Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE‑N) has signed a new contract, formally commencing technology design work to deliver the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors as part of the Government’s clean energy mission.
The agreement marks a major milestone for the UK’s nuclear programme and is expected to play a key role in strengthening energy security, accelerating the transition to clean, homegrown power, and supporting long‑term economic growth.
The first SMR project is estimated to support around 3,000 jobs at peak construction, alongside thousands more across the UK supply chain. Ministers say this will bring lasting economic benefits to local communities while helping build a resilient, domestic energy sector.
SMRs are seen as a crucial element of the UK’s future energy mix, providing reliable low‑carbon electricity while reducing exposure to global fossil fuel markets.
Rolls‑Royce SMR was selected as the preferred technology partner in June 2025, with £2.6 billion allocated in the 2025 Spending Review to enable the contract and wider programme delivery. Since that announcement, teams from both organisations have worked intensively to finalise the agreement, enabling the programme to move into its next phase.
Under the contract, Rolls‑Royce SMR will work closely with GBE‑N to deliver against key technical and commercial milestones. This includes:
- Site‑specific design work
- Regulatory engagement
- Planning processes
These activities will take place ahead of a future Final Investment Decision, ensuring the project is ready for delivery at pace once full approval is secured.
The government said recent global instability has reinforced the importance of ending reliance on fossil fuel markets and accelerating the shift to secure, low‑carbon domestic energy.
The SMR programme forms part of a broader strategy to deliver energy sovereignty, reduce exposure to international energy shocks and meet Britain’s climate commitments.
GBE‑N has already awarded more than £350 million in contracts across the supply chain in the past year alone, involving some of the UK’s leading engineering, manufacturing and infrastructure firms.
This early investment has helped build momentum, strengthen UK industrial capability and position British companies at the heart of a growing global SMR market.
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, commented:
“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.”
Small Modular Reactors represent a new approach to nuclear energy. Built using standardised, modular components manufactured in factories, SMRs aim to:
- Reduce construction risk
- Shorten build times
- Minimise disruption at local sites
The planned three‑unit SMR project will generate at least 1.4 gigawatts of electricity (GWe), providing enough stable, clean power for the equivalent of around three million homes for more than 60 years.
In addition to the GBE‑N contract, the National Wealth Fund has committed up to £599 million to support the development of Rolls‑Royce SMR technology.
The investment is intended to:
- Increase investor confidence
- Support export opportunities
- Crowd‑in additional private capital
By backing British nuclear technology, the Fund is helping ensure that the UK captures the economic and industrial benefits of SMR deployment at home and abroad.
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