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

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 MoU, 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 aimed at reducing nuclear project risks, improving delivery certainty, and providing low-carbon electricity in global markets. The company plans to develop a fleet of units, each with an electrical output of 470 megawatts, capable of meeting the electricity needs of one million UK households for 60 years.

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

Beyond 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. More recently, the company was selected by Swedish utility Videberg Kraft to deliver three small modular reactors on the Värö Peninsula in Sweden.

The work under this MoU 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 nuclear project delivery 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 ways to strengthen 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 technologies have the potential to become an important 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-driven 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 electricity to meet growing low-carbon energy demand. He noted that collaboration across the energy value chain plays a critical role in accelerating the commercialization of modern advanced nuclear technologies.

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