UK Selects Rolls-Royce SMR to Lead Next-Generation Nuclear Revolution

Published: 16 Jun 2025

Author: Precedence Research

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In order to change Britain’s energy sector, Rolls-Royce SMR was chosen as the preferred bidder by Great British Energy - Nuclear to create and use small modular reactors (SMRs) together. Once all the necessary approvals and contracts are sorted out, this agreement marks a big change in the way the UK handles its energy sector and is set to create new jobs and low-carbon power throughout the country. The government relies on the agreement as a main part of its long-term Plan for Change, whose goal is to turn back many years of no progress in nuclear energy.

The UK’s decision to choose Rolls-Royce SMR shows its strong determination to lead the world in new nuclear technology. Unlike the traditional big nuclear plants, SMRs are easier to adjust and more economical. With an investment of £2.5 billion into SMR over the current Spending Review period, the UK government is treating nuclear as a main contributor to the country’s sustainable energy goal. The program is likely to bring hundreds of high-level positions, most of which will be located in Britain’s industrial regions and contribute to the UK’s efforts to reach net zero. Such investments are part of a bigger effort to update the UK’s industrial strategy by using advanced technology to make the energy system dependable, secure, and environmentally friendly.

The plan is to power the first reactors into the country’s grid by the mid-2030s. Now that it is under Great British Energy’s control, Nuclear leads the efforts to meet the energy targets. It partners with Rolls-Royce SMR to sign important contractual deals, pick the best locations, and manage the construction. If both Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C are finished, the UK add more nuclear capacity in the 2030s than it has managed to do in the last fifty years. The intention behind reaching this goal is to secure energy in the future and provide stable and cheap electricity to countless households.

Statements by Industry Leaders

Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO, Great British Energy – Nuclear

“We are proud to lead this national mission. Nuclear is the cornerstone of the UK’s energy strategy, and today’s announcement will accelerate deployment. With Rolls-Royce SMR, our selected preferred bidder, and subject to government approvals and contract signature, we will deliver a technically world-class program that delivers real value to the British people – through energy security, economic opportunity, and environmental leadership.”

Ed Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

“We are ending the no-nuclear status quo as part of our Plan for Change and are entering a golden age of nuclear with the biggest building program in a generation. Great British Energy – Nuclear has run a rigorous competition and will now work with the preferred bidder, Rolls-Royce SMR, to build the country’s first-ever small modular reactors – creating thousands of jobs and growing our regional economies while strengthening our energy security.”