The site of the decommissioned Wylfa nuclear power plant has been chosen as the location for the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMR). Wylfa is on the coast of Ynys Môn (Anglesey) and will initially host three SMR units. It is already home to two Magnox AGRs which are being decommissioned. The Rolls-Royce SMR design has a nominal output of 470 MWe, almost as much as the original Wylfa reactors. An investment of more than £2.5bn (US$3.3bn) to develop the units will be administered by the UK government’s nuclear delivery body Great British Energy-Nuclear.
The decision follows the June announcement that Rolls-Royce SMR had won the competition to become the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first small modular reactors. This is subject to final government approvals and contract signature, which is expected later this year. The Wylfa SMR development will reportedly support an average of almost 8,000 jobs during the construction phase.
In a statement Rolls-Royce SMR said that developing a deep and collaborative relationship with the surrounding communities will be the first priority.
Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.” He added: “This is a tremendous opportunity not just for North Wales but for the whole country, as we establish an enduring supply chain that will enable our fleet deployment in the UK and a large export programme, starting in Czechia.” Rolls-Royce SMR and the ČEZ utility agreed last year to partner on SMRs with ČEZ acquiring a 20% stake.
Earlier this year the government also announced a revision of planning rules to allow new nuclear projects, including SMRs to be built more easily.
Commenting, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Britain 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’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 also 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.
Great British Energy-Nuclear also owns the Oldbury nuclear site in Gloucestershire which the government said also has potential for new nuclear, including the potential to support privately-led projects being developed by the nuclear industry.
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, commented: “These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “Wylfa’s revival offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver clean, reliable power for decades to come, create thousands of skilled jobs, attract major investment, and revitalise North Wales’s proud industrial heritage.
