The University of Sheffield AMRC has welcomed news that Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected as the preferred bidder to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear to develop small modular reactors for the UK.

The announcement from the government today (June 10) confirmed Rolls-Royce as the selected technology for the UK’s next generation of nuclear power stations, subject to final government approvals and contract signature, which the British company says will create thousands of jobs, boost the supply chain and create growth for the economy.

The AMRC is a key partner in helping Rolls-Royce SMR develop a factory-manufactured nuclear power station, using its research expertise to create an advanced manufacturing process for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) modules, incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies.

Ben Morgan, interim chief executive officer at the University of Sheffield AMRC, said: “We're absolutely delighted that our friends at Rolls-Royce SMR have been selected for Great British Energy – Nuclear. This is a truly fantastic outcome, representing a powerful signal to the world that our nation is committed to a clean, secure energy future and shows global investors that Britain is building and providing a massive opportunity for manufacturers and for those seeking high-skilled jobs.

“The AMRC, which is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, has been actively working with Rolls-Royce SMR for many years to solve the complex manufacturing challenges central to their SMR design.

“Rolls-Royce SMR’s selection is a brilliant illustration of how strategic innovation, collaborative research and a shared vision can not only accelerate technological development but also unlock monumental industrial opportunities for the UK. The AMRC is proud to be at the heart of this industrial renaissance with Rolls-Royce SMR.”

The new era for nuclear energy in the UK comes after a two-year selection  process in which Great British Energy - Nuclear assessed leading technologies from around the world. Rolls-Royce SMR is now progressing through the final stage of the assessment by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators – further ahead than any other SMR technology.

Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive, Chris Cholerton, said: “This is a day to celebrate a milestone achievement. This success is testament to our incredible team which has developed a world-leading technology and worked tirelessly over the last two years to ensure we could provide a winning tender to GBN.

“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 SMR has already been selected by leading European utility, ČEZ, to deliver up to three gigawatts of electricity in the Czech Republic. Further success at home will support success in a range of international markets - including potentially in Sweden, where Rolls-Royce SMR is in the final two SMRs in their technology selection process.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “The UK is back where it belongs, taking the lead in the technologies of tomorrow with Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred partner for this journey.

“We’re backing Britain with Great British Energy - Nuclear’s ambition to ensure 70 per cent of supply chain products are British built, delivering our Plan for Change through more jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets.”

As part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy to revive Britain’s industrial heartlands, the government is pledging over £2.5 billion for the overall small modular reactor programme in this Spending Review period – with this project potentially supporting up to 3,000 new skilled jobs and powering the equivalent of around three million homes with clean, secure homegrown energy.

The biggest nuclear rollout for a generation will support the clean power mission – boosting energy security and protecting families’ finances. Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to sign contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR later this year and will form a development company.

Great British Energy - Nuclear will also aim to allocate a site later this year and connect projects to the grid in the mid-2030s. Once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with the new station at Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “We are ending the no-nuclear status quo as part of our Plan for Change and are entering a golden age of nuclear with the biggest building programme in a generation. 

“Great British Energy - Nuclear has run a rigorous competition and will now work with the preferred bidder Rolls-Royce SMR to build the country’s first ever small modular reactors – creating thousands of jobs and growing our regional economies while strengthening our energy security.”