UK reveals location for £2.5bn landmark SMR site

The UK government has confirmed that Wylfa on Anglesey in North Wales will host the country’s first small modular reactor nuclear power plant.

Wylfa is home to a decommissioned nuclear power plant that began operating in the early 1970’s and will now become a beacon of the UK’s new age of nuclear.

The £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) project will see Rolls-Royce design three reactors, which will be built by publicly owned Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N).

Rolls-Royce SMR was announced in June as Great British Energy-Nuclear’s preferred bidder, subject to final government approvals and contract signature, expected later this year.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, GBE-N will start activity on the site in 2026 with power supply to the grid expected from the mid-2030s.

The initial project will be for three SMR units, but Great British Energy-Nuclear suggests the site could potentially host up to eight mini reactors based on assessments.

Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added: “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.

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“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,” concluded Bowen.

The project forms part of the UK’s mission to scale its nuclear prowess and energy independence, a sentiment highlighted by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

Miliband commented in a statement: “This is the government’s clean energy mission in action - driving for energy sovereignty and abundance to take back control of our energy.”

The response to the news has been largely positive, as industry commentators praise the return of nuclear power to Wylfa.

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.

Ben Brittain, Director of Public Affairs at ACE, echoed the positive sentiment, balancing it with a call to remain realistic about next steps. “The challenge now is delivery - getting spades in the ground, maintaining momentum and making sure the benefits are felt locally as well as nationally.”