Derby-based Rolls-Royce SMR has taken another step towards delivering the UK’s first small modular reactors (SMRs) after signing a contract with Great British Energy – Nuclear this week.
Technology design activities will now commence as part of the Government’s Clean Energy Mission. The National Wealth Fund is also committing up to £599 million to Rolls-Royce SMR to support the development of its small modular reactors. By supporting British nuclear technology, the fund is playing a critical role in increasing investor confidence, enabling export, and helping to bring in additional private investment to fund the development of this new technology here in the UK.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The agreement between Great British Energy – Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR places our region at the heart of delivering the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors. This announcement reinforces the role that Rolls-Royce plays as an integral employer for communities across the region, while signalling strong Government backing for our key sectors of clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
“With thousands of jobs expected during construction and many more supported across the supply chain, this investment will open up new opportunities for skilled work, apprenticeships, and long-term careers for local people. It also underlines the importance of developing homegrown, clean energy solutions that strengthen the UK’s energy security at a time of global uncertainty.
“The East Midlands is not just open for business, but leading the way in the industries of the future.”
The UK’s first SMR project is estimated to support about 3,000 jobs at peak construction and thousands more across the supply chain. The programme will also strengthen national energy security and support long-term economic growth for local communities.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “At a time of global instability, this is a major milestone for Britain’s energy security. We are backing a British company to deliver our first small modular reactors – creating a generation of good jobs, driving growth and providing clean, homegrown power for decades to come. Our clean energy mission is the only route to getting off the rollercoaster of fossil fuels and take back control of our energy independence.”
Chris Cholerton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “This contract unlocks the delivery of our first three units and brings certainty to the UK SMR programme. With plans for up to six further units in Czechia, this announcement makes Rolls-Royce SMR the only company with multiple commitments in Europe.
“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, and we are excited by the opportunity and are focused on successful delivery.”
SMRs represent a new generation of nuclear power. They deliver proven technology through standardised, modular, factory‑built components. This approach reduces delivery risk, shortens construction timelines, and minimises disruption for local communities. The three-unit project will generate at least 1.4GWe, supplying enough stable, clean electricity to power the equivalent of about three million of today’s homes for more than 60 years.