Engine-maker CEO hails ‘critical milestone’ for company in race to deliver SMR technology built at Wylfa plant on Anglesey

Wylfa – SMR

Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE‑N) has signed a contract with
Rolls‑Royce SMR, formally commencing 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 £2.6 billion 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 intensively 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. The current
conflict in the Middle East is yet another reminder that the only route to
energy security and sovereignty for the UK is to end dependence on fossil
fuel markets, and accelerate the transition to clean, homegrown power.
GBE-N has already awarded over £350 million in contracts across the supply
chain this year, including some of the UK’s leading companies. The
National Wealth Fund is committing up to £599m to Rolls-Royce SMR to
support the development of its small modular reactors. By supporting
British nuclear technology, the Fund is playing a critical role in
increasing investor confidence, enabling export and helping to crowd in
additional private capital to fund the development of this new technology
here in the UK.

 GBE – Nuclear 13th April 2026 

 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/great-british-energy-nuclear-and-rolls-royce-smr-sign-contract