North Wales to Host UK’s First Small Modular Nuclear Reactors at Wylfa

North Wales is set for a major economic revival as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirms Wylfa, on Anglesey, will host the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station — marking the most significant industrial investment in the region in decades.

The UK government has officially selected Wylfa in North Wales to deliver the nation’s first small modular reactor nuclear power project. The decision signals the start of a new “golden age” for British nuclear energy, expected to generate 3,000 new local jobs and billions in infrastructure investment by the mid-2030s.

The SMR project, led by publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear in partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR, represents a £2.5 billion investment that will provide clean power for the equivalent of three million homes. Unlike traditional nuclear power stations, SMRs are smaller, faster to build, and designed for efficiency and sustainability.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the initiative as “national renewal in action,” promising that it would “deliver thousands of future-proofed jobs, billions in investment, and cheaper energy bills.”

The announcement follows years of stalled nuclear development in the region, despite Wylfa’s nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s. Construction activity on the site is expected to begin in 2026, initially with three SMR units, though the site could potentially accommodate up to eight reactors in the future.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted that the project would “fire up the Welsh economy,” creating long-term training opportunities and apprenticeships for young people in North Wales. Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called it “a landmark investment proving that Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time.”

The initiative forms part of the UK’s wider clean energy superpower mission, which aims to enhance energy independence and security. In addition to Wylfa, the government plans to identify other potential sites for future large-scale nuclear projects by 2026.

Industry leaders have praised the decision as a transformative step for both Wales and the UK. Rolls-Royce SMR’s CEO Chris Cholerton called it “the first step in a 100-year commitment to clean energy,” while Great British Energy-Nuclear Chair Simon Bowen described it as “a historic moment that will strengthen the UK’s energy independence.”

As part of this vision, the government expects the project to contribute significantly to its goal of creating 400,000 new clean energy jobs by 2030, with 15,000 in Wales alone.