Rolls-Royce SMR announces shortlist for first factory

This is the first of three factories, with construction set to commence once Rolls-Royce SMR receives approval to build a fleet of SMRs.

The locations of the final shortlisted sites are Sunderland, Richmond in North Yorkshire, Deeside in Wales, Ferrybridge in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Carlisle. The shortlist was picked from over 100 submissions from Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and development agencies.

In a statement, Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive, Tom Samson, said: “I would like to thank everyone who sent in a submission suggesting locations in their region for the first Rolls-Royce SMR factory. The response was fantastic and shows the ambition and appetite of the UK to build and operate a fleet of SMRs which will provide affordable, low-carbon electricity for generations to come.

“The final location will come from the shortlist and will result in significant investment, long-term high-skilled jobs and will support the UK government’s aspirations for levelling-up. Today’s announcement is another example of the pace of our project and why Rolls-Royce SMR is the UK’s domestic nuclear energy champion.”