Rolls-Royce Is Leading Europe’s Small Nuclear Reactor Race
Rolls-Royce, traditionally known for aviation, is making significant strides in the energy sector, particularly in nuclear power. The company has been selected as the United Kingdom’s preferred bidder to develop the country’s first small modular reactors (SMRs). This move signals a potential fast-track to new nuclear capabilities within the U.K. And exploration of innovative energy solutions, including power generation in space.
Government Backing and Project Details
In June, the U.K. Government announced its selection of Rolls-Royce SMR to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) for SMR development, committing almost $3.3 billion in public investment. Further plans were unveiled in November for a first-of-its-kind nuclear power station on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, with construction slated to begin in 2026 and power generation anticipated by the mid-2030s. The project will be built on the site of the decommissioned Wylfa nuclear plant, which closed in 2015.
Rolls-Royce’s SMR design is notable for its modularity, allowing for factory construction and on-site assembly, potentially accelerating deployment compared to traditional nuclear reactors. The U.K. Is positioned to be the first European country to commercially deploy this technology.
Expanding European Reach and Supply Chains
A spokesperson from GBE-N stated in January that the project will provide opportunities for British companies to participate in a wider international supply chain, demonstrating their capabilities across the U.K., Europe, and beyond. Rolls-Royce is collaborating with Canada’s BWX Technologies (BWXT) on the SMR design and will procure steam generators from the firm. BWXT has also committed to supporting manufacturing and related activities in the U.K., Czech Republic, and other European countries.
International Partnerships
Rolls-Royce has already established partnerships to expand its SMR technology beyond the U.K. In 2025, an agreement was signed with CEZ, Czechia’s largest public company, to develop 3 GW of SMR power in Czechia. A strategic partnership with Skoda JS was also formed in August to explore component manufacturing for a global fleet of SMRs. An agreement was signed with Hungary last year to explore expanding the country’s nuclear power capacity with SMR technology.
Beyond Earth: Nuclear Power in Space
Rolls-Royce’s ambitions extend beyond terrestrial applications. The company aims to send a nuclear micro-reactor to the lunar surface by the early 2030s. Unlike SMRs, micro-reactors provide a lower power output, between 1 and 10 MW, and are designed for easier transport. In July 2024, Rolls-Royce secured funding from the U.K. Space Agency to support the development of this space nuclear power technology, collaborating with the University of Oxford and Bangor University.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected timeline for the first power generation from the Welsh SMR project?
First power generation from the SMR project on the Isle of Anglesey is expected by the mid-2030s.
Which company is Rolls-Royce collaborating with on the design of its first SMR?
Rolls-Royce is collaborating with Canada’s BWX Technologies (BWXT) on the design of its first SMR.
What is the power output range of a nuclear micro-reactor compared to an SMR?
A micro-reactor provides a much lower power output of between 1 and 10 MW, while an SMR, like the one Rolls-Royce is developing, is a 470-MW pressurised water reactor.
As Rolls-Royce progresses with its SMR and micro-reactor projects, will this signal a broader shift in global energy strategies and the role of nuclear power in addressing climate change?