Rolls-Royce Starts Reactor Plant Expansion for UK, Australian Nuclear Submarines

Rolls-Royce Submarines has begun construction on a major expansion of its Raynesway facility in Derby, England, to boost nuclear reactor production for British and Australian undersea warfare programs.

The groundbreaking marks the start of a broader plan to double the size of the site with more than 100,000 square meters (1 million square feet) of new manufacturing and office space.

The company specified that the initiative will directly support the Astute and Dreadnought submarines of the Royal Navy, as well as the future SSN-AUKUS fleet under the Royal Australian Navy.

The ceremony included UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker, Rolls-Royce Submarines President Abi Clayton, and Royal Navy Cdre. Alistair Moody, director for nuclear propulsion at the UK’s Submarine Delivery Group.

‘Clear Demonstration’ of Commitment

Rolls-Royce announced the expansion in 2023 as part of efforts to meet growing demand from the UK and Australian navies under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership between Canberra, London, and Washington.

The company employs more than 5,500 people and expects the expansion to add 1,170 skilled positions in engineering, manufacturing, and related fields.

It currently handles design and assembly work for nuclear reactors powering each British navy submarine and is now serving as a primary supplier for Australia’s SSN-AUKUS boats.

“The expansion of the Rolls-Royce site is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent,” Coaker commented on the Derby milestone.

Rolls-Royce’s Clayton added that the infrastructure project “will unlock much-needed manufacturing capacity” to deliver the platforms “safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.”