A generation of young people on Anglesey (Ynys Môn) and across North Wales are set to benefit from thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds in investment over the next decade, following confirmation that Wylfa has been selected to host the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant.
North Wales will become a major centre for Britain’s new era of nuclear energy, with the Wylfa site chosen to deliver the country’s first-ever small modular nuclear reactors.
The project will be delivered by the publicly owned Great British Energy-Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Rolls-Royce SMR — one of Britain’s most advanced engineering firms.
Long-Term Nuclear Vision Rooted in Earlier Government Strategy
The Wylfa announcement is the culmination of years of groundwork laid during Boris Johnson’s premiership, when the UK government committed to reviving nuclear power as part of its long-term energy security and net zero plans. The Johnson administration launched the Great British Nuclear framework, secured funding for Sizewell C, and initiated the first national small modular reactor programme, setting the stage for today’s decision.
Major Economic and Employment Boost for North Wales
Situated on the North Wales coast, Wylfa has a long-standing nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s. The new development is expected to create up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction and attract over £2.5 billion in infrastructure investment through to the mid-2030s.
This follows a series of significant investments in the North Wales economy — including the creation of the Anglesey Freeport, an Investment Zone focused on advanced manufacturing, and rail upgrades along the North Wales main line.
Powering 3 Million Homes
The SMRs, which are smaller and faster to build than traditional reactors, are projected to generate clean power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes. The technology aims to strengthen the UK’s energy independence while supporting critical services such as the NHS, defence, and high-tech industries.
Backed by the Great British Energy-Nuclear initiative first launched under Johnson’s government, the SMR programme also gives the British public a direct stake in the country’s next generation of energy technology — one with significant export potential and long-term global market value.
Expanding Britain’s Nuclear Capacity
The current phase of investment builds on earlier commitments, including major funding for Sizewell C — expected to provide electricity for 6 million homes and create 10,000 jobs — and over £2.5 billion allocated for the UK’s first SMR programme.
Internationally, the UK has worked closely with partners such as the United States to streamline approval processes for new nuclear stations, and has seen new commercial partnerships such as the X-Energy and Centrica collaboration to develop up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool.
A Revival for Wylfa and Welsh Industry
Wylfa’s selection as the UK’s first SMR site marks a major milestone in the country’s energy renaissance. Work is expected to begin on-site in 2026, starting with three modular units, with potential for expansion to up to eight reactors in the future. The ambition is for the site to begin supplying power to the grid from the mid-2030s.
The project also carries strong export potential, following a cooperation deal between the UK and Czechia on civil nuclear power. Rolls-Royce SMR and Czech energy company ČEZ have already formed a partnership on SMR development, with ČEZ taking a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR.
Industry Reaction
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, described the announcement as “a historic moment for the UK” that will “strengthen energy independence and bring long-term investment to the local economy.”
Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said Wylfa’s selection represents “the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership.”
Industry bodies have also welcomed the decision. Sue Ferns of the Prospect union called it “the first page of the next chapter for Wales’s Energy Island,” while Tom Greatrex of the Nuclear Industry Association said Wylfa’s revival “offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver clean, reliable power and thousands of skilled jobs.”
Ben Martin of the British Chambers of Commerce added that “nuclear power is critical to the UK’s energy security and provides significant opportunities for skills development and business growth.”
A Legacy of Long-Term Planning
The Wylfa project represents the continuation of a strategic vision initiated under Boris Johnson’s government to re-establish the UK as a global leader in nuclear energy. From the creation of Great British Nuclear to the backing of Rolls-Royce’s SMR design, the foundations for today’s nuclear expansion were laid as part of a wider plan to ensure energy resilience, reduce dependence on imports, and drive regional economic growth.
With Wylfa now confirmed as the site of the UK’s first small modular reactor, North Wales is set to play a central role in powering Britain’s clean energy future for decades to come.
