Advanced nuclear technology: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs)
Cavendish Nuclear, part of Babcock, is supporting the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in the UK and internationally.
We combine decades of nuclear experience with practical delivery expertise to help bring next-generation reactor technologies from concept to operation. Working alongside developers, government and industry partners, we enable safe, scalable and commercially viable solutions that will play a key role in future energy systems.
At a glance
- Supporting modular reactor deployment through integrated engineering, technical advisory, and programme delivery capability across the full lifecycle, from concept development to operational readiness
- Appointed Owner’s Engineer for the UK SMR programme through the Litmus Nuclear joint venture, providing independent oversight, technical assurance, and delivery confidence for a first-of-a-kind nuclear programme
- Extensive expertise in Generic Design Assessment (GDA) and regulatory engagement, enabling efficient navigation of UK nuclear licensing requirements and alignment with global regulatory frameworks
- Nuclear-grade manufacturing capability, underpinned by Babcock’s naval nuclear heritage, supporting the production of high-integrity, safety-critical components within highly regulated environments
- Proven application of advanced manufacturing techniques to the fabrication of critical SMR and AMR components, including reactor pressure vessels, containment systems, and complex process plant modules
- Driving scalable, modular construction through precision manufacturing, digital integration, and factory-based assembly, improving quality, reducing cost and schedule risk, and enabling repeatable fleet deployment
Delivering Modular Reactor Programmes
Cavendish Nuclear plays a key role in advancing modular reactor deployment through a portfolio of programmes and partnerships.
Through the Litmus Nuclear joint venture, we have been appointed Owner’s Engineer to Great British Energy – Nuclear. In this role, we provide independent technical assurance and expert advice across delivery, safety, engineering/technical, construction and commissioning, helping to enable the safe and timely deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR technology.
We support reactor vendors and developers in navigating the UK regulatory landscape, drawing on proven capability in Generic Design Assessment (GDA). This ensures designs are robust, licensable and ready for deployment.
Our work also spans advanced reactor technologies. We support X-energy’s Xe-100 AMR deployment plans by delivering constructability and manufacturing assessments, supporting their UK design development and regulatory engagements, as well as their spent fuel strategy development and evaluation of UK supply chain capability. This work is helping mature the design and reduce delivery risk.
Cavendish Nuclear has a strong heritage in radioactive waste management. We develop end-to-end waste and fuel strategies, including disposability assessments, lifecycle modelling and transport planning, ensuring solutions are safe, compliant and deliverable in practice.
Overall, a key differentiator is our operational capability and experience. We are the Original Equipment Manufacturer for the UK’s Advanced Gas Reactors fuel route and have extensive operational experience managing licensed sites across the UK. It’s the practical and operational experience that we can bring to bear during the design development stage for modular reactor developers and vendors which can add real value.
Babcock is working with Lloyd’s Register in the UK Maritime Nuclear Consortium, combining Babcock’s nuclear engineering and construction expertise with Lloyd’s Register’s leadership in safety and certification to support advanced modular reactor deployment, capabilities transferable to civil SMR and AMR programmes.
Enabling the future of SMRs and AMRs
Cavendish Nuclear is positioned at the forefront of the emerging modular reactor market, supporting programmes from early-stage development through to long-term operations.
We work with developers and government to inform technology selection, regulatory strategy and delivery models. By engaging early, we help shape successful programmes and enable more efficient deployment.
A core focus is nuclear-grade manufacturing to support scalable, fleet-based deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). Drawing on Babcock’s heritage in naval nuclear propulsion and submarine programmes, we bring proven expertise in the manufacture of high-integrity, safety-critical components to the most demanding nuclear quality standards and regulatory requirements.
This capability is directly applicable to the production of critical reactor systems, including reactor pressure vessels, containment structures, and complex process plant modules. Our approach emphasises precision manufacturing, robust quality assurance, and full lifecycle traceability, ensuring compliance with stringent nuclear codes while delivering repeatable, high-quality outputs.
By applying advanced manufacturing techniques such as modularisation, digital integration, and controlled factory environments, we enable the efficient fabrication, assembly and integration of these components. This enhances quality, reduces programme risk, shortens schedules, and supports cost-effective deployment at scale.
Working closely with Babcock, we combine deep nuclear engineering expertise with world-class manufacturing capability. Together, we are enabling the development of a resilient UK nuclear supply chain, capable of delivering nuclear-grade components for SMR and AMR programmes and supporting their deployment both domestically and globally.
Powering future energy systems
Modular reactors will play a critical role in future energy systems. They offer reliable, low-carbon power to strengthen energy security and support resilient infrastructure.
They also provide flexible solutions for energy-intensive sectors, including industrial applications, digital infrastructure and defence.
Through our combined capabilities, Cavendish Nuclear and Babcock are helping to turn advanced reactor technologies into practical, deployment-ready solutions, supporting a more secure, flexible and sustainable energy future.