Rebecca Evans AS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The UK Government has today announced that Wylfa on Anglesey has been selected as the site of the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station, recognising the strong nuclear heritage and expertise of the area.
A part of the Industrial Strategy, this project is the first of its kind and expected to support over 3000 high quality jobs in the local community and represents an initial investment of £2.5bn in Northwest Wales. Subject to the contractual negotiations now underway between Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) and Rolls Royce (RR) SMR, further investment will be agreed to complete the initial phase.
The site will host 3 Rolls Royce reactors initially, with scope for an additional 5 reactors in future. SMRs are quicker to build than some traditional nuclear power stations as modules are manufactured in factories for on-site assembly. Each RR reactor is expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 1,000,000 homes. North Wales, with its renowned strength and depth in advanced manufacturing, is ideally placed to support the manufacture of SMR modules for Wales, the UK and overseas.
In addition, the UK Government announced the North Wales AI Growth Zone, a partnership between Stena Line, Bangor and Aberystwyth Universities, Menai Science Park (M-SParc), and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. It is predicted to create 1,200 jobs and has the potential to widen AI investment across the region, including at Trawsfynydd.
This is a step into the future offering secure jobs, and secure energy for the next generation. It builds on the Freeport designation for Anglesey and will complement investments within the wider region including the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone. It is a significant moment and reflects the work by the First Minister and Welsh Government to press the case for Wylfa as a site. It will give confidence to investors and will help continue to shape a future vision which builds upon Wales’ strengths.