Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) has signed a contract with Rolls‑Royce SMR, formally starting 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 £2.6bn 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 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.

In addition, it has been announced that the National Wealth Fund is committing up to £599m to Rolls-Royce SMR to support the development of its small modular reactors.

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.”

Chris Cholerton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, added: “This contract unlocks the delivery of our first three units and brings certainty to the UK SMR programme. With plans for up to six further units in Czechia, this announcement makes Rolls-Royce SMR the only company with multiple commitments in Europe.

“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, and we are excited by the opportunity and are focused on successful delivery.”

SMRs represent a new generation of nuclear power, delivering proven technology through standardised, modular, factory‑built components. This approach reduces delivery risk, shortens construction timelines and minimises local environmental disruption. The three-unit project will generate at least 1.4GWe, supplying enough stable, clean electricity to power the equivalent of around three million of today’s homes for more than 60 years.