Rolls-Royce SMR has moved to deepen its collaboration with Swedish nuclear technology firm Studsvik AB through a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), marking a step forward in the broader SMR rollout strategy. The agreement is intended to reinforce Rolls-Royce SMR’s European supply chain as the company advances its projects across the UK, the Nordics, and Central Europe, while also expanding the scope of engagement between the two organisations.
Under the terms of the MOU, the companies will explore cooperation across a range of technical domains linked to the SMR rollout, including fuel qualification and testing, plant life management, hot cell technology, core design and operational modelling, as well as regulatory licensing support. The arrangement allows Rolls-Royce SMR to assess Studsvik’s facilities and technical capabilities, while identifying areas where these services can support the deployment of its ‘factory-built’ NPPs. Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, said: This agreement expands our relationship with Studsvik and strengthens our European supply chain, bringing together worldclass expertise to support the rollout of Rolls-Royce SMR technology. Studsvik’s long-standing capabilities in nuclear services make them an ideal partner as we accelerate towards deploying our SMRs across global markets.
Studsvik President & CEO Karl Thedéen also pointed to the timing of the agreement as aligned with increasing momentum in nuclear investment. He said: Governments and customers around the world have taken decisions on important investments in nuclear power, creating long-term opportunities. We are convinced that working closer together, both organisations will benefit from the acceleration of Rolls-Royce SMR business activities in the Nordics, UK and Europe, supporting stable, clean, and reliable energy. The Rolls-Royce SMR design features a three loop PWR delivering 470 MWe derived from 1,358 MWt, built around modularisation principles that prioritise factory-based assembly using standardised components alongside advanced manufacturing techniques.
Progress on deployment continues following the outcome of a multi-year competition managed by Great British Nuclear (now Great British Energy – Nuclear), where Rolls-Royce was selected as the primary technology partner and preferred bidder in June 2025, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) anticipated in 2029. The UK Government identified Wylfa on the island of Anglesey, North Wales, in November 2025 as the site for three Rolls-Royce SMRs, with potential expansion to eight units. In parallel, the company has been selected by Czech utility ČEZ to deliver up to 3 GWe of new nuclear capacity in the Czech Republic and remains among the final two contenders in Vattenfall’s technology selection process in Sweden for potential SMR construction at the Ringhals NPP site. Studsvik continues to support the global nuclear sector with specialised services spanning fuel and materials testing, plant life-extension, and operational efficiency, backed by more than 75 years of experience in nuclear technology and radiological services.