Wylfa on Anglesey has been confirmed as the site of the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power station.
The UK Government has described the £2.5 billion scheme as “the most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation”, adding that it will support 3,000 new jobs.
The first small modular reactors – mini nuclear reactors which are smaller and quicker to build than some traditional nuclear power stations – are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes.
The development will be built by publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Rolls-Royce SMR.
Rolls-Royce SMR said the announcement marked “the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa”.
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair, Ambition North Wales, said:
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for North Wales. Wylfa has long been recognised as a suitable site for major nuclear investment given its strategic location, robust grid connectivity and extensive preparatory work – so to have confirmation on its development is extremely positive news.
“The site is uniquely positioned to deliver clean, reliable energy while creating thousands of jobs and revitalising communities. Ambition North Wales is therefore proud to support the project, and we’d urge policymakers and investors to set the programme of work in motion as soon as possible, for the benefit of Wales and the wider UK.”
Sarah Bailey, CEO of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The announcement that Wylfa on Anglesey will host the UK’s first small modular reactor marks a transformative moment for North Wales. This project represents not just a huge investment in clean, secure energy but also in the long-term prosperity of our region. Thousands of skilled jobs, billions in infrastructure investment, and the opportunity to further establish North Wales as a hub for low-carbon innovation will create ripple effects across our business community for decades to come.
“As we work towards a net zero future, projects like this show how the transition to clean energy can also be a driver of economic growth, resilience, and opportunity. North Wales is uniquely placed to lead the way, combining our industrial heritage, engineering expertise, and commitment to sustainability, to power a cleaner and more prosperous future for the UK.”
Head of FSB Wales, Joshua Miles, said:
“This multibillion-pound project will create thousands of high-quality jobs and significant supply-chain opportunities across north Wales and further afield.
“Small and medium-sized local companies must be at the forefront of procurement planning from day one. By prioritising local firms in this process, Great British Energy-Nuclear can ensure investment stays within our communities, delivering lasting economic benefits for Ynys Môn and the wider Welsh economy for generations to come.
“This announcement is a golden opportunity to review and upgrade North Wales’s infrastructure, from roads and rail to broadband, to make the region more attractive for future investment and to unlock its full economic potential.”
Russell Greenslade, CBI Wales Director, said:
“The Wylfa Small Modular Reactor announcement is a huge boost for Ynys Mon and the wider economy in North Wales. The reactor will provide clean energy to millions of businesses and households, as well as bringing down costs, boosting local investment, supporting supply chains and creating highly skilled jobs.
“With the success of renewables in the Celtic Sea and the new free port at Ynys Mon, North Wales is a beacon for sustainable growth. By continuing to work together with business, the UK and devolved governments have an opportunity to deliver the sustainable growth Wales needs to achieve its ambitions.”
Dr Jenifer Baxter, Chief Executive of Industry Wales, said:
“This is an important milestone for Wales and for the UK’s clean energy future. A Small Modular Reactor at Wylfa has the potential to deliver thousands of highly skilled, long-term jobs and provide a stable supply of low-carbon electricity for decades to come.
“As ever, long-term commitment will be essential. Previous efforts at Wylfa did not progress, so government, industry and local partners must work together to ensure this project is backed through to delivery.
“Alongside the reactor itself, investment will also be needed in transport links, grid capacity, digital connectivity and wider support infrastructure to ensure that the surrounding economy can benefit fully.”
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said:
“This is the moment Ynys Môn and the whole of Wales has been waiting for. New nuclear is a step into the future with secure jobs and secure energy guaranteed for the next generation.
“We have been pressing the case at every opportunity for Wylfa’s incredible benefits as a site and I warmly welcome this major decision to invest in north West Wales. Wales is once again leading the way.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“This is huge news – one of the largest public investments in Welsh history that will bring thousands of high-quality jobs to the local economy.
“We said we would deliver new nuclear where other governments dithered and delayed and we said we would deliver growth and prosperity across Wales. Today we are doing just that.”
Anglesey Council Leader and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Gary Pritchard, said:
“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.
“Despite past disappointments, we remain committed to hosting a new nuclear on the condition that it delivers long term transformational benefits – in terms of local jobs, supply chain opportunities, and prosperity for our communities and residents. Respecting the Island’s communities, safeguarding the Welsh language and culture and a commitment to meaningful public engagement also, of course, remain important red lines.
“I welcome today’s announcement in the knowledge that the hard work of getting the best possible deal for our Island and its residents starts now.”
The council added that Anglesey has a “proud tradition” of power generation with the recently decommissioned Wylfa Nuclear Power Station, near Cemaes, providing “quality and stable employment” during its construction in the early 1960s and after it became operational in 1971.
Anglesey’s Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, said:
“This announcement provides the foundation to create a better future for our young people. We will look to use our previous experience of working on a nuclear project, with Horizon Nuclear Power, and understanding of the Island and its communities’ needs to inform and influence the project. We will also continue to collaborate to ensure that this new Wylfa project is developed and delivered in a way that works for Anglesey.
“A new nuclear development at Wylfa has the potential to transform the economy of Ynys Môn, particularly the north of the Island, and North Wales. It would create substantial jobs and supply chain opportunities.
“However, we are aware of the potential impacts on the communities and residents living in close proximity to the Wylfa site. The county council is fully committed to ensuring the project maximises local benefits, whilst reducing and mitigating negative impacts. The voices, needs and concerns of north Anglesey residents must be taken fully into account as the new Wylfa project moves ahead.”
The UK Government added that this investment of more than £2.5 billion builds on investment into the North Wales economy including an Investment Zone to boost advanced manufacturing, the Anglesey Freeport and critical rail upgrades to the North Wales mainline.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
“This nuclear revival in Anglesey will fire up the Welsh economy, marking the start of a new era in British innovation and energy security.
“Wylfa will revitalise local communities, attract major investment and open up exciting opportunities for young people – creating world-class training and apprenticeships in North Wales for the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.”
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added:
“This is a historic moment for the UK, and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy.
“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.
“Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come.”
Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said:
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.
“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.
“We 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. We are excited to be working with the local community to create jobs and growth.”
Andrew Bowfield, Nuclear Expert at The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), said:
“The decision could affirm the region’s nuclear legacy, leveraging its infrastructure, grid access, and skilled workforce to drive industrial growth and regional renewal. Wylfa’s coastal location also offers strategic advantages for cooling and scalability.
“This ambition must be matched by action. Establishing a development company and launching the technical phase are critical steps to move from vision to construction – building momentum, attracting investment, and securing stakeholder confidence.
“Wylfa could set the blueprint for SMR deployment across the UK – delivering clean energy, economic growth, and long-term social benefits, such as job creation, skills development and investment in local communities. At MTC, we bridge the gap between research and real-world manufacturing, and we’re ready to support industry and government in making civil nuclear a cornerstone of UK’s clean-power ambitions.”
Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:
“The nuclear renaissance can bring clean, reliable energy and good, secure jobs to all corners of the UK and it is welcome that government is pressing ahead with the SMR programme that will play a crucial role in the future of our energy mix.
“Wylfa has a proud nuclear past and a bright nuclear and is uniquely placed to play a key strategic role in the mission to become a clean energy superpower.
“Nuclear can support thousands of well-paid jobs and sustain local economies, and this announcement is the first page of the next chapter for Wales’ Energy Island.”
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“Bringing nuclear back to Wylfa is a historic moment for Wales and for the UK’s clean energy future. 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.
“With Great British Energy-Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR leading the way, the project will bring lasting economic and social benefits to the communities that have long been at the heart of our energy story. We look forward to working with government, local partners and industry to make Wylfa’s return a lasting success.”
