SMRs and Sizewell offer new nuclear jobs boost

Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected as the preferred bidder to build small modular nuclear reactors in the UK.

The company has been selected to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear to develop small modular reactors, subject to final government approvals and contract signature.

At least £2.5bln has been promised for the overall small modular reactor programme in this Spending Review period – with this project potentially supporting up to 3,000 new skilled jobs.

Contracts should be signed this year and a site allocated in the same timeframe. Government claims that once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with the new station at Hinkley Point C, it will deliver more nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century.

Rolls-Royce SMR is progressing through the final stage of assessment by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators.

Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce, says, ‘This is a very significant milestone for our business and Rolls-Royce SMR. It is a vote of confidence in our unique nuclear capabilities, which will be recognised by governments around the world.’

In addition, the government has announced a £14.2bln investment to build Sizewell C, which will help create 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships.