UK's first small nuclear power station to be built in north Wales
7 days ago
- #infrastructure
- #nuclear energy
- #Wales
- UK's first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station to be built in Wylfa, Anglesey, north Wales.
- Expected to create up to 3,000 jobs and bring billions in investment, with power generation targeted by mid-2030s.
- Project backed by £2.5bn UK government investment and led by publicly owned Great British Energy-Nuclear.
- SMRs are smaller, modular reactors, easier to build, with potential for up to eight reactors at the site.
- Opposition includes concerns over nuclear waste storage and preference for renewable energy investments.
- Wylfa chosen over Oldbury, Gloucestershire, with Rolls-Royce designing the reactors, pending final contracts.
- US ambassador expressed disappointment, advocating for a large-scale plant by US firm Westinghouse.
- Previous large-scale nuclear plans at Wylfa fell through in 2021 due to funding disagreements.
- Political significance noted, with Labour aiming to showcase infrastructure investment ahead of Senedd election.