Major UK nuclear milestone as GBE-N signs contract to begin Rolls-Royce SMR delivery programme

Great British Energy - Nuclear has signed a major contract with Rolls-Royce SMR, officially launching the next phase of design and development for the UK’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme.

The agreement marks a significant step forward in the Government’s clean energy strategy, with the project expected to play a key role in strengthening UK energy security and accelerating the transition to low-carbon power.

⚡ Major investment and job creation

The SMR programme is expected to:

• Support around 3,000 jobs at peak construction

• Generate thousands more across the UK supply chain

• Deliver long-term economic growth in regional communities

A total of £2.6 billion was allocated in the 2025 Spending Review to support programme delivery and enable the contract to move forward.

🏗️ Next phase of development now underway

Following Rolls-Royce SMR’s selection as preferred technology partner in 2025, both organisations have now finalised the agreement to begin:

• Site-specific design work

• Regulatory engagement

• Early planning activity

• Preparation for a future Final Investment Decision

The programme will initially focus on delivering the first three SMR units, with potential expansion across Europe.

🔋 A new approach to nuclear delivery

SMRs are designed to offer a modern approach to nuclear power generation through:

• Standardised modular construction

• Factory-built components

• Reduced delivery risk

• Faster build timelines

• Lower environmental disruption

Once operational, the first three-unit project is expected to generate around 1.4GWe, enough to power approximately three million homes for over 60 years.

🇬🇧 Strengthening UK energy security

Government leaders have highlighted the programme as a key pillar of long-term energy independence, reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets while supporting clean, homegrown energy generation.

Ed Miliband and Rachel Reeves both described the investment as a major step toward strengthening energy security, driving growth, and creating high-skilled jobs.

🏭 Supply chain and investment momentum

National Wealth Fund has also committed up to £599 million to support Rolls-Royce SMR, helping to boost investor confidence and accelerate private sector involvement.

GBE-N has already awarded over £350 million in contracts across the nuclear supply chain this year alone.

📅 What happens next

The contract unlocks the next phase of development, with engineering, regulatory, and planning work now underway ahead of a future final investment decision.