Rolls-Royce has won a contract with Great British Energy – Nuclear, formally commencing technology design activities that will enable the delivery of the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

The UK’s first SMR project is estimated to support around 3,000 jobs at peak construction and thousands more across the UK supply chain, strengthening national energy security and supporting long‑term economic growth for local communities.

Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as the preferred technology partner in June 2025, and £2.6 billion was allocated in the 2025 Spending Review to enable this contract and wider programme delivery.

Since then, the GBE-N and Rolls-Royce SMR teams have worked intensively to finalise the contract, unlocking the next phase of the programme.

The contract will require Rolls-Royce SMR to work with GBE-N to deliver against key milestones as it commences site-specific design, regulatory engagement, and planning processes, ahead of a future Final Investment Decision.

The current conflict in the Middle East is yet another reminder that the only route to energy security and sovereignty for the UK is to end dependence on fossil fuel markets, and accelerate the transition to clean, homegrown power.

GBE-N has already awarded over £350 million in contracts across the supply chain this year, including some of the UK’s leading companies.

Recommended reading

• Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy Get Mass Funding from UK Gov
• Rolls-Royce to Build UK’s First Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
• New Scottish Nuclear Detector Heads to CERN Labs

“This is an immense moment for the UK nuclear programme, our organisation, and the industry as a whole,” Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, said.

“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.”

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.”