Rolls-Royce Tapped to Lead UK’s Small Modular Reactor Initiative

September 16, 2025

The United Kingdom has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred technology provider for its domestic small modular reactor (SMR) program. This significant decision, announced by Great British Nuclear (GBN), marks a pivotal moment for the UK’s nuclear energy future, aiming to bolster energy security and create thousands of skilled jobs.

Key Takeaways

Rolls-Royce SMR chosen as the sole preferred technology provider.
UK government pledges over £2.5 billion for the SMR program.
Project aims to create up to 3,000 skilled jobs and power approximately 3 million homes.
First SMR plants are targeted for in-service dates in the mid-2030s.

A New Era for UK Nuclear Power

The selection of Rolls-Royce SMR by GBN concludes a rigorous two-year international competition. This choice ensures that the UK’s next generation of nuclear power stations will be designed and built by a British company, signaling a "new golden age of nuclear in the UK," according to a government statement. Rolls-Royce SMR’s technology involves factory-built modules, which promises reduced construction risks and more predictable timelines.

Economic and Energy Impact

The UK government is backing the initiative with a substantial pledge of over £2.5 billion. This investment is expected to stimulate domestic growth by creating thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs and generating significant supply chain opportunities. The program aims to power the equivalent of around 3 million homes with clean, reliable energy.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

GBN plans to sign contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR later this year and establish a development company. Site allocation is also anticipated within the year, with the first SMR plants expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. Rolls-Royce’s SMR design is a pressurized water reactor with an output of 470 MW and a projected operational life of at least 60 years.

Global Competition and Regulatory Progress

Rolls-Royce SMR is already making strides internationally, with commitments to build projects in the Czech Republic and being a finalist in Sweden’s SMR competition. The company’s reactor technology is also undergoing a regulatory review in the UK, which is reportedly progressing well, with Rolls-Royce stating they are ahead of competitors in the UK’s independent assessment process.

Expert Commentary

Industry analysts view the decision as aligning with the government’s industrial strategy to invest in high-growth sectors. However, concerns have been raised about the pace of development, given the increasing global competition in SMR technology, with countries like the US making significant commitments. The government’s commitment to nuclear power is further underscored by a recent £14.2 billion investment in the Sizewell C nuclear power station project.