Small modular reactors aim to speed up construction of new nuclear generation. These could be used to support intermittent renewables like wind and solar, keeping supply constant during a dunkelflaute or dark doldrums,聽with potential for direct connections to heavy energy users.
In November 2025, GBE-N confirmed plans to build three reactors at Wylfa in Ynys M么n/Anglesey, Wales, using technology from Rolls-Royce. The overall project will receive 拢2.5bn in funding from the UK government. This January, US engineers Amentum were selected to lead the delivery programme, supported by Turner & Townsend, Hochtief, Mace Consult and Unipart.
Today, Arup announced it would be providing early-phase foundation engineerting and design support for the project. Project partners include master planners LDA Design, safety experts T脺V S脺D Nuclear Technologies, and Gleeds, who will be focusing on cost engineering in the early phases of site and infrastructure development work.
Simon Roddy, chief executive of GBE-N, said, 鈥淒elivering a safe, high-quality, and integrated site-specific design for the UK鈥檚 first SMR requires strong collaboration, innovation and precise technical decision making with our technology and foundation engineering partners. I welcome Arup and their project partners to this landmark nuclear project alongside GBE-N and our preferred technology partner bidder Rolls-Royce SMR.鈥�
Arup nuclear business lead Jeremy Stain, said, 鈥淭he project represents the first of the UK鈥檚 anticipated fleet of small modular reactors and aligns with the UK鈥檚 energy policy, supporting the need for all available technologies to address carbon reduction and energy security challenges, with nuclear as a vital part of the energy mix. We are delighted to contribute Arup鈥檚 multidisciplinary engineering skills and local knowledge to this landmark nuclear project.鈥�
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