New Moves in SMRs, Hydrogen Fuel, and Smart Grid Tech
Source： eepower
Rolls-Royce, Siemens Energy, TE Connectivity, and others have made advancements in small modular reactors, hydrogen-fueled engines, and smart grid technology for aging infrastructure.
A rendering of Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactor facility. Image used courtesy of Rolls-Royce
1. Rolls-Royce Secures Key Supplier for SMR Components
Rolls-Royce SMR has selected Siemens Energy to supply generators, steam turbines, and auxiliary systems for its small modular reactors (SMR), a compact and scalable form of nuclear power. SMRs are drawing interest as a cost-effective alternative to full-size nuclear plants. With growing investment in small-scale nuclear power from governments and tech companies like Microsoft and Google, SMRs could potentially be a critical contributor to the future energy mix.
Siemens Energy’s nuclear steam turbine expertise will support Rolls-Royce’s advanced reactor concept, which is designed to generate up to 470 MW of electricity—enough to power over a million homes.
The company is already making progress internationally, securing a deal to deploy SMRs in the Czech Republic and exploring potential projects in the U.K. and Sweden.
2. Hydrogen-Engine Alliance Launches
The University of California-Riverside (UCR) and the University of Michigan have launched the Hydrogen Engine Alliance of North America (H2EA-NA) to advance hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs) as a viable alternative to traditional diesel. The alliance will promote the benefits of integrating hydrogen technology into on-road, off-road, and marine applications, particularly in areas where battery-electric solutions might not be practical.
The Southwest Research Institute recently developed a hydrogen combustion engine prototype with “ultra-low” nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions compared to diesel engines.
H2EA-NA will focus on North America, where the U.S. trails countries like China, Germany, and Japan in hydrogen adoption. Europe has had hydrogen fuel alliances since 2020, while U.S. companies face high costs, a lack of refueling infrastructure, and policy limitations.
H2EA-NA will push for infrastructure development and policy support to expand hydrogen refueling networks throughout North America. It will also help design clear standards for H2-ICE technology. The alliance is funded by annual membership fees, with major players like Daimler Truck North America, Cummins, and Forvia listed as founding members.
Key researchers involved include UCR’s Georgios Karavalakis (who specializes in combustion engines and emissions), the University of Michigan’s André Boehman (an expert in alternative fuels and emissions control), and UCR’s Wayne Miller (focusing on zero-carbon fuels and marine systems).
3. TE Doubles Smart Grid Production Capacity in Germany
TE Connectivity opened its expanded high-tech engineering hub in Germany, focusing on developing energy solutions for utilities and switchgear manufacturers. The company has occupied the facility since its 2023 acquisition of Kries, a German smart grid solutions provider. Since then, TE has expanded the site’s product lines, doubled its production capacity, and added a second automated manufacturing line.
TE boasts that its grid monitoring solutions increase network visibility, reduce outages, and speed up fault detection and repair. It’s targeting recent efforts to modernize aging power grids in the U.S. and Europe. About 70% of America’s transmission lines are 25-plus years old, and 40% of Europe’s distribution grids are older than 40.