The government has announced that publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear will build three small modular reactors (SMRs) at Wylfa. Subject to final contract, Rolls-Royce will be the supplier.
Great British Energy-Nuclear will start activity on the site in 2026. The initial project will be for three SMR units, but the site could potentially host up to eight mini reactors. The ambition is for Wylfa鈥檚 small modular reactors to be supplying power to the grid from the mid-2030s.
The 拢2.5bn project is expected to support up to 3,000 good jobs in the local community at peak construction.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said: 鈥淏ritain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind. Today, that changes. We鈥檙e using all the tools in our armoury 鈥� cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth 鈥� to deliver the country鈥檚 first SMR in North Wales.鈥�
Simon Bowen, chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added: 鈥淭hese first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK鈥檚 energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.鈥�
Chris Cholerton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: 鈥淲e are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today鈥檚 announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.
鈥淲e will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery.鈥�
The US government had rather been hoping that Westinghouse was going to get the gig to build a larger reactor at Wylfa and expressed disappointment that that the UK government preferred a UK to a US contractor
Warren Stephens, US ambassador to the UK, said: 鈥淲e are extremely disappointed by this decision, not least because there are cheaper, faster, and already-approved options to provide clean, safe energy at this same location.
鈥淚f you want to get shovels in the ground as soon as possible and take a big step in addressing energy prices and availability, there is a different path, and we look forward to decisions soon on large-scale nuclear projects.
鈥淎s I have repeatedly said, we want the UK to be the strongest possible ally to the United States, and high energy costs are an impediment to that.鈥�
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