Rolls-Royce to build UK's first small modular reactors

Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected as the preferred bidder to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) in the UK.

The UK-based company was selected by Great British Energy – Nuclear (formerly Great British Nuclear) to design and build SMRs, which the UK government says are smaller and quicker to build than traditional nuclear plants.

Rolls-Royce’s selection comes at the end of a two-year selection process, during which time Great British Energy – Nuclear assessed technology companies globally.

According to the UK, the project could support up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction and power the equivalent of around 3 million homes in the country.

The SMR programme forms part of the government’s Industrial Strategy, pledging over £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion).

Great British Energy - Nuclear will aim to allocate a site later this year and connect projects to the grid in the mid-2030s.

According to the UK government, once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with the new station at Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century.

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Commenting in a release was UK energy secretary Ed Miliband:

“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.”

The UK government cites data from the International Energy Agency, which projects the global SMR market to reach up to nearly £500 billion ($674.7 billion).

Subject to final approvals and contract signature, Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd will enter a strategic technology development partnership with Great British Energy - Nuclear – a fully publicly-owned company.

Rolls-Royce’s selection was announced alongside the funding package for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant.

The UK government hails both as marking a new golden age of nuclear in the UK.

Rolls-Royce SMR is currently progressing through the final stage of the assessment by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators.

The selection is subject to final government approvals and contract signature.

Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to sign contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR later this year and will form a development company.