Rolls-Royce, United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory and Japan Atomic Energy Agency to co-operate on advanced nuclear technologies

L-R: Masanori Koguchi, President JAEA, Chris Cholerton, Group President Rolls-Royce, Julianne Antrobus, CEO UKNNL.

Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) announces it has signed two trilateral Memorandums of Cooperation with United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) and Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) to accelerate the introduction of advanced nuclear technologies in the UK.

The three parties will cooperate to advance High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) technology and the next generation Coated Particle Fuel (CPF) that powers them. These agreements build upon the existing relationships between Rolls-Royce and UKNNL, and between UKNNL and JAEA.

A formal signing ceremony, to be held on Sunday 14th June at Number 10 Downing Street during the visit of the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, will highlight the parties' collective ambition to accelerate the research and development required for deployment of AMRs and to progress the qualification and manufacture of CPF.

The UK's independent Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce recently identified nuclear technology as being vital to the UK's economic growth, energy security and national defence. This new trilateral relationship will advance the UK's proud history of sovereign nuclear technology capability and demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the UK and Japan's co-operation on clean energy and nuclear technologies.

AMRs can deliver energy resilience and enable decarbonisation across civil, defence and industrial applications. They represent a compact and rapidly deployable nuclear energy solution for off-grid customers who require flexible heat and power that is safe, secure and reliable.

Coated Particle Fuel is a key component in the inherent safety of AMRs; within its core, each particle of uranium is surrounded by protective layers, allowing it to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

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Our two agreements with UKNNL and JAEA are a milestone moment for the UK's nuclear sector. Strengthening existing relationships between our nations and combining our broad nuclear capability, they will enable us to jointly address technical challenges and accelerate the development of Advanced Modular Reactors and their advanced coated particle fuel, to deliver industrial growth, skilled jobs and energy security for our nations."

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It is my great pleasure to strengthen our collaboration with the UK, working with our long-term partner UKNNL, and Rolls-Royce, under this Memorandum of Cooperation. I hope that through our expertise in High Temperature Gas Reactor technologies, this collaboration will lead to their early deployment, a significant step towards net zero."

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I'm delighted that UKNNL has strengthened its partnership with Rolls-Royce and JAEA. This matters because of what it means for the UK and beyond. Advanced nuclear technologies have the potential to deliver clean, safe and reliable energy, stimulating economic growth while supporting the decarbonisation of industries that millions of people work in. Getting these technologies deployed is an economic and social opportunity that the UK is well placed to seize.

"The UK government's Advanced Nuclear Framework exists to give industry a clear route to access the world-class expertise that UKNNL offers. Being contracted by Rolls-Royce to support this vital work is a strong signal that the framework is delivering and that UKNNL is playing its part in bringing the sector together.

"What makes this moment even more significant is its historical resonance. Britain has a proud history, and is a current pioneer, in advanced nuclear technologies. This is a chance to honour that legacy by turning decades of research and international collaboration into real-world deployment."

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We are bringing together crucial expertise through our Advanced Nuclear Framework to deliver a golden age of nuclear and boost our energy security.

"These agreements build on Britain and Japan's proud legacies of leading innovation in nuclear technologies.

"Together with our world-leading laboratories and industry including Rolls-Royce, we will speed up the deployment of clean, secure energy, and place the UK and Japan at the forefront of civil nuclear innovation."

1. Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
2. Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 47 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
3. Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
4. Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
5. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).

https://www.rolls-royce.com

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