ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce SMR to explore collaboration opportunities for the development of small modular reactor (SMR) projects aimed at delivering reliable, low-carbon electricity across global markets.

Under the agreement, ABB will assess how its automation, electrification, instrumentation and communication solutions can support Rolls-Royce SMR’s plans to develop a fleet of standardised reactor units. Each SMR unit is designed to generate 470 MW of low-carbon electricity and could provide power to around one million UK homes for 60 years.

Rolls-Royce SMR has started site-specific design and delivery activities for the UK’s first SMRs, initially planned as three units in North Wales. The projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen local supply chains. The company is also progressing SMR deployment plans with ?EZ in the Czech Republic and Videberg Kraft in Sweden.

The collaboration will be developed through ABB’s UK operations, headquartered in Warrington. ABB will explore opportunities to contribute its expertise across energy automation and electrification systems to support the expansion of advanced nuclear technologies.

Stacy O'Brien, Head of Procurement Enterprise at Rolls-Royce SMR, said the partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen delivery capabilities through ABB’s experience in automation and electrification solutions for energy infrastructure projects.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), SMRs could play a significant role in expanding low-carbon energy capacity. The agency estimates global SMR capacity could reach 40 GW by 2050 under current policy conditions, with potential to increase to 120 GW through supportive policies, streamlined regulations and successful deployment of new designs.

Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, said collaboration across the energy value chain will be essential to accelerate the commercialisation of advanced nuclear technologies and meet growing demand for reliable, affordable clean energy.

Rolls-Royce SMR technology is based on a pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, incorporating multiple safety, redundancy and backup systems. The reactor technology builds on established nuclear operating principles while supporting the development of scalable and efficient low-carbon power generation.