ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce SMR to explore a strategic collaboration aimed at scaling the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and accelerating the delivery of reliable, low-carbon electricity.
The agreement brings together ABB’s expertise in automation, electrification, instrumentation and communications with Rolls-Royce SMR’s standardized, factory-built nuclear technology, as the companies target opportunities across a planned global fleet of reactors.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR unit is designed to generate 470 MW of low-carbon electricity — enough to power one million UK homes for 60 years. Under the MoU, ABB will assess how solutions across its three business areas can support the rollout and scaling of the projects.
“Rolls-Royce SMR is transforming the way nuclear projects are delivered, to give greater cost and schedule certainty with a standardized, factory-built approach,” said Stacy O'Brien, Head of Procurement Enterprise at Rolls-Royce SMR.
“ABB has a long and impressive record of delivering automation and electrification solutions to energy infrastructure projects and this agreement brings an opportunity to consider how we can further strengthen our delivery team.”
Rolls-Royce SMR has already begun site-specific design and delivery activities for the UK’s first SMRs, initially planned as three units in North Wales. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs while strengthening local supply chains.
The company is also advancing plans with ČEZ to deploy Rolls-Royce SMRs at Temelín, with potential additional units at Tušimice and Dětmarovice. In Sweden, Rolls-Royce SMR was recently selected by Videberg Kraft to deliver three reactors on the Värö Peninsula.
The new ABB partnership will be developed through the company’s UK operations, headquartered in Warrington. ABB employs around 110,000 people globally, including operations in Sweden and the Czech Republic.
The agreement comes as governments and energy companies look to nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand while cutting carbon emissions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) says SMRs could become a catalyst for change if supported by governments and new business models. Under current policy settings, the agency forecasts global SMR capacity could reach 40 GW by 2050. With stronger policy support for nuclear power, streamlined SMR regulations and successful delivery of new reactor designs, that figure could rise to 120 GW.
“We are delighted to explore how we can work with Rolls-Royce SMR on its efforts to develop a global fleet of SMRs that can help expand reliable and affordable baseload power capacity to meet an increasing demand for low-carbon energy,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division.
"Collaboration is also key – no single company or country alone can deliver the scale of energy expansion and energy transformation required to meet future demand. Partnerships along the energy value chain are instrumental for accelerating the commercialization of modern, advanced nuclear technologies.”
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