North Wales chosen for 1.4 GW Rolls-Royce SMR project.
The UK’s first small modular reactors (SMRs) will be built at Wylfa in north Wales, with a planned combined generating capacity of 1.4 GW for the national grid.
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed this morning that the Anglesey (Ynys Môn) site will once again produce nuclear power, marking its first return to generation since the original station closed in 2015 after 46 years of operation. Wylfa was selected over Oldbury in Gloucestershire, another former nuclear site.
The project will comprise three reactors, each delivering 470 MW to the grid. The government has also suggested that, in time, the SMRs could help power a new “north Wales AI growth zone”. Collectively, the reactors are expected to generate enough electricity to supply around three million homes.
The reactors have been designed by Rolls-Royce SMR, majority-owned by the British defence contractor, alongside minority shareholders including the Qatari sovereign wealth fund, US energy firm Constellation, Czech utility ČEZ and investment fund BNF Capital. Construction will be led by state-owned GB Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N), beginning in 2026.
Although the design is already under construction in Czechia, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is not due to complete its assessment until December 2026. The government aims for first power to reach the grid by the mid-2030s.
The SMRs will use pressurised water reactor technology, which the ONR describes as “well-established”. In a report last year, the regulator noted that the design’s main innovation lies in its modular construction approach, enabling major components to be manufactured in factory conditions and assembled on site.
A standout feature is the “modular kit of parts” (MKoP), which uses prefabricated frames, barriers and fittings to form the structural housing for the reactor’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Each reactor core will contain 121 fuel assemblies made up of zirconium alloy rods loaded with ceramic uranium dioxide pellets enriched up to 4.95%. The units will require refuelling approximately every 18 months.
Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Chris Cholerton welcomed the announcement as a “tremendous opportunity” for the UK and highlighted the potential for a “large export programme”, beginning with the project already underway in Czechia.
By the end of the year, the government expects to confirm component manufacturing locations. GBE-N is also due to establish a development corporation with Rolls-Royce SMR following the finalisation of the £2.5bn (US$3.3bn) contract announced in June.
The government has indicated that the Wylfa site could eventually support up to five additional SMRs. While Rolls-Royce’s design uses water as a coolant and therefore does not fall into the “fourth-generation” category, other developers – including Centrica – are exploring molten-salt and gas-cooled modular reactors capable of much higher operating temperatures.
Tom Greatrex, CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association, said the decision marks “a historic moment for Wales and for the UK’s clean energy future”, adding that a revived Wylfa could provide long-term clean power, create thousands of skilled jobs, attract investment, and reinvigorate the region’s industrial base.
UK chancellor Rachel Reeves added that the project will open up opportunities “for the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators”.
Reaction in the United States
Today’s announcement follows several recent partnerships between US and UK nuclear companies, including Rolls-Royce SMR, and builds on a bilateral agreement signed in September. However, the decision has been poorly received in parts of the US.
Before the government’s official release, the US ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens, said he was “extremely disappointed”, arguing the UK should have “chosen a different path”.
The reaction comes despite a separate US$80bn agreement with US-based Westinghouse, which had proposed a larger modular reactor design for Wylfa and could have seen the US government take a stake in the company.
Thinking of Becoming a Qualified Electrician?
At Optima, we provide comprehensive electrical training courses that equip you with the skills, qualifications, and confidence to work safely and legally in this vital industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your qualifications, our accredited training programmes will give you the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to meet new building standards and market demand.
By enrolling with OPTIMA, you’ll:
✅ Gain industry-recognised qualifications trusted by employers. ✅ Hands-on practical training
✅ Train in a supportive, career-focused environment with real progression routes.✅ Expert instructors with real-world experience
✅ Access our ‘Pathway to Placement’ support to help you move from the classroom into paid work.
✅ Be part of a trade that’s essential, future-proof, and in constant demand.
Contact us today to embark on your training journey.
Contact us: Request Information
Email: info@optima-ect.com
Freephone +44 800 0371572