As part of a wider bid by the countries' leaders to encourage more business cooperation between the UK and Russia, Rolls-Royce and Rosatom announced Monday that they will ramp up their collaborative efforts in the civilian nuclear field.
In Moscow, where he met with his counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, British Prime Minister David Cameron said, "We have agreed to work together on a range of issues, including the development of nuclear energy, and I'm delighted that this means Rolls-Royce will be working with Rosatom to bring benefits to the UK, supporting 250 companies here and safeguarding thousands of jobs."
The agreement to work further on nuclear energy dovetails with the leaders' negotiations on climate change and efforts to implement low-carbon technology. Cameron's government indicated the UK-Russian nuclear work may be worth up to $1.58 billion to British firms from potential contracts with state-controlled Rosatom.
The nuclear division of Rolls-Royce continues to build its global client base, having acquired American firm R Brooks Associates earlier this month. Rolls-Royce offers nuclear plant services that include inspections, project management, engineering and manufacturing at sites in 20 countries in Europe, North America and Asia. Its nuclear division employs 2,900 worldwide.