Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE‑N) has signed a contract with Rolls‑Royce SMR, formally commencing technology design activities that will enable the delivery of the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of the Government’s clean energy mission.
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.
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, said
“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.”
Simon Roddy, CEO of Great British Energy – Nuclear, added
“This agreement is a landmark moment for the nuclear industry. Working with Rolls-Royce SMR, we’re bringing a significant long-term investment to the UK industrial supply chain.
“Supporting skills, innovation and growing our industrial capability is essential to this partnership, and will ensure the UK is well-placed to deliver the next generation of nuclear infrastructure.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said
“This investment, along with vital financing from the National Wealth Fund, will strengthen our energy security, create skilled jobs and help to build a new generation of homegrown nuclear technology that will power our economy for decades to come.
“We have the right economic plan – one where growth and clean energy go hand in hand – and one that will benefit everyone across the country.”
Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband said
“At a time of global instability, this is a major milestone for Britain’s energy security.
“We are backing a British company to deliver our first small modular reactors – creating a generation of good jobs, driving growth and providing clean, homegrown power for decades to come.
“Our clean energy mission is the only route to getting off the rollercoaster of fossil fuels and take back control of our energy independence.”
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.”
National Wealth Fund CEO, Oliver Holbourn, said
“Today’s announcement marks a significant moment for the future of our nuclear industry. The development and deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR’s technology here in the UK will create thousands of jobs and pave the way for an affordable, cleaner, and more secure energy system.
“This is exactly what the National Wealth Fund has been established to deliver, backing promising homegrown projects and technologies that will deliver transformational impacts.”
SMRs represent a new generation of nuclear power, delivering proven technology through standardised, modular, factory‑built components. This approach reduces delivery risk, shortens construction timelines, and minimises local environmental disruption. The three-unit project will generate at least 1.4GWe, supplying enough stable, clean electricity to power the equivalent of around three million of today’s homes for more than 60 years.
In addition, the National Wealth Fund is committing up to £599m to Rolls-Royce SMR to support the development of its small modular reactors. By supporting British nuclear technology, the Fund is playing a critical role in increasing investor confidence, enabling export and helping to crowd in additional private capital to fund the development of this new technology here in the UK.
About GBE-N
Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) plays a key role in strengthening the UK’s energy security for growth. We are an arm’s-length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in the UK. We deliver, enable and advise on new nuclear projects that provide reliable, low-cost power, strengthen energy security and drive national growth.
For further information please contact Ieuan Williams, Head of Communications, GBE-N [email protected].
