Reeves says mini nuclear reactor deal ‘more important than ever’

• The UK government has signed a deal with Rolls-Royce to develop the nation's first small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
• The agreement, announced by government-owned Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N), will see work begin immediately on creating three SMRs.
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the deal is "more important than ever" amidst the Middle East crisis, aiming to boost energy sovereignty and reduce reliance on volatile global fossil fuel prices.
• These SMRs are projected to generate enough low-carbon electricity to power approximately three million homes by the mid-2030s and support around 3,000 jobs during construction.
• The National Wealth Fund plans to invest up to £599 million to support the design stages of the SMRs, marking a significant push for new nuclear capacity after decades of underinvestment.

IN FULL

Reeves hands Rolls-Royce £600m to develop UK’s first mini nuclear reactors