HOLYHEAD, Wales — North Wales is set to become the epicenter of the UK’s nuclear energy resurgence, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirming Thursday that Wylfa on Anglesey will host the nation’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station.
The decision marks the most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation, projected to create up to 3,000 good jobs at peak construction and inject billions of pounds into the local economy over the next decade. The government’s move, part of its “clean energy superpower mission,” is intended to deliver a “golden age” of nuclear power after what officials described as “years of dither and delay.”
The Wylfa plant, which holds a strong nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s, will feature the UK’s first SMRs built by the publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear ($GBE-N$). The reactors, which are smaller and quicker to build than traditional stations, will be designed by Rolls-Royce SMR, pending final contract.
Prime Minister Starmer framed the announcement as a correction of past failures to bring new nuclear power to the region.
“Britain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind,” Starmer said. “Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury… to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales.”
He added that the government is “delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.”
Investment and Energy Security
The $\text{£}2.5$ billion-plus investment is expected to deliver power equivalent to around 3 million homes, bolstering the UK’s energy independence. The SMRs are targeted to be supplying power to the grid by the mid-2030s.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves praised the investment’s impact on the local economy.
“This nuclear revival in Anglesey will fire up the Welsh economy, marking the start of a new era in British innovation and energy security,” Reeves said. “Wylfa will revitalise local communities, attract major investment and open up exciting opportunities for young people.”
The Welsh government also hailed the decision. First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan called it a momentous occasion.
“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,” Morgan stated.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the project “proves Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time,” noting the goal is to create a network of SMRs across the UK.
Future Nuclear Strategy
In addition to the SMR plans, the government tasked $GBE-N$ with identifying potential sites for a further large-scale reactor project beyond the current deployments at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. $GBE-N$ is set to report on potential sites, including some in Scotland, by Autumn 2026.
Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, commented that the initial SMRs at Wylfa, which could eventually host up to eight mini-reactors, “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.”
Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, committed to a long-term presence. “Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa,” he said.
The project builds on existing government investments in North Wales, including an Investment Zone, the Anglesey Freeport, and critical rail upgrades. $GBE-N$ is scheduled to begin activity on the Wylfa site in 2026.
