UK advances small modular reactors to strengthen energy security
Rolls-Royce has partnered with Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N) to deliver the country’s first small modular reactors (SMRs).
Great British Energy-Nuclear will begin technology design activities to build SMRs in the UK after signing a contract with Rolls-Royce SMR.
Rolls-Royce SMR was chosen in June 2025 as the preferred technology partner, and the 2025 Spending Review allocated £2.6bln to enable this contract and wider programme delivery.
The contract will require Rolls-Royce SMR to work with GBE-N to deliver against key milestones for site-specific design, regulatory engagement and planning processes, ahead of a future Final Investment Decision.
This three-unit project will reportedly generate at least 1.4GWe, supplying enough stable and clean electricity to power the equivalent of around three million homes for more than 60 years.
The National Wealth Fund is also committing up to £599mln to Rolls-Royce SMR to support its SMR development.
The UK Government expects the project to strengthen domestic energy security, support long-term economic growth and reduce reliance on fossil fuels-based power.
It also estimates it will support around 3,000 jobs at peak construction, as well as many more across the UK supply chain.
