Rolls-Royce SMR has been chosen as the preferred bidder to develop the UK’s first small modular reactors (SMRs) following a two-year competition managed by Great British Nuclear, now renamed Great British Energy – Nuclear. The selection, announced after a process that began in July 2023, involved six companies initially, with four—GE Hitachi, Holtec, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse—entering negotiations in September. Three submitted final tenders in April, after Westinghouse withdrew. The decision, subject to final government approvals and contract signing, aims to advance the UK’s goal of reaching 24 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2050 through a mix of large-scale plants and SMRs.

A rendering of a Rolls-Royce SMR power plant

Great British Energy – Nuclear plans to sign contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR later this year, form a development company, and allocate a site for the project. The SMRs are expected to connect to the grid in the mid-2030s, with a final investment decision set for 2029. The Rolls-Royce SMR, a 470 MWe pressurized water reactor, is designed for 60 years of baseload generation. Approximately 90% of the reactor, measuring 16 meters by 4 meters, will be factory-built, reducing on-site assembly time and project risks.

Simon Bowen, Chairman of Great British Energy – Nuclear, stated: “By selecting a preferred bidder, we are taking a decisive step toward delivering clean, secure, and sovereign power. This is about more than energy – it’s about revitalising British industry, creating thousands of skilled jobs, and building a platform for long-term economic growth.”

Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “This is a day to celebrate a milestone achievement. This success is testament to our incredible team which has developed a world-leading technology and worked tirelessly over the last two years to ensure we could provide a winning tender to GBN.”

The Rolls-Royce SMR design is undergoing the final stage of the UK’s Generic Design Assessment, the only SMR design to reach this phase, evaluating safety, security, and environmental aspects. Rolls-Royce SMR has also secured a contract with ?EZ in the Czech Republic for up to 3 GW and is among the final two candidates in Sweden’s SMR selection process.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, noted: “These SMRs will provide essential energy security and clean power alongside large-scale reactors, all the while creating thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs, opportunities for growth right across the country and significant export potential.”

Holtec International, another shortlisted contender, expressed disappointment but affirmed its commitment to its SMR-300 design, stating: “Holtec remains resolute in its belief that Holtec’s SMR-300 is among the most advanced, safe, and deployable reactor designs in the world.” The company plans to focus on private-sector and international partnerships.