692.00 GBX -18.50 ABOUT CUSTOMERS INVESTORS SUSTAINABILITY CAREERS NEWS About Home | About | Our technology | Nuclear technology | Submarine propulsion Submarine propulsion Nuclear-powered submarines can remain submerged for long periods because of self–contained nuclear propulsion systems. Most, including Royal Navy submarines, incorporate a pressurised water reactor (PWR) to raise steam to drive turbines for propulsion and for on-board electricity production. For Britain's latest nuclear-powered submarines, the Royal Navy is now using the second generation of a larger Rolls Royce PWR2 core that lasts four times longer than predecessors, eliminating the need for removal from service for mid-life refuelling. Elsewhere in the world, nuclear power is also used for surface ship propulsion, for example US aircraft carriers and Russian ice breakers. Nuclear power was used for some civilian cargo ships in the 1960's, but was not found to be economic and only a few vessels were made. However, present economic realities of much higher fuel prices and global concerns over CO2 emissions have brought about renewed interest in nuclear power for some civilian applications. Our strategy Who we are Where we operate Our technology Vision Gas turbine technology Enabling technologies Manufacturing technology Nuclear technology Submarine propulsion Instrumentation & control In service Materials technology Research Our story Would you like to Work for us? Download annual report Learn about Innovation Speak to Investor relations Speak to a press officer Find out about the AGM 2015 Recent press releases 17 September 2015 Rolls-Royce and Sunseeker agree general contract for supply of MTU engines 15 September 2015 DSEI: Current MTU projects with British Army and Royal Navy at the centre of attention 15 September 2015 Rolls-Royce repeats as US air force superior supplier Connect with us Follow us on Twitter View our latest videos Visit our Facebook page Follow us on LinkedIn Visit our Flickr Stay in touch Sign up to get the latest news CONTACT US  Site map Use of cookies Legal information © Rolls-Royce plc 2015 All rights reserved