Neil Perry is Content Director for Outlook Publishing.
- Content Director
Share
The UK has taken a major step in advancing next-generation nuclear energy after Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) signed a contract with Rolls-Royce SMR to begin technology design work for the country’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The agreement formally starts the next phase of the UK’s SMR programme, with Rolls-Royce SMR working alongside GBE-N on site-specific design, regulatory engagement and planning ahead of a future final investment decision.
The project marks a significant milestone not only for the UK’s clean energy ambitions, but also for Europe’s wider nuclear supply chain as governments and businesses seek scalable, lower-carbon energy infrastructure.
Building Europe’s SMR momentum
Rolls-Royce SMR said the contract will unlock delivery of its first three UK units, with the company already planning up to six further units in Czechia.
“This contract unlocks the delivery of our first three units at Wylfa and is a tangible example of the Government’s ‘golden age’ of new nuclear being delivered successfully with British technology,” said Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR.
“This brings certainty to the UK SMR programme and differentiates our business as the only SMR company with multiple commitments in Europe – an initial three units at Wylfa and up to six units in Czechia.”
“We are transforming the way nuclear projects are delivered, to give greater cost and schedule certainty with a standardised, factory-built approach. This project is important to the UK’s energy security and will power up our business and the UK supply chain.”
Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR.
Boosting industrial supply chains and jobs
The UK’s first SMR project is expected to support around 3,000 jobs at peak construction, alongside thousands more across the wider UK supply chain, and work will start immediately on the delivery of the three reactors at Wylfa, on the coast of Ynys Môn (Anglesey) in North Wales.
Simon Roddy, CEO of Great British Energy – Nuclear, said the agreement will help drive industrial investment across the sector.
“Working with Rolls-Royce SMR, we’re bringing a significant long-term investment to the UK industrial supply chain,” Roddy said.
“Supporting skills, innovation and growing our industrial capability is essential to this partnership and will ensure the UK is well-placed to deliver the next generation of nuclear infrastructure.”
Simon Roddy, CEO of Great British Energy – Nuclear
Why SMRs matter for business
SMRs are designed using standardised, modular, factory-built components, an approach intended to reduce delivery risk, shorten construction timelines and minimise local environmental disruption.
According to GBE-N, the three-unit project will generate at least 1.4GWe—enough stable electricity to power the equivalent of around three million of today’s homes for more than 60 years.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant moment for the future of our nuclear industry. The development and deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR’s technology here in the UK will create thousands of jobs and pave the way for an affordable, cleaner, and more secure energy system,” said National Wealth Fund CEO, Oliver Holbourn.
“This is exactly what the National Wealth Fund has been established to deliver, backing promising homegrown projects and technologies that will deliver transformational impacts.”
Government backing for nuclear investment
The UK government allocated £2.6 billion in the 2025 Spending Review to support the contract and wider programme delivery.
In addition, the National Wealth Fund is committing up to £599 million to Rolls-Royce SMR to support development of its technology.
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, described the agreement as “an immense moment for the UK nuclear programme.”
“This is an immense moment for the UK nuclear programme, our organisation, and the industry as a whole,” Bowen said.
As European businesses and policymakers look for long-term energy resilience, the UK’s SMR programme could become a key test case for how modular nuclear technology scales commercially across the continent.
“This investment, along with vital financing from the National Wealth Fund, will strengthen our energy security, create skilled jobs and help to build a new generation of homegrown nuclear technology that will power our economy for decades to come,” said Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
“We have the right economic plan – one where growth and clean energy go hand in hand – and one that will benefit everyone across the country.”
.
This article was produced by the editorial team at EME Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
EME Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping industries across Europe and the Middle East.
