Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

• The Tech: A 470MW factory-built reactor consisting of ~1,500 standard modules.

• The Speed: Target assembly window of 500 days vs traditional long-term construction.

• The Cost: Estimated £1.8bn–£2.5bn capital cost, lowering the barrier to entry for investors.

• The Opportunity: High demand for skills from Automotive, Aerospace, Oil & Gas, and FMCG sectors.

It’s an acronym we’re hearing everywhere. In November 2025, the government confirmed that Wylfa on Anglesey (Ynys Môn), North Wales, would be the host site for the first fleet of SMRs.

For us at Millbank, this announcement transforms "SMR" from a buzzword into a tangible project that will shape our industry for decades. But beyond the headlines, we know many of you are asking: what actually is this technology, and how does it fit into the wider UK energy landscape?

Crucially, this isn't about replacing traditional nuclear projects, which remain vital for our national infrastructure. It's about evolution. We are moving towards a diverse energy mix where precision manufacturing sits alongside major civil engineering projects - opening up incredible opportunities for talent from across the engineering spectrum.

What is a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?

SMR stands for Small Modular Reactor. Put simply, it is an advanced nuclear reactor designed to be built in a factory, transported to a site, and installed in modules.

While conventional gigawatt-scale stations like Hinkley Point C provide the massive "backbone" power our grid needs, SMRs offer a flexible, standardised alternative to support them.

• Small: The industry standard for an SMR is under 300MWe. However, the Rolls-Royce SMR optimises this to 470MWe per unit - generating enough power for a city the size of Sheffield (approx. 1 million homes) while fitting under standard road freight envelopes.

• Modular: The reactor is broken down into approximately 1,500 transportable modules. These are fabricated in climate-controlled factories and shipped to the site for Just-in-Time (JIT) assembly.

• Reactor: They utilise proven Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology but employ passive safety systems (gravity and convection), drastically reducing the physical footprint.

SMR vs. Traditional Nuclear: A Dual Approach

For our technical network, it is helpful to see how these technologies complement each other. We are actively recruiting for both, as the UK requires a mix of scale and agility.

Why the Urgency? The Economic & Security Case

The industry is evolving to meet new challenges. The introduction of SMRs addresses three critical needs:

1. Complementary Capabilities: Large-scale projects are essential for long-term stability, but they take time to build. SMRs can be deployed faster, filling the energy gap and offering a more accessible entry point for private investors (approx. £2bn vs £40bn+).

2. Energy Security: Renewables are intermittent. SMRs provide the "firm" baseload power needed to stabilise the grid. With the strike price targeting £60–£75/MWh, SMRs aim to be cost-competitive with other low-carbon sources.

3. Regional Strategy: The "fleet" approach allows multiple units (up to 8 at Wylfa) to be deployed incrementally. This generates revenue sooner - as soon as the first unit is online - rather than waiting for the entire site to complete.

"This landmark investment proves Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time... We will take a big step forward in meeting our ambition to create a network of small modular reactors across the UK."

• Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

The UK Landscape: Wylfa and Beyond

The government’s Great British Nuclear (GBN) body is driving the ambition for 24GW of nuclear capacity by 2050.

• Wylfa (Anglesey): Selected as the primary site. It offers stable geology and existing grid connections.

• Oldbury (South Gloucestershire): Purchased by GBN for future waves of deployment.

• Trawsfynydd (North Wales): Earmarked as a potential "AI Growth Zone", where advanced reactors could directly power data centres.

Career Opportunities: We’re Here to Help You Transition

This is where we can support you best.

The "Powering the Future" report identifies 145 future capabilities needed for SMRs. While nuclear experience is always valuable, the shift to manufacturing means your skills from other high-hazard or high-precision industries are now in high demand.

Transferable Skills: Who is in Demand?

• Automotive & Aerospace: Experience with standardisation, traceability, and Design for Manufacture (DfMA) is critical. The SMR build philosophy is closer to an assembly line than a construction site.

• Oil, Gas & Petrochemical: If you work in process safety or high-hazard environments, your understanding of rigorous compliance and fluid systems is directly transferable to the nuclear safety case.

• FMCG & Logistics: With modules arriving Just-in-Time, experts in complex supply chains and logistics are vital to ensure the 500-day assembly schedule holds firm.

• Digital & Tech: SMRs will be "born digital," requiring Digital Twin Architects and Cyber Security Specialists to manage fleet operations remotely.

Summary: Ready to Discuss Your Future?

The SMR revolution represents a 100-year commitment to clean energy. With Rolls-Royce SMR predicting 40,000 regional jobs by 2050, the opportunities are immense across both traditional projects and the new SMR fleet.

Whether you are a seasoned nuclear veteran, or a specialist from another sector looking to pivot, we’re here to offer expert guidance on your next step.

Speak to a Specialist Consultant