Rolls‑Royce will develop small modular nuclear reactors for the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom launches a small modular nuclear reactor project

*Key facts*

1. What happened
Within the Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE‑N) framework, the government signed a contract with Rolls‑Royce SMR to design small modular reactors (SMRs). The choice was made in June last year from four candidates.

2. Why it matters
- Energy security – SMRs will provide stable, clean electricity for growing needs of electric vehicles and AI data centres.
- Modularity – Reactor modules are assembled at the factory and then transported to the site, reducing construction time and costs.

3. Financial details
- £2.6 million (≈ $3.5 million) allocated in the 2025 budget.
- Rolls‑Royce gained access to a National Welfare Fund loan of £599 million.

4. Wilf site
- Location – Anglesey island, where a closed Magnox station operated until 2015.
- Plan – install three power blocks with a total capacity ≥ 1.4 GW.
- Effect – power roughly 3 million UK homes for over 60 years.
- History – GBE‑N bought the site from Hitachi for £160 million in early 2024.

5. Technical features
- Each block’s output ≤ one‑third of a conventional nuclear plant.
- Standardised design cuts costs and speeds construction.
- No boric acid in the first loop – reduces chemical load and simplifies environmental regulation.

6. Timeline
- Design starts now, with preparation for regulator engagement.
- Expected commissioning – mid‑2030s for the first three blocks at Wilf.
- Commercial availability of SMRs – about ten years later; widespread adoption expected around 2035.

7. European context
Rolls‑Royce already has SMR commitments in the Czech Republic (partnership with ČEZ, up to 3 GW). This makes it the only company in Europe with multiple real SMR projects.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom has officially begun implementing a small modular reactor project, selecting a proven partner – Rolls‑Royce. Three blocks totalling 1.4 GW are planned for Wilf, delivering clean energy for more than six decades. This decision will strengthen the country’s energy security and pave the way for large‑scale SMR deployment in the UK and across Europe.