Carbon Dioxide Removal for Nuclear Control Room Habitability

The iX programme is supporting Rolls-Royce SMR to identify technology providers with carbon dioxide removal solutions that could support a habitable control room environment during extended loss of normal ventilation. The challenge seeks suitable carbon dioxide removal technologies and credible routes for demonstrating their suitability for civil nuclear use.

Opportunity

Challenge opens

03/11/2026

Challenge closes

16/12/2026

Benefit

Rolls-Royce SMR is using open innovation to identify compact carbon dioxide removal technologies for potential use in civil nuclear power plant control room habitability. Selected solution(s) will be assessed with the possibility of further adoption with the challenge holder.

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Background

Rolls-Royce SMR is aiming to deliver a series of power stations around the world using small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

A nuclear power station control room must remain suitable for operators to monitor and control the plant during normal and emergency conditions. If normal ventilation is unavailable, an emergency habitability system is required to maintain breathable conditions and protect occupants for a defined period. Stored compressed air can provide this function but may require a substantial inventory of high-pressure cylinders and supporting infrastructure. Actively removing carbon dioxide from recirculated air in the control room could reduce the need for dedicated stored gas inventories.

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