Wylfa on Anglesey in North Wales will be the home of the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station.

Construction work will start on the £2.5bn project next year led by publicly-owned Great British Energy-Nuclear using reactors designed by Rolls-Royce SMR.

Initial plans are for for three SMRs on the site with the potential to host up to eight mini reactors.

New nuclear energy should be flowing into the grid by 2030 with peak construction creating 3,000 jobs.

Prime Minister Kier Starmer 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 nuclear revival in Anglesey will fire up the Welsh economy, marking the start of a new era in British innovation and energy security.

Great British Energy-Nuclear has also been tasked with identifying suitable sites for new large-scale nuclear reactors like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.

Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, said: This is a historic moment for the UK, and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy.

“These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.

“Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come.”

Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, added: “We will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery.”