North Wales is set for a major economic boost as the Prime Minister has confirmed that Wylfa will host the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power plant. The announcement is expected to bring thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds in investment over the next decade, marking a significant moment for Anglesey and the wider region.
The decision means North Wales will lead the way in what has been described as a “golden age” of nuclear. The UK’s first ever small modular nuclear reactors will be delivered by publicly owned Great British Energy Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Britain’s Rolls-Royce SMR. The project aims to show that the UK can still deliver large scale developments that stand the test of time.
Wylfa’s selection also ends years of uncertainty over new nuclear power for North Wales. Sitting on the North Wales coast, the site has a strong nuclear heritage dating back to the 1960s. The first of its kind project is expected to support up to 3,000 good jobs in the local community at peak construction, supported by billions of pounds of infrastructure investment out to the mid 2030s. The investment of over £2.5 billion adds to the government’s wider support for the North Wales economy, including an Investment Zone for advanced manufacturing, the Anglesey Freeport and key rail upgrades to the North Wales mainline.
Small modular reactors, which are smaller and quicker to build than some traditional nuclear stations, are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes. They form part of the government’s clean energy superpower mission and are intended to improve the UK’s long term energy security.
The SMRs will be backed by the British public through Great British Energy Nuclear, giving people a direct stake in a technology with major export potential and an important sovereign capability.
The announcement is part of the government’s modern industrial strategy. The recent Spending Review confirmed investment in Sizewell C, which will provide power for the equivalent of 6 million homes and 10,000 jobs, along with over £2.5 billion funding for the first SMR programme.
The UK is also working closely with the United States on nuclear development. A recent agreement between regulators aims to speed up the approval process for new stations in both countries. This sits alongside commercial deals such as X Energy and Centrica’s plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool.
The Prime Minister said:
“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.
“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.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
“This nuclear revival in Anglesey will fire up the Welsh economy, marking the start of a new era in British innovation and energy security.
“Wylfa will revitalise local communities, attract major investment and open up exciting opportunities for young people creating world class training and apprenticeships in North Wales for the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.”
The news has also been welcomed by the Welsh Government. First Minister Eluned Morgan described the combined announcement of new nuclear reactors at Wylfa and a new AI Growth Zone for North Wales as a “double win for Wales”
She said:
“This is a massive announcement for North Wales, which will create thousands of high quality jobs and have wide ranging benefits for the local economy. Since I became First Minister, I have been pressing the case at every opportunity for Wylfa’s incredible benefits as a site for new nuclear to be realised.
“AI brings with it major opportunities for the Welsh economy which is why having a Growth Zone in North Wales is so critical for our ambitions as a Government. It will help us drive investment in this sector of the future to make sure Wales is right at the forefront of this transformational technology.
“In all my discussions with the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and other UK Ministers, I have had clear and deliverable asks for Wales. Today, two of my top priorities are being delivered together a double win for Wales.”
The First Minister will be in Llangefni with the Prime Minister and other Ministers to formally announce both projects. She will be joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning and the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said:
“The investment in Wylfa is a huge boost for the North Wales economy. It will create thousands of highly skilled, well paid jobs both on site and in the wider economy. At its peak there will be 3,050 people working on site to deploy and commission the three small modular reactors. Each of those reactors will generate 470MW of low carbon energy enough to power a million homes for 60 years.
“The AI Growth Zone will position North Wales to make the most of the technological revolution.”
The announcement follows the government’s commitment that there will be 400,000 extra jobs in clean energy by 2030, including 15,000 extra jobs in Wales. There will be rising demand across 31 priority occupations, including plumbers, electricians and welders.
GBE N will begin activity on the site in 2026. The initial project is for three SMR units, although Great British Energy Nuclear believes the site could eventually host up to eight mini reactors. The ambition is for Wylfa’s small modular reactors to begin supplying power to the grid from the mid 2030s.
