ETI launches Request for Proposals to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies

27th May 2014

ETI launches Request for Proposals to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies

• Request for proposals for new knowledge gathering project


• Project aims to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies.


• Closing date for submissions is 27 June 2014

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is seeking partners for a new project to identify the technology requirements to develop alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies.

The scope of the project is to capture the high level technical performance characteristics and business-case parameters of small thermal plants, which will be of value to the potential future UK energy system which should also be of commercial interest to developers and investors.

The project  is intended to include the potential contribution from small modular reactors, which will also enable comparison with other small-scale plant such as those powered by bio-fuelled thermal power. In addition to electricity generation, such future plants may have additional roles in energising heat networks and in energy system balancing through flexible power delivery. The project outputs will help enable the subsequent comparison of a range of specific technologies.

The Request for Proposals (RfP) issued today is part of the ETI’s technology strategy focus which is looking at how to accelerate the development of new energy generation technologies for a UK transition to a low carbon economy. The project will complement and run in parallel with the recently launched ETI RfP to define the available siting constraints in England and Wales for new power plant development.

Mike Middleton, ETI’s strategy manager for the project, said: “New nuclear power is expected to play a key role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions – from an initial 16 gigawatts by 2030 and up to approximately 40 gigawatts by 2050, with some scenarios showing deployment increasing towards a maximum of 75 gigawatts. However, there are potential technical, economic and policy challenges associated with the rollout of new large-scale nuclear power stations now in development. One of the key challenges is in the identification of suitable and sufficient nuclear power station sites in England and Wales, and managing the impact on the transmission system of an increasing capacity of a type of plant which traditionally only allows for inflexible base load. This project will support the identification of what else may be needed, and enable a comparison amongst the range of technologies currently under development.”

The closing date for the submission of proposals is 27th June 2014.

To view a video of Project Manager Mike Middleton explaining the RfP please click here.

To view the RfP 'to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies' document please here.

To view the RfP 'to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies' Intention to submit please click here.

To view the RfP 'to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies' Due Diligence please click here.

To view the RfP 'to identify the technology requirements for alternative small-scale thermal and nuclear plant power generation technologies' NDA please click here.