Rolls-Royce SMR and Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) have formalised a contract that allows immediate progress on the deployment of three small modular reactors at Wylfa, located on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. This development marks a significant step forward in delivering the UK’s first SMR technology, with on-site activities now able to commence under the agreement. In parallel, the National Wealth Fund has committed up to GBP599 million (USD805 million) to Rolls-Royce SMR, providing financial backing to support the continued advancement of its reactor programme and reinforcing momentum behind the first SMR technology initiative.
Rolls-Royce SMR had previously been identified as the UK government’s preferred technology partner for the country’s inaugural small modular reactor project in June last year, with GBP2.6 billion allocated through the 2025 Spending Review to facilitate both the contract and the broader rollout.
“Since then, the Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) and Rolls-Royce SMR teams have worked intensively to finalise the contract, unlocking the next phase of the programme,” GBE-N said. It also stated: “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 agreement provides the framework for advancing the UK’s first SMR technology, including enabling the development of site-specific designs and the procurement of essential components from the supply chain.
Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “This contract unlocks the delivery of our first three units at Wylfa and is a tangible example of the Government’s ‘golden age’ of new nuclear being delivered successfully with British technology. This brings certainty to the UK SMR programme and differentiates our business as the only SMR company with multiple commitments in Europe – an initial three units at Wylfa and up to six units in Czechia. 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.”
“This agreement is a landmark moment for the nuclear industry,” added GBE-N CEO Simon Roddy.
As part of the programme supporting the UK’s first SMR technology, Rolls-Royce SMR successfully applied for a commercial loan from the National Wealth Fund, which has now confirmed a facility of up to GBP599 million. This funding will contribute to advancing the generic design of the reactors, with the company already progressing through the third and final stage of the Generic Design Assessment led by UK nuclear regulators.
