The first small modular reactors (SMR) are set to be delivered by Rolls-Royce, as appointed by the new government company, Great British Energy (GB Energy)
The SMR contract will enable Rolls-Royce to create 3,000 high-skilled jobs and create critical and ground-breaking infrastructure.
As part of the contract, three reactors will be built at Wylfa on the Anglesey coast in North Wales.
Rolls-Royce’s central role in the low-carbon energy transition
Announced in July last year, Rolls-Royce is also working on SMR reactors in Czechia, capable of delivering 3 GW of low-carbon energy.
In the UK, the contract will be delivered in two stages, with the first enabling site-specific design activities, preparing for the installation of the SMRs, and allowing adequate time for Rolls-Royce to source the required equipment from the supply chain.
The contract allocates £2.6bn to deliver the reactors, which are a relatively new but proven technology in which compact reactors are built using modular, factory-built components to reduce delivery risks, shorten delivery times, and minimise construction timelines and environmental disruption.
The three units delivered by Rolls-Royce are expected to generate around 1.4 GW, enough to power 3 million homes, for more than 60 years.
Simon Bowen, chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, said: “This is an immense moment for the UK nuclear programme, our organisation, and the industry as a whole.
“Today represents a true recognition of the efforts made across GBE-N, Rolls-Royce SMR and Government to get to this point, and I’m hugely proud of the team for reaching this critical milestone.”
CECA: “A welcome step towards energy independence”
Ben Goodwin, director of policy & public affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), commented on the awarded contract: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the UK’s nuclear and wider infrastructure ambitions.
“It is encouraging to see real progress being made in the delivery of small modular reactors, which will play a major role in strengthening the UK’s energy security, supporting economic growth, and providing a key part of the mixed energy portfolio CECA has long campaigned for.
“CECA has for many years argued that nuclear power must form part of the UK’s future energy mix, and this contract is a significant step in turning ambition into delivery. For CECA members, it points to major opportunities in enabling works, site preparation, transport links, utilities connections, and the wider infrastructure needed to support a new generation of nuclear development.
“But signing the contract must now be followed by a sustained focus on delivery. That means clear project milestones, a credible long-term pipeline, proportionate and efficient regulation, and procurement routes that allow firms of all sizes to invest with confidence in people, skills, plant, and innovation.
“If the Government and industry get this right, SMRs can become a flagship example of how strategic infrastructure investment supports jobs, strengthens supply chains, and delivers lasting value to communities across the country.
“CECA members stand ready to work with Government, clients, and industry partners to make sure the UK seizes this opportunity and positions itself at the cutting edge of the new technologies we will need to make the net-zero transition while delivering for British businesses and communities.”
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