Wylfa on Anglesey has been confirmed as the site for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station — a move hailed as the most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation.
The project, announced by the UK Government, will see the “mini” nuclear reactors built by publicly-owned Great British Energy – Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Rolls-Royce SMR.
The mini nuclear reactors are smaller and quicker to build than some traditional nuclear power stations.
The first-of-its-kind project is expected to support up to 3,000 jobs in the local community at peak construction and generate enough power for the equivalent of three million homes. The development is backed by billions of pounds of infrastructure investment extending into the mid-2030s.
Located on the Anglesey coastline, Wylfa has a rich nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s, when the original power station first began operation.
Today’s announcement has been described as the most “significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation” and the start of a ‘golden age’ of nuclear.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that “years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind.”
He said: “Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth – to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales.
“This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the project as a key step in creating a new generation of clean energy.
He said: “A generation of young people across North Wales will benefit from the good jobs, homes across Britain will get clean power and we will take a big step forward in meeting our ambition to create a network of small modular reactors across the UK.
“This is the Government’s clean energy mission in action – driving for energy sovereignty and abundance to take back control of our energy.”
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy–Nuclear, said: “Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and these first small modular reactors will build on that legacy. This project will create high-quality jobs, strengthen UK energy independence, and deliver long-term investment for North Wales.”
Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, added: “Today’s announcement marks the start of a new chapter for British nuclear innovation. We’re proud to work with Great British Energy–Nuclear to deliver clean, reliable power while creating opportunities for skilled workers in Anglesey and beyond.”
Activity on the site will start in 2026. The initial project will be for three SMR units, but Great British Energy-Nuclear estimate that the site could potentially host up to eight mini reactors.
The ambition is for Wylfa’s small modular reactors to be supplying power to the grid from the mid-2030s.
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan welcomed the decision, describing it as “the moment Ynys Môn and the whole of Wales has been waiting for.”
She added: “New nuclear is a step into the future, with secure jobs and secure energy guaranteed for the next generation.”
Plaid Cymru politicians have welcomed today’s announcement but called for firm commitments to ensure Ynys Môn communities enjoy long-term benefits of investment
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS described the announcement as “significant for people on Ynys Môn and across Wales.”
Ynys Môn MS, Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Today’s announcement is significant for people on Ynys Môn and across Wales. It reflects years of hard work by both the Plaid Cymru-led Anglesey County Council and Llinos Medi – both as the current MP and former council leader.
“Since I was elected over twelve years ago, the future of the Wylfa site has remained a live issue on Ynys Môn.
“Whilst we’ve learnt from past experience that we need assurances now that this plan will actually be delivered, there’s no doubt that there’s a real opportunity here that we have to take advantage of.
Rhun ap Iorwerth has also called for clear assurance that the project would be completed and emphasised the need to ensure that the voices of local people are represented throughout the process.
MP for Ynys Môn, Llinos Medi added: “After years of uncertainty, this announcement could finally unlock Wylfa’s potential and bring the long-term, high-quality jobs and investment our communities deserve.
““Since being elected MP for Ynys Môn, and previously as leader of the council, I have worked with local businesses, local experts, and the local authority to make the case for Wylfa – meeting with UK Government ministers, Great British Energy-Nuclear, and industry leaders to highlight the site’s unique strengths and the depth of local support.
“This progress is the result of years of partnership across Ynys Môn.”
Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and the Environment, Janet Finch-Saunders MS described the announcement as a “fantastic opportunity” that will “create well-paid, high-skilled jobs and deliver cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy for our communities.”
A Reform UK Wales spokesperson added: “This announcement is long overdue and, if the political will had been there, we could have been well on our way to generating nuclear power from Wylfa by now.
“With energy costs soaring and unemployment rising in Wales, we should be taking a lead on nuclear power, not dawdling as we have done now for many years.”
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