- The UK government has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) for the UK
- The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is a key partner in helping Rolls-Royce SMR develop a factory-manufactured nuclear power station
- Subject to final government approvals and contract signature, the British company said the project will create thousands of jobs, boost the supply chain and create growth for the economy
The University of Sheffield 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 University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is , using its research expertise to create an advanced manufacturing process for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) modules, incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies.
The (10 June 2025) 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.
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 (GBN) 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”.
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.
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.”
The University of Sheffield leads research and innovation across the energy mix – including in nuclear manufacturing, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and sustainable aviation fuels – to address the global climate crisis and support the UK's transition to Net Zero.
In addition to the AMRC, the University is also home to leading translational research facilities that work with industry to develop new low and zero-carbon technologies.
Its Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) — a strategic merging of the and — is a world-leading research and development hub providing equipment and expertise for academics and industry partners. The EIC’s on-site cluster of pilot-scale facilities are among the largest and most advanced in Europe, including over 30 permanent rigs and a state-of-the-art fuel testing laboratory.
Find out more about the University’s clean energy research and innovation.
The UK Clean Energy Summit 2025
On 11-12 September 2025, the University of Sheffield and its AMRC will host at Magna in Rotherham, delivered with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
Through keynote speeches by political leaders and industry heavyweights, and interactive workshops and panel discussions with pioneering businesses and academics, the summit will explore the key challenges and opportunities to unlock real growth and achieve ongoing sustainability. It will also examine the role that UK regions, including those in the North, can play in supporting the clean energy transition.
