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In a major push to bolster its submarine capabilities, Britain is doubling down on its commitment to designing, building, and supporting reactors for the Royal Navy’s submarines. Rolls-Royce, the UK’s leading nuclear engineering firm, is at the forefront of this endeavor, with plans to expand its Raynesway facility in Derby, Derbyshire.
The expansion, which is expected to cover over 100,000 square meters of new factory and office space, is set to create 1,170 new skilled roles, in addition to the existing workforce of 5,500 employees. This significant investment is part of a broader effort by the UK government to establish Derby as a major hub for nuclear engineering and manufacturing.
The financial backing for this project is substantial, with the UK government committing £9 billion to the Unity contract with Rolls-Royce. Australia has also pledged £2.4 billion over 10 years to support the UK’s submarine industry, while an additional £310 million has been allocated for long-lead propulsion items. Furthermore, the UK government has set aside £6 billion in this parliamentary term to enhance capacity in Barrow and Derby.
As well as expanding its factory facilities, Rolls-Royce is also investing in its workforce through the establishment of a Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby. This academy will provide training for up to 200 apprentices per year, with 800 students currently enrolled. By cultivating a skilled and talented workforce, the UK aims to ensure that it has the necessary expertise to design, build, and support the next generation of submarine reactors.
The significance of this expansion cannot be overstated. The UK is committed to supporting the design, build, and operation of four new Dreadnought ballistic submarines, as well as up to 12 SSN-AUKUS boats for the UK Royal Navy and up to eight SSN-AUKUS boats for the Australian Navy. Furthermore, the first reactor cores for the UK’s SSN-AUKUS boats have already begun manufacturing, with a UK defense minister reporting the successful manufacture of the fifth reactor core.
This level of investment and commitment reflects the UK’s determination to maintain its position as a leading player in the fields of nuclear engineering and submarine technology. By supporting the next generation of submarine reactors, the UK aims to ensure that its fleet remains operationally effective and technologically advanced well into the 2040s and beyond.