Levelling up with nationwide nuclear power

sir – Michael Shellenberger and Christopher Barnard (Comment, September 4) highlight the importance to Britain of nuclear power, but they misunderstand the opportunity presented by small modular reactors.

We are using well-understood energy technology to create a low-cost power station that is easier and faster to build and achieve scale than traditional ones. It offers Britain a low-carbon opportunity that must be grasped.

We have decades of infrastructure and power experience and have invested significantly to bring about this opportunity, with government support.

Our design is focused on decarbonising future energy needs by providing secure and reliable clean power at a price comparable with intermittent offshore wind, while creating an estimated 40,000

high-skilled British jobs. We will support the vital levelling-up agenda by establishing new factories and industrial activity across Britain, and we will target billions of pounds in export revenues.

Our design will contribute to a low-cost nuclear future. We are reducing construction and delivery risks by using a factory-built modular power plant. Our approach drastically reduces site-based construction activities and results in a more predictable, controllable and faster outcome, with a target build cycle of four years per 440megawatt unit.

We have established a credible domestic response to a domestic challenge – one that finally displays Britain’s nuclear credentials – and we are proud to stand at the forefront of the country’s nuclear ambition.

Tom Samson

Rolls-royce plc Lancaster