Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Czech firm Škoda JS and Curtiss-Wright’s UK-based nuclear business (formerly Ultra Energy) to deliver critical safety systems and components for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology
Rolls-Royce SMR plans have taken another crucial step with a multimillion-pound strategic partnership signing. Curtiss-Wright will provide design, qualification, testing and supply of the ‘non-programmable diverse reactor protection systems’ for a global fleet of Rolls-Royce SMRs.
The design and implementation will be delivered from the company’s facility in Wimborne, Dorset, supporting regional economic growth by creating more than 200 UK jobs, as well as expanding the UK’s nuclear skills, opportunities and capabilities.
Rolls-Royce claims that each ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant will provide enough affordable, low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years.
Securing a supply chain and growth in the local community
Ruth Todd, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Operations & Supply Chain director, said: “We are delighted to begin this important and enduring partnership with Curtiss-Wright. Securing industry leading expertise will further de-risk our programme by underpinning a critical element of the design.”
Ognjen Starovic, general manager, Curtiss-Wright, said: “We have a strong UK-based team focused on supporting this partnership and we’re all excited to be part of the Rolls-Royce SMR story. We take great pride in helping to deliver a British SMR, as well as provide our people with new career opportunities and create long-term job growth in the region.”
In October 2024, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected by CEZ to deploy up to 3GW of electricity in the Czech Republic and in July 2025, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as preferred bidder by Great British Energy – Nuclear to provide the UK’s first SMRs. The Rolls-Royce SMR currently progressing through the final stage of Assessment by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators.
Czech firms Škoda JS and ÚJV Řež will work on SMR components
Rolls-Royce’s SMR plans are being constructed largely offsite and with modular construction methods, which has resulted in a rather geographically broad supply chain.
The MoU with Škoda JS will explore component production for the program. ÚJV Řež have been contracted by Rolls-Royce for the analysis and testing of SMR components. Rolls-Royce SMR plan for 0% of each SMR unit to be built in factory conditions before being transported for final assembly.
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