Great British Energy - Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR sign contract

Great British Energy – Nuclear signs a contract with Rolls‑Royce SMR to deliver the UK’s first SMRs.

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: