UK Rolls-Royce SMR Signs Memorandum of Understanding with ABB on Small Modular Reactors

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 8, 2026, ABB and Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (Rolls-Royce SMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on small modular reactor projects. Under the memorandum, ABB will study how its automation, electrification, instrumentation, and communications solutions can be applied to the scaled deployment of related projects.

Rolls-Royce SMR is developing standardized, factory-prefabricated small modular reactor technology, aiming to reduce risks in nuclear power projects, improve delivery certainty, and provide low-carbon electricity in global markets. The company plans to develop a fleet of units, each with a power output of 470 megawatts, capable of meeting the electricity needs of one million UK homes for 60 years.

Currently, Rolls-Royce SMR has commenced site design and delivery work for the UK's first small modular reactor units, with the first three units planned for construction in North Wales. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and drive the development of the local supply chain.

Outside the UK, Rolls-Royce SMR is also collaborating with Czech utility ČEZ to advance the deployment of small modular reactors at the Temelín nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic, with potential for additional units at Tušimice and Dětmarovice. Recently, the company was also selected by Sweden's Videberg Kraft to deliver three small modular reactors on the Värö Peninsula in Sweden.

Work under this memorandum will be advanced through ABB's operations in Warrington, UK. ABB employs approximately 110,000 people globally and has business operations in Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Stacey O'Brien, Head of Corporate Procurement at Rolls-Royce SMR, stated that Rolls-Royce SMR is transforming the nuclear project delivery model through standardization and factory prefabrication, improving cost and schedule controllability. ABB has long-standing experience in automation and electrification solutions for energy infrastructure projects, and this agreement provides an opportunity for both parties to explore strengthening delivery team capabilities.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) believes that if government support and new business models can drive the development of small modular reactors, such technology has the potential to become a significant driver of nuclear energy growth. Under current policy frameworks, the IEA projects that global small modular reactor installed capacity will reach 40 gigawatts by 2050; with more targeted policy support for nuclear power, streamlined regulatory processes for small modular reactors, and industry delivery of new designs, installed capacity could reach 120 gigawatts.

Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB's Energy Industries Division, stated that ABB looks forward to exploring collaboration with Rolls-Royce SMR to support the development of its global small modular reactor fleet and expand the supply of reliable, affordable baseload power to meet growing low-carbon energy demand. He noted that collaboration across the energy value chain plays a crucial role in accelerating the commercialization of modern advanced nuclear technologies.

Rolls-Royce SMR units use pressurized water reactor technology, which has been applied in hundreds of nuclear reactors worldwide. The company's design features a symmetrical three-loop, close-coupled configuration, and the plant design incorporates multiple layers of safety, redundancy, and backup systems to meet nuclear safety, security, and safeguards requirements.