ABB Ltd. (SWX: ABBN) (OTCMKTS: ABBNY) has signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce SMR to explore technology collaboration on factory-built nuclear reactors.
Released on Tuesday, the memorandum of understanding covers automation, electrification, instrumentation and communications systems for Rolls-Royce SMR projects. Additionally, ABB will examine how its technology could support the planned deployment of multiple standardized reactors.
The companies will develop the collaboration through ABB’s UK operations, which are headquartered in Warrington. Rolls-Royce SMR aims to build reactors largely in factories before transporting modules to nuclear sites for assembly.
Stacy O’Brien, Rolls-Royce SMR’s head of procurement enterprise, said the company wants greater certainty over nuclear construction costs and schedules. Additionally, she said ABB’s experience with energy infrastructure could strengthen the reactor developer’s delivery capabilities.
ABB Energy Industries President Per Erik Holsten said partnerships could help accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology. He also said rising electricity demand requires expanded access to reliable, affordable and low-carbon power.
The Rolls-Royce SMR uses a 470-megawatt electric pressurized water reactor design. The company says each unit could supply enough electricity for approximately one million UK homes for 60 years.
Furthermore, Rolls-Royce SMR plans to manufacture approximately 90 per cent of each reactor under controlled factory conditions. Each major reactor module will measure approximately 16 metres by four metres.
Workers would primarily assemble prefabricated and pre-tested modules after they arrive at the project site. Consequently, the approach could reduce construction risks and shorten schedules compared with conventional nuclear projects.
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The UK government selected Rolls-Royce SMR for its program
Rolls-Royce SMR has already secured several opportunities to deploy the technology in Europe. Meanwhile, Czech utility ČEZ Group selected the reactor developer in October 2024 for a potential 3-gigawatt program.
ČEZ also acquired a 20 per cent stake in Rolls-Royce SMR as part of the arrangement. The companies plan to deploy their first Czech reactor near the existing Temelín nuclear power station.
Further projects could eventually replace coal-fired generating capacity at locations including Tušimice. Additionally, Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ have started early licensing, permitting and site-specific design work.
The UK government selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred technology for Britain’s first small modular reactor program in June 2025. A final investment decision is expected in 2029.
Subsequently, the government selected Wylfa on Anglesey in North Wales to host the country’s first three Rolls-Royce SMRs. The former nuclear power site could eventually accommodate as many as eight units.
Rolls-Royce SMR also signed a contract with Great British Energy-Nuclear in April for site-specific design and delivery activities. The work will prepare Wylfa for Britain’s initial reactor deployments.
ABB has separately pursued partnerships with other developers seeking to commercialize smaller nuclear reactor designs. In addition, the Swiss engineering company has worked with Swedish nuclear technology developer Blykalla since 2024.
The companies initially explored ABB technology for Blykalla’s SEALER-E lead-cooled reactor prototype. Their work includes automation, electrification, digital systems and cybersecurity frameworks designed for nuclear safety requirements.
ABB and Blykalla subsequently expanded their collaboration to examine lead-cooled reactors for maritime applications. The companies also signed a joint development agreement in May to advance their partnership further.
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