UK Bets on Rolls-Royce For Its First Small Modular Nuclear Reactors With £2.5B Pledge
The UK government has selected Rolls‑Royce Holdings PLC to lead its first wave of small modular reactor (SMR) development. After a two-year competition, Rolls‑Royce emerged ahead of other shortlisted firms like GE‑Hitachi and Holtec.
The chosen consortium—a mix of public and private investors—secured £210 million in government support alongside £280 million of its own funding. This financing will help build three SMRs with a combined output of about 1.5 gigawatts, enough to power around 1.5 million homes. So, why this move toward SMRs?
What Makes SMRs Different and Strategic
Small modular reactors offer several advantages compared to traditional nuclear plants. They are compact and factory-built. This design cuts costs, speeds up construction, and limits delays. These issues often affect large reactors, like Hinkley Point C.
Most SMRs provide under 300 megawatts, but Rolls-Royce’s design offers 470 MW. This makes it big for an SMR, but still much smaller than 3.2 GW projects like Sizewell C.
However, several challenges remain. SMRs have never been built at commercial scale in the UK or elsewhere. Their projected cost—£2.5 billion for the first 470 MW unit—may fall to £2 billion for later versions.
Still, industry analysts caution that real costs could shift depending on interest rates and supply-chain capacity. Moreover, regulatory approvals in the UK could take around four and a half years.
UK Nuclear Investment Strategy: Large and Small
The SMR decision comes alongside major investment in traditional nuclear power. The UK has committed an additional £14.2 billion to build Sizewell C, bringing total public funds to £17.8 billion. Once completed, the 3.2 GW Sizewell C plant could power 6 million homes and create about 10,000 construction jobs at its peak.
Together, these projects signal a broad shift in UK energy policy. The government will provide £2.5 billion for SMRs over three years. It will also support Sizewell C and ongoing nuclear innovations, like fusion research.
Officials see nuclear power as vital. It helps cut gas imports, reduce carbon emissions, and keep energy costs steady in a shifting world.
Building Britain’s Nuclear Future
Rolls‑Royce aims to proceed to commercial agreements with Great British Nuclear later this year and to choose at least three sites by the end of 2025. The goal is for the first SMR units to connect to the grid in the mid‑2030s.
If successful, these reactors will boost the impact of Hinkley Point C, which is set to come online soon. They will also support the future Sizewell C project. This will mark the biggest nuclear energy expansion in the UK in fifty years.
A successful rollout can help the UK reach its climate goals. It could also stabilize power prices and create new high-skill jobs at home. But much depends on managing costs, avoiding delays, securing public support, and completing the regulatory process.
If Rolls‑Royce builds SMRs on time and to target cost, it might spark a “golden age” of nuclear in the UK—and open export markets around the world.
Beyond energy supply, the project aims to spark a UK-based manufacturing industry. Rolls‑Royce plans to build a factory for SMR components, backed by investors like Czech utility ČEZ, Constellation in the US, and the Qatar Investment Authority.
By partnering internationally, Rolls‑Royce positions itself to export SMR systems to countries like the Czech Republic and Sweden.
Industry Reactions and Global Footprint
Industry leaders broadly welcomed the SMR award to Rolls‑Royce. CEO Chris Cholerton remarked:
“As well as delivering affordable, clean energy to support our nation’s energy independence – deploying three of our units will drive domestic growth by creating thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs and supply chain opportunities. We are the only SMR company with multiple commitments to build projects in Europe, testament to our differentiated design and compelling offer”.
Rolls‑Royce also highlighted that up to 70% of the SMR supply chain could be based in the UK, supporting thousands of jobs. International interest follows suit. The selected design has already been chosen in the Czech Republic and is under consideration in Sweden.
In the global energy race, the US, for instance, allocated $900 million toward SMR development.
Still, the SMRs face scrutiny. Experts point out that these reactors, while smaller, are not cheap and come with the same safety hurdles as larger nuclear plants. Potential sites must undergo new environmental and planning approval processes, and rules may be relaxed to support this programme.
2030 and Beyond: The Global Nuclear Market Heats Up
Global nuclear power is set for major growth as countries seek cleaner and more secure energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that nuclear power capacity was 416 gigawatts (GW) in 2023. The agency expects it to grow to 647 GW by 2050 if current policies remain in place. In stronger climate action scenarios, capacity could exceed 1,000 GW.
Small modular reactors will likely be key in this growth. Their size is compact, they are built in factories, and they offer flexibility. SMR capacity might rise from nearly zero today to 40 GW if trends continue. With quicker cost cuts and more investment, it could reach 190 GW by 2050.
China leads global SMR deployment, with 40–50 GW expected by 2050. North America may reach 30 GW, with growing demand from data centers. Europe is projected to host 15 GW, while other regions like India and Southeast Asia also show interest.
In terms of financing, total global investment in nuclear could reach $2.9 trillion by 2050, with SMRs accounting for $670 billion or more. Big tech companies like Amazon and Google are already backing SMR projects.
Success relies on three key factors: cutting costs, speeding up approvals, and gaining public trust. These steps are essential to transform current plans into widespread nuclear deployment in the coming decades.
Investing in the Nuclear Revival: 3 Stocks to Watch
With all the attention and hype around SMRs, investor interest in nuclear energy is rising, with several SMR-related stocks rallying and gaining momentum. Oklo Inc. (NASDAQ: OKLO), recently public via a SPAC backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, surged over 100% after listing in May 2025. The company is developing compact fast reactors aimed at powering data centers and remote sites.
Also, Cameco Corporation (NASDAQ: CCJ) is one of the world’s largest providers of uranium fuel, essential for generating safe, reliable, and carbon-free nuclear power globally. The company has top-grade uranium reserves and runs low-cost mines mainly in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. This includes McArthur River, the world’s largest high-grade uranium mine.
Another standout is Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG), the largest U.S. nuclear operator, which is investing in advanced nuclear technologies, including SMRs for commercial clients like Microsoft.
These companies gain from strong policy support and rising electricity demand. Nuclear stocks are catching the eye of investors. As governments and tech companies search for clean energy, these stocks offer potential for long-term growth.
The UK’s commitment to SMRs, combined with large reactor projects, could position it among key global players. With predicted growth to over 1,000 GW by 2050, 190 GW of SMR capacity, nuclear power appears set for a comeback. Yet, turn-key success hinges on fast action, clear policies, and managing cost risks. If it succeeds, we may be entering a new nuclear age.
- FURTHER READING: Trump’s New EOs Revive Nuclear: Fast Reactors, Big Promises, and a Race Against Time
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