Wylfa to Host UK’s First Small Modular Reactors — 3 SMRs to Bring Jobs, Investment and Debate

Wylfa to host the UK’s first small modular reactors

A pioneering nuclear power station will be built at Wylfa on Anglesey, marking the UK’s first deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). The initial scheme will deliver three SMRs, with planners saying the site could ultimately accommodate up to eight units. Work is due to begin next year, with a target to start generating electricity by the mid-2030s.

Scale, cost and delivery

The project is being led by the publicly owned Great British Energy–Nuclear and backed by a £2.5bn government investment. Supporters say the development could create up to 3,000 jobs during construction and operation, provide enough electricity for roughly three million homes, and attract long-term manufacturing investment to the region.

How SMRs work

Small modular reactors operate on the same principle as conventional nuclear plants: a controlled nuclear reaction produces heat that is converted to electricity. SMRs are smaller in capacity than large reactors and are designed for modular factory construction and on-site assembly, which proponents say can reduce construction time and cost risks.

“These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK's energy independence,” said Simon Bowen, chair of Great British Energy–Nuclear.

Political and local reaction

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the move as a return to Britain’s historic strengths in nuclear energy, saying years of neglect had left communities behind. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan welcomed the announcement as a major opportunity for Ynys Môn and Wales.

Local and national politicians highlighted potential benefits, including training and collaboration with local colleges to ensure residents can access the new jobs. Industry voices, including Prof Simon Middleburgh of Bangor University, praised the plan while urging caution about regulatory approval, factory capacity for modules, and workforce training.

Supporters and critics

Supporters say SMRs will deliver low-carbon, reliable baseload power and help the UK meet energy-security goals. Critics counter that SMRs divert resources from faster-deployable renewables such as wind, solar and tidal power and warn that long-term storage for nuclear waste remains unresolved.

The decision drew international attention: the US ambassador, Warren Stephens, expressed disappointment and pushed for a large-scale gigawatt plant instead, and opponents on Anglesey described the SMR proposal as a large development based on relatively new technology.

Wider programme and next steps

Rolls-Royce has been named as the designer of the reactors subject to final contracts expected later this year, and Wylfa was chosen over Oldbury in Gloucestershire. Great British Energy–Nuclear has also been tasked with identifying potential sites for a separate, large-scale nuclear station similar to Hinkley Point and Sizewell, and must report back by autumn 2026.

Wylfa previously hosted a conventional nuclear plant that closed in 2015. Earlier plans for a large replacement collapsed in 2021 when Hitachi withdrew, citing rising costs and a failure to reach a funding agreement with the UK government.

Outlook

The announcement is politically significant — particularly in Wales, where it arrives ahead of the Senedd election — and signals the UK government’s emphasis on nuclear as part of its energy and industrial strategy. However, the project still faces regulatory approvals, potential legal and planning challenges, workforce and supply-chain buildout, and ongoing debate over the balance between nuclear and renewable energy investment.

Key facts

• Location: Wylfa, Anglesey (Ynys Môn)
• Initial build: 3 SMRs (site could hold up to 8)
• Backed by: Great British Energy–Nuclear; £2.5bn UK government investment
• Expected jobs: up to 3,000
• Estimated homes powered: ~3 million
• Target generation: mid-2030s; construction starts next year
• Design: Rolls-Royce (subject to final contracts)

Sources: UK government, Great British Energy–Nuclear, local officials, industry experts and community groups.