Cavendish Nuclear Wins SMR Role

Cavendish Nuclear has secured a key role in the development of the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors, marking an important step forward in the country’s nuclear energy ambitions.

Cavendish Nuclear, a wholly owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group, has been selected as part of a joint venture with Amentum to act as Owner’s Engineer for Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N). The contract, valued at up to £300 million over 14 years, will support the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR technology at the Wylfa site in North Wales.

Operating under the ‘Litmus Nuclear’ joint venture, the partners will provide independent assurance and technical expertise across design, safety, engineering, construction, and commissioning. Their role is central to advancing the project towards a final investment decision.

“We’re delighted to be awarded this landmark Owner’s Engineer role,” said Mick Gornall, Managing Director of Cavendish Nuclear. “The skills, experience and knowledge of our colleagues will bring assurance to the UK’s first-of-a-kind SMR programme and create opportunities for long-term, meaningful careers.”

The Wylfa project forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to deploy a fleet of small modular reactors, each with a planned capacity of 470MWe. These reactors are designed to be quicker to build than traditional nuclear power plants while delivering reliable, low-carbon energy.

Simon Roddy, CEO of GBE-N, added: “Their expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the project progresses with pace and determination.”

Selected in 2025 as the UK’s first SMR site, Wylfa is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening energy security and supporting the transition to cleaner power generation.