![[rr-smr-logo.ddc34dce.webp|300]] Website: [rolls-royce-smr.com](https://www.rolls-royce-smr.com/) ### Introduction Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd, established in 2021, is a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Holdings focused on developing small modular reactors (SMRs) to provide low-carbon, affordable nuclear energy. Headquartered in Derby, United Kingdom, the company operates as a private entity under the broader Rolls-Royce Group, which is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol RR.L. While specific employee counts for the SMR division are not publicly disclosed, Rolls-Royce Holdings employs over 40,000 people globally, with a significant portion likely supporting the SMR initiative through engineering and technical roles. The mission of Rolls-Royce SMR is to design and deploy factory-built nuclear power plants that can deliver clean, scalable energy solutions to meet global decarbonization goals. The company aims to address energy security and climate challenges by offering a more cost-effective and faster-to-deploy alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear plants. With backing from both government and private investors, Rolls-Royce SMR is positioning itself as a leader in the emerging SMR market, targeting deployment in the UK and international markets by the early 2030s [Rolls-Royce SMR](https://www.rolls-royce-smr.com/). ### Key Products and Technology - **Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) - Nuclear Fission Reactor** - **Technical Specifications**: The Rolls-Royce SMR is designed to generate 470 MWe of low-carbon electricity, equivalent to powering approximately 1 million homes or replacing more than 150 onshore wind turbines. It is a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with a projected operational lifespan of at least 60 years. - **Fuel Type**: Utilizes low-enriched uranium, consistent with conventional nuclear reactor designs. - **Key Differentiators**: The SMR is factory-built, allowing for modular assembly and reduced on-site construction time and costs compared to traditional nuclear plants. Its compact design enables deployment on smaller sites, including former industrial or coal plant locations. Safety features include passive cooling systems and a focus on standardized components to enhance reliability. - **Development Stage**: The design is in the advanced regulatory review phase, having completed Step 2 of the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA) as of July 2024. The first units are expected to be operational in the early 2030s. - **Target Customers**: Primarily utilities and national grids for baseload power, with potential applications for industrial clusters, data centers, and government energy security programs [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rolls-royce-small-modular-reactor-design-completes-second-step-of-regulatory-assessment). ### Regulatory and Licensing Status Rolls-Royce SMR is progressing through the UK’s rigorous nuclear regulatory framework. The company’s 470 MWe SMR design has completed Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process as of July 30, 2024, a critical milestone in validating the safety and feasibility of the reactor design. The GDA, conducted by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency, is a multi-step process to ensure compliance with UK safety and environmental standards. Step 3, the final detailed assessment, is ongoing, with completion expected in the coming years. Additionally, in October 2025, the Nuclear Industry Association submitted an application for a regulatory justification decision on the Rolls-Royce SMR, seeking public consultation on its deployment [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/rolls-royce-small-modular-reactor-justification-application). The estimated timeline for first commercial deployment remains the early 2030s, contingent on final regulatory approvals, site licensing, and construction timelines. No specific licensing applications have been noted in other jurisdictions like the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), though international interest suggests future regulatory engagements may occur. ### Team and Leadership - **Helena Perry** - CEO: Helena Perry leads Rolls-Royce SMR with a background in engineering and project management within the nuclear and energy sectors. She oversees strategic development and deployment of the SMR program. - **Tom Samson** - Former CEO (until 2023): Previously led the company during its early growth and funding phases, with extensive experience in nuclear energy projects. - Specific CTO or technical lead details are not widely publicized in recent sources, reflecting a focus on corporate rather than individual technical leadership in public communications. Social media handles for executives are not verified or prominently available for inclusion. ### Funding and Financial Position Rolls-Royce SMR has secured significant funding to support its development. In November 2021, the UK government committed £210 million to advance the SMR design, matched by £195 million in private investment from Rolls-Royce Group, BNF Resources UK Limited, and [[Exelon Generation]] Limited, totaling over £400 million in early-stage funding. Additional government support includes £18 million from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund in 2019 for initial design work [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_SMR). As a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Holdings (publicly traded as RR.L), specific financials for the SMR division are not separately reported. Rolls-Royce Holdings has a market cap of approximately £12 billion as of late 2025, with stock performance showing growth driven by broader aerospace recovery and energy sector interest (exact figures vary by day). The SMR program remains pre-revenue, with no commercial contracts operational yet, though government backing and site selection in the UK signal strong future revenue potential. Key backers include the UK government and strategic investors like [[Exelon Generation]], which brings nuclear operational expertise. ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |---------------|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Dec 19, 2025 | Interest in Sweden’s Nuclear Market | Rolls-Royce SMR expressed intent to develop Sweden’s first new nuclear plant in 40 years, highlighting competitive design cost management [Montel News via X](https://x.com/montelnews). | | Nov 13, 2025 | UK Site Confirmation for SMRs | Anglesey, North Wales (Wylfa site), confirmed as the location for the UK’s first SMRs, with potential for thousands of jobs [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/north-wales-to-pioneer-uks-first-small-modular-reactors). | | Nov 13, 2025 | US Reaction to UK SMR Selection | US Ambassador expressed disappointment over Rolls-Royce selection for UK SMRs, suggesting alternative partnerships [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/13/us-disappointed-that-rolls-royce-will-build-uks-first-small-modular-reactors). | | Oct 6, 2025 | Regulatory Justification Application | Nuclear Industry Association applied for regulatory justification of Rolls-Royce SMR, opening public consultation [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/rolls-royce-small-modular-reactor-justification-application). | | Jun 10, 2025 | Preferred Bidder Status | Rolls-Royce SMR selected as preferred bidder to build the UK’s first small modular reactors, targeting operation by the 2030s [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rolls-royce-smr-selected-to-build-small-modular-nuclear-reactors). | ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **UK Government / Great British Nuclear (GBN)**: Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as the preferred bidder for the UK’s SMR program in June 2025, with a focus on deploying reactors at sites like Wylfa in North Wales. This partnership provides funding, regulatory support, and a clear path to market [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rolls-royce-smr-selected-to-build-small-modular-nuclear-reactors). - **BNF Resources UK Limited and Exelon Generation Limited**: Strategic investors since 2021, contributing £195 million alongside government funding. Exelon brings operational nuclear expertise, enhancing deployment credibility. - **Czech Republic (Potential Export)**: Discussions for exporting six SMRs to the Czech Republic are noted in public sentiment on platforms like X, though no formal agreements are confirmed in official sources [Posts on X](https://x.com/TotherChris/status/1967882160397746416). ### New Hampshire Relevance Rolls-Royce SMR’s technology could have potential relevance for [[New Hampshire]], particularly given the state’s existing nuclear infrastructure at [[Seabrook Station]] and integration within the ISO New England (ISO-NE) grid. The 470 MWe output of each SMR aligns well with mid-sized grid demands, offering a baseload power solution to complement renewable energy sources in the region. Proximity to Seabrook could facilitate knowledge transfer and regulatory familiarity, though the SMR’s current focus is on UK-specific designs and regulations, which may require adaptation for US NRC standards. The technology readiness level, with deployment targeted for the early 2030s in the UK, suggests a longer timeline for potential NH deployment, likely post-2035 after US regulatory approvals. New Hampshire’s legislative initiatives, such as HB 710 which explores advanced nuclear options, align with SMR adoption for grid stability and decarbonization. Applications could include powering data centers (a growing load in the Northeast), industrial heat for manufacturing, or replacing aging fossil fuel plants. No direct NH connections or expressed interest in the Northeast US are documented, but the broader US market interest in SMRs (noted in posts on X) suggests future opportunities if regulatory and commercial barriers are addressed. ### Competitive Position Rolls-Royce SMR competes with other SMR developers like [[NuScale Power]], [[[[GE Vernova Gas Power|[[GE Verno]]va Hitachi Nuclear Energy]]|GE-Hitachi]] (BWRX-300), and [[[[Westinghouse Electric Company]]|Westinghouse]] (AP300). [[NuScale Power|NuScale]], already progressing through US NRC certification with a 50 MWe per module design, holds a first-mover advantage in the US market but faces cost overrun concerns. GE-Hitachi’s BWRX-300 (300 MWe) offers a boiling water reactor alternative with strong industry backing, competing on scalability. Rolls-Royce’s advantage lies in its factory-built modular approach and strong UK government support, potentially lowering deployment costs, though its later timeline (2030s) and UK-centric focus pose risks in international markets like the US where regulatory harmonization is needed. ### Closing Note Rolls-Royce SMR is at an advanced design and regulatory stage, with a promising trajectory to deliver affordable nuclear energy by the early 2030s, supported by substantial funding and strategic UK government partnerships. *Report generated December 24, 2025*