Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N) has selected Wylfa as the site for the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), over the southwest’s Oldbury site. However, our region’s extensive supply chain, expert skills providers and new build capabilities will be vital for the delivery of the first-of-a-kind SMRs.
GBE-N selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred supplier in July 2025, with contracts planned for three SMRs. The siting decision was between the two sites previously purchased by GBE-N for new nuclear development, Wylfa on Ynys Môn (Anglesey), north Wales, and Oldbury, on the River Severn in Gloucestershire. Today, GBE-N announced that the three contracted SMRs will be built at Wylfa.
The announcement of the SMR siting marks the next step in the UK nuclear sector. The SMR contracts will be the first for a modular designed and manufactured nuclear reactor in the UK and the British Rolls-Royce design will support UK skills and expertise and an expected 8,000 jobs.
Wylfa’s SMRs will provide stable, no-carbon electricity to help meet our net zero targets and provide energy security. But the truth is that Wylfa, Oldbury and many other sites need new nuclear for the UK to reach net zero. GBE-N has confirmed that Oldbury will have nuclear reactors in the future, as evidenced by the planning permission requests in September for ground investigation works.
A clear delivery plan is needed for Oldbury’s future, and the future of nuclear across the UK. Oldbury could host further contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR, or with alternative vendors. GE Hitachi and Holtec’s submissions to GBE-N’s SMR competition could be revisited, or private investment, such as the agreements announced through the UK-US nuclear deal, could be sought.
The SMR announcement also stated GBE-N will be looking for new sites for large-scale reactors. Horizon and Hitachi planned large-scale reactors at the Oldbury site in the early 2010s, but withdrew over a lack of investment. With a secure backing from GBE-N and the UK Government, large-scale nuclear at Oldbury could be on the agenda once again.
From a regional perspective, Wylfa’s first-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce SMRs will provide opportunities for the southwest. As the home of UK nuclear new build for the last 10 years, the southwest is well placed to lead on delivery through our established supply chain, skills development with our training providers, and research and innovation with our leading universities, innovation companies and national capability. As the southwest has led the first wave of nuclear reactors in a generation, it will be vital for the next wave.
The South West Nuclear Hub will continue to advocate for new build at Oldbury and will support the community to help realise this national requirement. We will also support the delivery of SMRs at Wylfa, with our academic member Bangor University providing a leading role in the and by connecting our network to the research, innovation, skills and delivery opportunities that new nuclear will bring.
The Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University welcomes today’s announcement on the future of the Wylfa site and the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.
We are excited to see the continued growth of the nuclear sector in North Wales; a development that will bring lasting benefits to Wales and the wider UK. Wylfa is an exceptional site with a proud history of safe nuclear operation and a highly skilled local workforce. This next phase offers the opportunity for the region to lead the world in the delivery and operation of commercial SMR technology, and collaborate with the wider community in the UK, including those represented in the South West Nuclear Hub.
For Bangor University, this represents a clear opportunity to train and inspire the next generation of nuclear experts and operators, ensuring that North Wales remains at the forefront of innovation in clean energy and advanced nuclear research.
Professor Simon Middleburgh - Director of the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University
First and foremost, I am delighted that a decision has been made which will allow the UK to become a world leader in the deployment and operation of SMR technology. The South West Nuclear Hub will be at the forefront of delivering a generation of expertly qualified nuclear engineers and scientists who are needed to accomplish this nuclear renaissance. Wylfa and Oldbury both have a long pedigree of nuclear delivery and safety, and it is fitting that the first three SMRs will be built in Anglesey. We believe the SMR expansion will naturally extend to Oldbury very soon.
Professor Chris Truman - Co-Director of the South-West Nuclear Hub