North Wales will become home to the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR), a form of nuclear power plant that the government claims is key to securing the UK’s energy and tech ambitions.
The prime minister announced earlier this year that the government would reform planning rules to allow for the speedy approval and construction of SMRs to rapidly scale the UK’s access to nuclear power.
Wylfa in north Wales has been selected to host the first nuclear power plant of this kind in a project expected to create thousands of jobs in the region.
The area has a long history with nuclear power dating back to the 1960s. It is home to a nuclear power station that was first built in 1963 and has been in a process of decommissioning since 2015.
The £2.5bn investment will serve as a case study for the government’s plans to roll out SMRs across the UK to boost the country’s renewable output in part to power its vast ambitions in the construction of new digital infrastructure.
“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,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth – to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales. This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.
“That’s national renewal in action: powered by British talent, powered by nuclear, and powered by a government that’s delivering for working people.”
The government has projected there will be 400,000 extra jobs in clean energy by 2030, including 15,000 in Wales.
“This landmark investment proves Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time,” said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
“A generation of young people across North Wales will benefit from the good jobs, homes across Britain will get clean power and we will take a big step forward in meeting our ambition to create a network of small modular reactors across the UK.”
