advance the project by formulating cost and schedule estimates, reviewing market demand and end-use cases for the technology, and conducting an engineering design review to ensure regulatory compliance.
The U.K. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero funds the research and development program to prototype and demonstrate HTGR technology. If DESNZ continues with the project, the next phase will focus on producing and commissioning the HTGR demonstrator, the company said.
Jacobs announces the latest contract win after securing a $53 million agreement with the EDF Nuclear Generation in November 2023 to help manage the United Kingdom’s eight nuclear power stations from January 2024 through January 2026.
