UK, Czechia, and Ontario Spearhead Global Push for Small Modular Reactors

October 11, 2025

The United Kingdom and Czechia have announced a landmark partnership solidifying their roles at the forefront of global small modular reactor (SMR) development, while Ontario, Canada, is set to become the first G7 region to construct an SMR. These developments mark a significant moment in the expansion of clean, secure, and homegrown nuclear energy.

Key Takeaways

UK and Czechia formalize partnership to advance and export SMR technology.
Ontario, Canada, leads the G7 by beginning construction on its first SMR.
Initiatives aim to boost domestic clean energy, create high-skill jobs, and enhance energy security.
SMRs offer quicker, more affordable nuclear solutions compared to traditional reactors.

New Era for Nuclear Collaboration: UK and Czechia

This week, the UK and Czechia entered an unprecedented agreement to work closely on small modular reactor operations and technology. Signed at Downing Street, the deal is designed to:

Foster industrial collaboration between British and Czech companies.
Support plans in Czechia for the deployment of up to six SMRs, with Rolls-Royce SMR leading as a key partner.
Position both countries as strong exporters of advanced nuclear technology within Europe and beyond.

Through this alliance, both nations expect significant job creation in high-skilled sectors, increased economic growth, and strengthened mutual trade relations.

UK’s Investment in the Nuclear Golden Age

The UK government’s commitment includes over £2.5 billion for its SMR program and recent investments of £14.2 billion for constructing Sizewell C, a major new nuclear plant. Government and industry leaders state that:

British engineering and energy security receive a substantial boost.
The modern Industrial Strategy aims to revive key industries and regions.
Once operational, SMRs and other new nuclear stations will power millions of homes with clean energy.

Alongside economic benefits, these projects are central to plans for lower consumer energy bills and national decarbonization.

Czechia’s Vision for Diverse, Secure Energy

Czechia shares the UK’s vision for a future energy mix that balances large-scale nuclear, SMRs, and renewables. Strategic goals include:

Ensuring energy security and affordability for future generations.
Collaborating with the UK to advance both economies.
Supporting the ongoing renaissance of nuclear energy within Europe.

Ontario Sets Precedent in the G7

Ontario, Canada, is taking a historic step by being the first G7 region to commence construction of an SMR. This action signals a serious commitment among major economies to adopt next-generation nuclear technology, providing:

Quick-to-build, scalable clean energy solutions.
Potential for international collaboration and technology export.
A new model for sustainable electricity generation within developed economies.

Global Race Toward SMRs: Outlook

According to projections, the worldwide SMR market could approach £500 billion by 2050. As more nations seek to modernize their energy systems, the UK, Czechia, and Ontario are setting benchmarks for innovation, job creation, and clean energy leadership, bringing the benefits of a low-carbon future closer to reality.