Rolls-Royce SMR has selected Amentum as a programme delivery partner for the first deployments of its small modular reactor (SMR) technology in the UK and the Czech Republic.

Under a new collaborative agreement between the two firms, Amentum will take on a delivery role covering integration, oversight and governance, as well as construction management and execution of SMR deployment.

The announcement comes as the UK continues to push for new nuclear capacity as part of its wider decarbonisation plans, with

small modular reactors pitched as a potentially faster-to-deliver alternative to traditional large-scale projects

. Rolls-Royce SMR says its UK programme could deliver up to 1.5GW of low-carbon energy to the grid.

Amentum said it will “immediately work on ensuring successful delivery” of the first projects in both markets, drawing on its nuclear lifecycle experience to support integrated planning and programme execution.

“The Amentum Rolls-Royce SMR collaboration advances the deployment of this transformational technology, a critical enabler in strengthening energy security in the UK and continental Europe,” said John Heller, CEO of Amentum.

“Amentum brings its industry-leading expertise as a project delivery partner for complex energy infrastructure to the forefront of small modular reactor deployment, ushering in the next generation of clean, reliable energy.”

For Rolls-Royce SMR, the partnership is being positioned as part of the company’s route to scaling deployment across multiple markets, with the firm referencing future ambitions beyond the UK and Czech Republic.

“By working with Amentum, an established and experienced global nuclear leader, we are combining our skills to build a powerful team that will enable successful delivery on our order commitments in multiple markets,” said Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive Chris Cholerton.

“We have secured a world-leading partner that is fully invested in our success. This partnership plays directly to our strengths – ours in advanced manufacturing and engineering, and theirs in program and construction excellence. It is a truly synergistic relationship that strengthens our overall offering.”

While Rolls-Royce SMR remains responsible for the reactor technology itself, the programme delivery partner appointment means the firm is gearing up to move from design and development into delivery. Those watching this closely, however, shouldn’t get their hopes up – as the company’s first deployment in the UK is still not expected to be live until the mid-2030s.

Amentum’s role will include programme integration and governance, and the practicalities of construction management and execution. In other words, it is being tasked with helping ensure the first units are delivered on time and on budget – a challenge that has consistently plagued major nuclear projects across Europe.

The company is not approaching this cold. Amentum said it has been involved in the Rolls-Royce SMR supply chain effort for years, noting it was part of a consortium that began working with Rolls-Royce back in 2016 to develop a modular power station concept.

Amentum will also be supported by a group of supply chain partners in the delivery role, including Turner & Townsend, Hochtief, Mace Consult and Unipart.

“Amentum will support the deployment of a fleet of Rolls-Royce SMRs, contributing to our growth and our plan to create new jobs in the UK over the next four years,” said Loren Jones, SVP and Head of Amentum’s Energy and Environment-International business.

“Amentum’s deep nuclear expertise and robust supplier network are ideal to support growing energy requirements and drive long-term industrial growth.”

Ruth Todd CBE, Rolls-Royce SMR’s operations and supply chain director,framed the partnership as a way to supplement existing in-house capability, particularly as the firm looks at multiple geographies.

“Partnering with Amentum to successfully deliver the Rolls-Royce SMR program is an important moment for us,” concluded Ruth Todd CBE, Operations and Supply Chain Director at Rolls-Royce SMR.