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Written question asked by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 February 2026. It was answered by Lord Vallance of Balham (Labour) on Thursday, 26 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Small Modular Reactors

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what weight is being given to social value and regional economic growth as part of the small modular nuclear reactors programme.

Answer

Great British Energy-Nuclear's (GBE-N) SMR competition evaluated bids across technical, commercial, and social value criteria, though any specific commitments would remain subject to final government approvals and GBE-N entering into contract with Rolls-Royce SMR.

GBE-N's ambition is for 70% British built products across a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) fleet, including both on-site and off-site activity.

The government wants UK supply chains to develop world-leading expertise across a range of civil nuclear activities and be competitive both domestically and internationally.

To achieve this, we will continue to engage with industry to address barriers to entry in the nuclear sector so that UK companies are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities created.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14631
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Small modular reactors
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk