Two high-profile government ministers popped into a Cambridge firm to see their pioneering technology in action.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, recently visited Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) in Waterbeach.
CVE’s electron beam welding technology, Ebflow™, can accelerate production of small modular reactors, cutting manufacturing timelines and costs for the UK’s ‘next-gen’ nuclear power infrastructure.
The visit came just ahead of the Government announcing investments in Sizewell C and the results of its Great British Nuclear (GBN) Small Modular Reactor (SMR) competition – an initiative to select and support the deployment of SMR reactors across the UK.
SMRs have a critical role to play in the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy. Smaller than conventional nuclear power station reactors, SMRs can be constructed in modular units, allowing for phased construction and deployment.
Ebflow, an advanced electron beam (EB) welding technology, developed by the team at CVE, is proven to transform the speed at which nuclear pressure vessels can be built.
In a trial conducted by Sheffield Forgemasters (announced in early 2024), Ebflow™ cut the time needed to weld a demonstrator vessel for an SMR from more than a year to less than 24 hours.
On site at CVE, the Chancellor and Mr Miliband initiated an Ebflow™ test weld, while speaking to CVE staff about the development of the technology.
Managing director Bob Nicolson said: “We were honoured to welcome The Chancellor and Mr Miliband to our premises to learn more about our electron beam welding capabilities.
“Ebflow™ was developed to enable major cost savings and efficiencies across aerospace, automotive, defence and renewable energy welding projects.
“In the nuclear sector, Ebflow™ has the potential to reshape the future of reactor production, enabling the fast, efficient production of core components needed to support the country’s transition to a low carbon economy and build a more resilient and flexible energy system.
“We welcome the Government’s decision to invest in Sizewell C and the appointment of Rolls-Royce SMR as preferred bidder to build the country’s first small modular reactors.”
