First SMR project confirmed for North Wales
North Wales is set for a major economic boost as the Prime Minister has confirmed Wylfa on Anglesey will host the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power plant. The announcement is expected to bring thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds in investment over the next decade, marking a significant moment for the wider region.
CGI of the remodelled Wyla site where 3 small modular nuclear reactors will be developed
The decision means North Wales will lead the way in what has been described as a “golden age” of nuclear. The UK’s first ever small modular nuclear reactors will be delivered by publicly owned Great British Energy Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Rolls-Royce. The project aims to show that the UK can still deliver large scale developments that stand the test of time.
Wylfa’s selection also ends years of uncertainty over new nuclear power for North Wales. Sitting on the North Wales coast, the site has a strong nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s. The first of its kind project is expected to support up to 3,000 quality jobs in the local community at peak construction, supported by billions of pounds of infrastructure investment out to the mid 2030s. The investment of over £2.5 billion adds to the government’s wider support for the North Wales economy, including an Investment Zone for advanced manufacturing, the Anglesey Freeport and key rail upgrades to the North Wales mainline.
Small modular reactors (SMRs), which are quicker to build than some traditional nuclear stations, are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes. They form part of the government’s clean energy superpower mission and are intended to improve the UK’s long term energy security.
The SMRs will be backed by the British public through Great British Energy Nuclear, giving people a direct stake in a technology with major export potential and an important sovereign capability.
The UK is also working closely with the United States on nuclear development. A recent agreement between regulators aims to speed up the approval process for new stations in both countries. This sits alongside commercial deals such as X Energy and Centrica’s plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool.
Eluned Morgan
The news has been welcomed by the Welsh Government. First Minister Eluned Morgan described the combined announcement of new nuclear reactors at Wylfa and a new AI Growth Zone for North Wales as a “double win for Wales”.
She said:
“This is a massive announcement for North Wales, which will create thousands of jobs and have wide ranging benefits for the local economy. Since I became First Minister, I have been pressing the case at every opportunity for Wylfa’s incredible benefits as a site for new nuclear to be realised.
“AI brings with it major opportunities for the Welsh economy which is why having a Growth Zone in North Wales is so critical for our ambitions as a Government. It will help us drive investment in this sector of the future to make sure Wales is right at the forefront of this transformational technology”.
Anglesey Council Leader Councillor Gary Pritchard, added:
“This is an important step forward for new nuclear build on Ynys Môn. If, as we hope, these plans come to fruition – it will mean economic certainty and prosperity for decades to come”.
GBE N will begin activity on the site in 2026. The initial project is for three SMR units, although Great British Energy Nuclear believes the site could eventually host up to eight mini reactors. The ambition is for Wylfa’s small modular reactors to begin supplying power to the grid from the mid 2030s.