Wedoany.com Report on Feb 7th, The UK's nuclear energy industry has recently shown positive development momentum. With the construction progress of the two large reactors at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and the acceleration of small modular reactor plans, this sector is ushering in new development opportunities.

In November 2025, UK Energy-Nuclear announced the selection of Rolls-Royce as the preferred bidder to build the first batch of small modular reactors. Rolls-Royce SMR plans to deploy three 470-megawatt reactors at Wylfa in North Wales, with each expected to become operational by the mid-2030s. The project has received £2.5 billion in government funding and is anticipated to create around 3,000 jobs.

The Rolls-Royce SMR utilizes pressurized water reactor technology and incorporates innovative design. Its boron-free primary circuit system reduces water usage and hazardous waste. The modular construction method enables approximately 70% of components to be manufactured and tested in factories, facilitating standardization and large-scale deployment.

Tom Greatrex, CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association, stated: "There is strong global interest in small modular reactor technology, and the UK taking the lead in building the Rolls-Royce units will provide a demonstration for future opportunities." He noted that this technology is not only suitable for grid power supply but can also provide energy solutions for data centers, hydrogen production, and other fields.

In addition to Rolls-Royce, several companies are also exploring small modular reactor projects in the UK. X-Energy, in partnership with Centrica, plans to deploy advanced modular reactors at Hartlepool; Holtec is collaborating with EDF and others to provide energy for data centers; Last Energy plans to build micro-reactors at the London Gateway facility.

Greatrex believes that the simultaneous advancement of multiple nuclear power projects is bringing confidence for supply chain investment and innovation. The industry is attracting professional expertise from sectors like oil and gas to jointly address development challenges.

The development of small modular reactors in the UK marks a new practical phase for the nuclear energy sector. Through technological innovation and international cooperation, it is expected to provide support for the energy transition and economic growth.