Rolls-Royce SMR has been chosen as the preferred bidder to collaborate with Great British Energy – Nuclear on development of small modular reactors in the UK. This is waiting for final government approvals and contract signatures.
The decision follows a two-year competition to select the nuclear technology for deployment in the UK. The UK government has pledged £2.5 billion for the overall SMR programme in the current spending period.
Great British Energy plans to decide on a site for the first SMR later this year, with the plant to be connected to the grid in the mid-2030s.
Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, said that the work with Great British Energy will involve three units deployed. He added that, with a previous contract to build a plant in the Czech Republic, it is: “The only SMR company with multiple commitments to build projects in Europe.”