UK Defence Journal

By George Allison

11 September 2024

Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-may-soon-be-operating-nuclear-powered-warships/

The Royal Navy is exploring the use of nuclear power for its surface ships, with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issuing a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insights from the defence industry.

The RFI signals the Royal Navy’s interest in understanding how Generation 4 nuclear reactors might be integrated into its fleet.

The MOD has emphasised that this RFI is not a tender but a way to gather information from industry leaders. The request is being conducted in line with the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS), which seeks to foster productive relationships with defence and security industries.

The MOD states that any future procurement will comply with relevant legislation, but it clarifies, “No more further discussions with industry are planned at this stage. In the event of any future procurement activity, it would be advertised in line with public procurement regulations on the Defence Sourcing Portal and Contracts Finder.”

The Royal Navy is specifically looking into the possibility of using Generation 4 nuclear technologies, including both larger nuclear reactors and micro modular reactors, for powering large surface ships.

The RFI highlights the need for detailed technical information, stating, “The Royal Navy (RN) is seeking information regarding integrating Generation-4 nuclear technologies for surface ship employment. Exploring scopes for alternative energy paradigms, the Royal Navy is gathering information on energy solutions for powering large surface ships.”

Generation 4 nuclear technologies are the next generation of advanced reactors designed to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability compared to older models. These reactors focus on reducing nuclear waste, using fuel more efficiently, and incorporating passive safety systems to prevent accidents.

A key feature is the development of smaller, modular designs like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are more flexible and can be deployed in a wider range of settings, including for naval applications. These reactors also aim to reduce the environmental impact of nuclear power while maintaining high operational performance.

The RFI goes on to explain the objective of the information-gathering exercise: “The primary objective is to gather detailed information on GEN-4 nuclear-reactor designs, their feasibility for large surface ships (including support vessels and surface combatants), and the potential benefits and challenges associated with their use.”

The MOD is particularly interested in understanding the technical feasibility of integrating nuclear power into existing and future naval vessels, as well as the operational implications this might have.

In addition to technical feasibility, the RFI requests information on several key areas. These include detailed technical specifications of Generation 4 reactors suitable for maritime use, their power output, and safety protocols.

The MOD asks for “Detailed descriptions of Generation-4 nuclear reactor designs suitable for maritime applications,” as well as information on “power output, efficiency, and operational parameters.” Safety features are also a primary concern, with the document seeking information on “safety features and protocols inherent to Generation 4 reactors.”

Beyond technical details, the MOD is also exploring how these reactors could be integrated into ship designs. The RFI asks for responses addressing “requirements for integrating Generation-4 reactors into the design and construction of large surface ships.” 

This includes how modifications to existing ship designs would be required to accommodate nuclear power systems, as well as the research questions that need to be addressed to make these technologies viable for naval use.

The MOD is also interested in understanding the broader implications for the fleet, such as crewing, training, and maintenance, asking for information on “implications for wider Defence Lines of Development (crewing, training, maintenance, supporting infrastructure, and other such effects).”

The RFI also touches on environmental and regulatory considerations. The MOD seeks industry input on “lifecycle-sustainability assessments and mitigation strategies for nuclear-powered ships,” as well as on the “key regulatory frameworks governing the use of nuclear power in maritime settings.”

This demonstrates the MOD’s awareness of the need for thorough environmental and regulatory planning as it considers the potential introduction of nuclear-powered ships into the Royal Navy.

This information-gathering exercise could be followed by further engagement with the industry. 

The RFI states, “Following viability of returns, the Royal Navy may hold a forum to explore key details from selected responses and/or an action learning event.” This would provide the MOD with an opportunity to further explore the practicalities and challenges of using nuclear power in its fleet, as well as gain insights from industry experts.

The deadline for responses to this RFI is October 8, 2024, at 22:59.

While no decisions have been made regarding the procurement of nuclear technologies at this stage, the MOD’s request for detailed technical information indicates that the Royal Navy is seriously considering how nuclear power could fit into its future fleet. As the RFI explains, this initiative is part of the Royal Navy’s broader effort to gather information that will inform its future strategic decisions.

Nuclear at sea?

Nuclear-powered warships have been in service with several navies around the world for decades, although they are more commonly associated with submarines. The United States Navy operates a number of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including the well-known Nimitz and Gerald R. Ford-class ships.

These carriers can remain at sea for extended periods without needing to refuel, thanks to their nuclear reactors, which provide them with almost unlimited range. Similarly, France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier has been nuclear-powered since it entered service in 2001.

While most people think of nuclear-powered submarines when it comes to naval nuclear propulsion, it’s not unusual for surface ships to run on nuclear power in some of the world’s major fleets. Submarines, however, have been the primary beneficiaries of this technology. 

Their ability to stay submerged for long periods without surfacing to refuel gives them a significant operational advantage. The Royal Navy, for instance, operates an entirely nuclear-powered submarine fleet, including its Vanguard-class submarines, which carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and the Astute-class attack submarines.

Despite this, the UK has never operated a nuclear-powered surface ship. All of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, including its aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates, are conventionally powered. The RFI issued by the Ministry of Defence represents a potential shift in this approach as the Royal Navy considers the possibility of integrating Generation 4 nuclear reactors into large surface ships, such as support vessels and warships.

Through this RFI, the Royal Navy is seeking input from the defence industry to explore how nuclear power—used so effectively in submarines—could enhance the capabilities of its surface fleet. The move could allow ships to operate for longer periods, reduce their reliance on fuel supplies, and potentially transform how the Royal Navy operates at sea.