The Rise of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Production in the UK: A Game Changer for Nuclear Energy and Job Opportunities

The UK is witnessing a transformative shift in its nuclear energy sector, with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at the forefront of this evolution.

As the nation pushes toward its ambitious goal of 24 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2050, SMRs are set to play a critical role alongside traditional large-scale power plants.

The establishment of the Great British Nuclear (GBN) arm-length body, aimed at supporting the growth of nuclear energy, has further accelerated the development of SMRs.

This increase in SMR production not only heralds a cleaner, more efficient energy future but also opens up a host of new opportunities in manufacturing, construction, engineering, and recruitment.

Dan Don, Head of Nuclear recruitment at Astute People, shares his thoughts on the latest developments and SMR recruitment.

What is an SMR?

A Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is a compact version of a traditional nuclear reactor, designed for efficient, flexible deployment.

Unlike large reactors, which require extensive on-site construction, SMRs are factory-built and then transported to their designated site.

This modularity brings several advantages, including faster build times, reduced costs, and the ability to scale power output by adding additional modules as needed.

SMRs can generate up to 300 MW of electricity per unit, making them ideal for regions with limited space or specific energy demands.

They are also versatile, suitable for use in both remote locations and densely populated urban areas.

This versatility, along with the ability to incorporate advanced safety features and lower upfront capital investment, makes SMRs an attractive solution for modern energy challenges.

As the global energy transition accelerates, the nuclear sector is placing significant bets on SMRs as a cornerstone of future energy production.

The UK’s Commitment to SMRs

The UK’s energy strategy heavily emphasizes the importance of nuclear power in reaching its 2050 net-zero targets.

As part of this strategy, SMRs are emerging as a key component to meet increasing electricity demand in an environmentally responsible way.

The UK government’s commitment to growing nuclear capacity to 24 GW by 2050 represents a mix of traditional nuclear plants and innovative SMR technology.

In 2023, GBN began the selection process for SMR technology, signalling the UK’s intent to become a leader in this space.

A recent milestone in this journey is the naming of Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred supplier for SMR technology in the Czech Republic.

The Rolls-Royce SMR technology, already in development for UK deployment, was chosen after a rigorous evaluation process by Czech State utility ČEZ Group, further strengthening Rolls-Royce’s position as a leader in European SMR deployment.

Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, welcomed the announcement, stating, “This important strategic partnership further strengthens Rolls-Royce SMR’s position as Europe’s leading SMR technology, and will put CEZ, Rolls-Royce SMR and its existing shareholders at the forefront of SMR deployment.”

This recognition not only reinforces the global demand for Rolls-Royce SMR technology but also highlights the increasing interest in SMRs as a solution to decarbonise energy production while supporting job creation.

Job Opportunities in the SMR Sector

The expansion of SMR production in the UK will undoubtedly lead to a surge in job opportunities across several sectors.

The nuclear energy industry is already a key player in the UK’s economy, supporting thousands of skilled jobs in engineering, construction, manufacturing, and project management.

With the increased focus on SMRs, this demand is expected to rise dramatically.

Engineering and Design

SMR projects require a wide range of engineering expertise, from mechanical and electrical engineers to nuclear and safety specialists.

The compact, modular nature of SMRs means that they must be designed with precision and efficiency in mind, which will create roles for skilled engineers in design, system integration, and regulatory compliance.

Construction and Commissioning

SMRs, while smaller than traditional reactors, still require complex infrastructure to be built and commissioned.

This includes both the nuclear site itself and the manufacturing facilities where SMR components will be fabricated.

Civil engineers, project managers, and commissioning specialists will play a crucial role in bringing these projects to fruition.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Given that SMRs are constructed in modular sections in factories, the manufacturing sector will see significant job growth.

Factories capable of producing high-tech nuclear components, from pressure vessels to control systems, will need a skilled workforce, ranging from welders to quality assurance technicians.

This will also boost the supply chain for raw materials, parts, and logistics, providing a ripple effect of job creation across multiple industries.

Operations and Maintenance

Once SMRs are operational, the need for experienced nuclear operators and maintenance teams will be critical to ensure their long-term performance and safety.

Jobs in this area will include control room operators, maintenance engineers, and safety inspectors, all of whom will be essential to the smooth operation of SMR plants.

Research and Development

With SMR technology still in its relative infancy, there is ample room for innovation.

Research and development roles will be vital in advancing SMR efficiency, improving safety features, and reducing costs.

Universities and private companies alike will need nuclear physicists, software developers, and material scientists to push the boundaries of what SMRs can achieve.

The Global Impact of Rolls-Royce SMR

Rolls-Royce SMR’s recent success in securing a preferred supplier agreement with Czechia underscores the growing international demand for UK-based nuclear technology.

This partnership will result in the construction of SMRs that are expected to contribute significantly to Czechia’s energy mix, reducing their reliance on imported energy and supporting their decarbonisation efforts.

As one of the few SMR providers to pass a stringent evaluation process, Rolls-Royce is solidifying its status as a leader in the nuclear energy sector.

The development of this strategic partnership between Rolls-Royce and ČEZ Group will not only bring about economic benefits to the UK, through exports and international collaboration, but it will also open up opportunities for UK-based workers to participate in the global SMR supply chain.

The Future of SMRs and Recruitment

As the UK moves toward its 2050 net-zero goals, the development of SMRs is becoming an essential part of the energy landscape.

The recent recognition of Rolls-Royce SMR as a leading provider in Europe only strengthens the case for SMR deployment across the UK and beyond.

With the increase in SMR production, there will be a corresponding rise in job opportunities across various sectors, from engineering and construction to operations and research.

For those in the nuclear energy field, or those considering entering it, now is the time to seize the opportunities that SMR projects present.

Whether you’re an engineer looking to design the next generation of reactors or a project manager ready to oversee the construction of cutting-edge facilities, the future of SMR production offers exciting prospects for career growth and innovation.

At Astute People, we specialise in placing top talent within the energy sector, particularly in nuclear recruitment.

As SMR production ramps up, we’re here to support both candidates and companies in navigating this exciting new chapter of the nuclear industry.