First SMR to be in North Wales

The UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station is to be sited in North Wales.

The Government said the decision for Wylfa on Anglesey represents the most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation.

The reactor will be built by publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear and, subject to final contract, designed by Britain’s Rolls-Royce SMR. The project will see an investment of more than £2.5 billion.

 SMRs are smaller and quicker to build than some traditional nuclear power stations anf are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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.”