The UK Government has announced it will build the country's first small modular reactor nuclear power station at Wylfa in North Wales, backed by a £2.5 billion investment. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, visiting Anglesey on Thursday, hailed the project as "probably the biggest announcement for a generation." The development includes an AI growth zone and is projected to create more than 6,500 jobs across the region.
Publicly owned Great British Energy-Nuclear will construct the facility, with British company Rolls-Royce SMR designing the reactors. The small modular reactors are mini nuclear power stations designed as prefabricated modules for quicker installation than traditional plants. They are expected to generate enough electricity to power three million homes, with power generation anticipated from the mid-2030s.
US Disappointment
The decision to choose a British company drew sharp criticism from US Ambassador Warren Stephens, who expressed "extreme disappointment" with the choice. He argued there were "cheaper, faster and already approved options to provide clean, safe energy at this same location." The Trump administration had previously pushed for a US manufacturer to be selected, with US firm Westinghouse reportedly presenting plans for a larger gigawatt station at Wylfa.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband defended the decision on Times Radio: «The reason he doesn't think it's so great is because he wanted a US company to be at this site. [...] We chose a British company, Rolls-Royce for this site, and I make no apologies for that. Our job is to stand up for the national interest.» A Downing Street spokesman emphasized the project "doesn't close the door to a larger plant elsewhere" with potential US involvement, noting American partners "remain vital to Britain's nuclear future."
Starmer told the further education college audience the jobs would last "for decades to come" and create a "magnet effect" attracting other businesses. Great British Energy-Nuclear has been tasked with identifying further large-scale nuclear plant sites across the UK, with a report due by autumn 2026. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated the announcement would make Wylfa a "beacon" of a nuclear golden age.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
