Great British Energy SMR project has reached another major delivery milestone after Great British Energy – Nuclear appointed the Litmus Nuclear joint venture to oversee engineering assurance for the UK’s first small modular reactor development. The contract, valued at £360 million (about $487 million), strengthens project governance while preparing the Wylfa development in North Wales for construction, licensing and future investment decisions. The appointment also reinforces the government’s strategy to accelerate low-carbon infrastructure through standardized nuclear construction.
The latest award places the Amentum and Cavendish Nuclear joint venture in the Owner’s Engineer role. Consequently, the team will provide independent technical oversight throughout planning, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning activities. The long-term framework supports delivery over several project phases while ensuring compliance with the UK’s strict nuclear regulations.
The project forms part of the UK’s wider nuclear expansion program. Moreover, it follows the government’s selection of the Wylfa site and Rolls-Royce SMR technology for the country’s first fleet of small modular reactors. The program aims to strengthen energy security while creating a repeatable construction model for future nuclear developments.
Great British Energy SMR Project strengthens construction readiness
The Owner’s Engineer appointment marks an important transition from technology selection toward delivery preparation. Therefore, the joint venture will verify designs, review engineering decisions and monitor project execution independently.
Its responsibilities include design assurance, nuclear safety reviews, constructability assessments and commissioning support. In addition, the team will advise Great British Energy – Nuclear throughout regulatory approvals and procurement activities.
The framework extends for up to 14 years. As a result, the engineering team will remain involved throughout major delivery stages until commercial operation.
Project leaders expect the appointment to improve program certainty. Furthermore, independent technical oversight should reduce construction risks before major civil works begin.
The Wylfa project remains the UK’s flagship small modular reactor development. Therefore, lessons learned there could guide additional reactor deployments across the country.
Government officials have already awarded several complementary engineering contracts. These include environmental services, permitting, and foundation engineering and design support packages. Together, they establish the technical foundation before large-scale construction begins.
Great British Energy SMR Project supports long-term nuclear construction
The UK selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred reactor technology during 2025. Subsequently, Great British Energy – Nuclear signed the technology delivery agreement in April 2026.
That agreement initiated detailed design activities, regulatory engagement and site-specific engineering. It also established milestones leading toward a final investment decision later this decade.
Construction planning focuses on modular manufacturing methods. Consequently, factory-built reactor components should reduce onsite construction time while improving quality control.
Standardized reactor designs could also lower future project costs. Additionally, repeated construction techniques may shorten delivery schedules across subsequent sites.
Industry leaders view the latest engineering appointment as another signal that the UK intends to rebuild its nuclear construction capability.
The program also supports wider economic objectives. Once construction accelerates, thousands of skilled jobs are expected across engineering, manufacturing and specialist construction disciplines. Supply chain participation should also expand across multiple regions.
Great British Energy SMR Project prepares for delivery milestones
Although major construction has not yet started, enabling activities continue across engineering and regulatory work streams.
The Owner’s Engineer will coordinate technical reviews while maintaining independent oversight throughout project development. Consequently, Great British Energy – Nuclear can make informed decisions before committing to full construction.
Meanwhile, additional consultants continue environmental investigations, site assessments and foundation studies supporting the future build program. These activities reduce technical uncertainty before heavy construction begins.
The project demonstrates how early engineering investment strengthens complex infrastructure delivery. Rather than waiting for construction, the program prioritizes technical assurance from the outset.
If future milestones proceed as planned, Wylfa could become the first location hosting the UK’s new generation of small modular reactors. Success there would establish a template for future nuclear construction projects nationwide.
The project also builds on lessons from the UK’s existing nuclear construction program at Hinkley Point C. Experience gained through modular construction, engineering assurance and complex project delivery continues to shape the country’s next generation of reactor developments. Similar approaches to construction planning and technical oversight are expected to improve efficiency as future SMR projects advance.
Also read: $406M UK Nuclear SMR Engineering Deal: Amentum-Led Joint Venture Secures Landmark Contract
Also read: Wylfa Nuclear Power Plant: UK SMR Deployment Progresses
Project fact sheet
Project: Great British Energy SMR Project
Location: Wylfa, Anglesey, North Wales, United Kingdom
Project value: £360 million (approximately $487 million)
Contract duration: Up to 14 years
Project type: Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear development
Current stage: Engineering assurance and pre-construction delivery
Owner’s Engineer contract: Independent engineering, safety and construction assurance
Primary objective: Support development of the UK’s first SMR program
Preferred reactor technology: Rolls-Royce SMR
Construction focus: Modular nuclear infrastructure and standardized reactor deployment
Key services: Design assurance, licensing support, engineering review, construction oversight, commissioning support and regulatory compliance
Expected outcome: Enable final investment decision and future reactor construction while supporting UK energy security
Project team
Project owner: Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N)
Owner’s Engineer: Litmus Nuclear joint venture
Joint venture partners: Amentum and Cavendish Nuclear
Reactor technology provider: Rolls-Royce SMR
Environmental services: WSP
Environmental permitting: Mott MacDonald
Foundation engineering lead: Arup
Supporting engineering partners:
Host site: Wylfa, Anglesey, North Wales
Program objective: Deliver the UK’s first commercial small modular reactor project through phased engineering, regulatory approval and construction delivery.
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