2 minute read - 11th June 2025
Rolls-Royce chosen to build UK’s small modular nuclear reactors
Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected by Great British Nuclear (GBN) as the preferred bidder to develop and build three small modular reactors in the UK, subject to final government approvals and contract signature.
The government said as part of its Industrial Strategy to revive Britain’s industrial heartlands, it is pledging over £2.5bn for the overall small modular reactor programme in this Spending Review period, with this project potentially supporting up to 3,000 new skilled jobs and powering the equivalent of around 3 million homes with clean, secure homegrown energy.
GBN is aiming to sign contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR later this year. GBN will also aim to allocate a site later this year and connect projects to the grid in the mid-2030s. Once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with the new station at Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century.
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Great British Nuclear has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to build a new generation of small modular reactor power plants in the UK / Picture: Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce added that the success of Rolls-Royce SMR in the two-year-long process is testament to its unique nuclear capability and the proven technologies within the SMR venture. Rolls-Royce SMR is 18 months ahead of its competition in the UK’s independent industry regulatory assessment process. The GBN decision will help the business retain its crucial first-mover advantage in a growing market that is attracting significant international interest.
The success of Rolls-Royce SMR will generate employment, boost the supply chain and generate economic growth, including through the capture of significant export opportunities. It is also further evidence of Rolls-Royce’s transformation into a high-performing, competitive, resilient, and growing business, able to invest in its future growth to the benefit of all stakeholders.
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce, said: “This is a very significant milestone for our business and Rolls-Royce SMR. It is a vote of confidence in our unique nuclear capabilities, which will be recognised by governments around the world. It is also evidence that the strategic choices we have made in the transformation of Rolls-Royce are delivering. I believe the value of Rolls-Royce SMR will grow materially from here as we successfully execute and deliver on the potential of this venture. I would like to thank the team in Rolls-Royce SMR for their hard work and dedication in getting to this important stage.”
