Preferred bidder in competition to build UK’s first SMR named

The partnership with Great British Energy is subject to final government approvals and contract signature.

Contracts are expected to be signed later this year, alongside the formation of a development company.

Rolls-Royce SMR was one of four companies shortlisted in the government’s SMR design competition in September 2024, alongside GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International, Holtec Britain, and Westinghouse Electric Company.

The consortium includes Rolls-Royce, Assystem, AtkinsRéalis, Wood, Arup, Laing O’Rourke, BAM Nuttall, Siemens, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), and Nuclear AMRC.

The UK government is pledging over £2.5 billion (€3 billion) for the overall SMR programme over the government’s next Spending Review period, which lasts for at least three years.

SMRs are smaller and purportedly quicker to build than traditional nuclear power plants, however progress on launching the first projects outside of Russia and China has been slow amid high costs and regulatory hurdles.

But the International Energy Agency nonetheless expects the global SMR market to be worth nearly £500 billion (€591 billion) by 2050 and the government in Britain hopes to put its SMR industry at a competitive advantage as a frontrunner in the technology.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said, “We are ending the no-nuclear status quo as part of our Plan for Change and are entering a golden age of nuclear with the biggest building programme in a generation.

“Great British Energy - Nuclear has run a rigorous competition and will now work with the preferred bidder Rolls-Royce SMR to build the country’s first ever small modular reactors – creating thousands of jobs and growing our regional economies while strengthening our energy security.”

Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Energy - Nuclear, said, “We are proud to lead this national mission. Nuclear is the cornerstone of the UK’s energy strategy, and today’s announcement will accelerate deployment.

“Together with Rolls-Royce SMR, our selected preferred bidder, and subject to government approvals and contract signature, we will deliver a programme that is technically world-class and delivers real value to the British people—through energy security, economic opportunity, and environmental leadership.”