Work on the UK's first small nuclear power station, a pioneering project, will commence on Anglesey, Wales, next year, targeting power generation by the mid-2030s. The Wylfa plant, located on the island's northern coast, will feature the country's first three small modular reactors (SMRs) with a possibility of expanding to eight. This endeavor promises up to 3,000 jobs and billions in investment.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted that the initiative marks a shift from the nation's past neglect in nuclear advancements, noting that communities like Anglesey were previously neglected. First Minister Eluned Morgan celebrated the announcement, referring to it as a long-awaited moment for Anglesey and Wales as a whole.
This project, capable of powering around three million homes, will be executed by Great British Energy-Nuclear and supported by a £2.5 billion UK government investment. Compared to traditional reactors, SMRs offer a smaller scale solution, approximately a third in output, while still leveraging nuclear reactions for energy production.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Milliband labeled the announcement an exciting development, indicating the UK’s active participation in the global race for new reactor technologies. The chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, Simon Bowen, described it as a historic milestone that could pave the way for nuclear advancements throughout the UK, bolstering energy independence and economic stability in the region.
Meanwhile, Anglesey councillor Gary Pritchard described it as a crucial step toward economic certainty for the community. The company is also tasked with finding suitable locations for additional large-scale nuclear plants similar to those under construction at Hinkley Point and Sizewell, with a report expected by autumn 2026.
The US ambassador Warren Stephens expressed disappointment over the focus on SMRs, advocating for large-scale plants and the potential involvement of US firm Westinghouse, which had proposed plans for a major plant at Wylfa. Nonetheless, Professor Simon Middleburgh from Bangor University appreciated the SMR approach, likening it to assembling an 'Ikea chair' due to its modular, factory-built nature that complements the site's grid capacity.