Work begins on nuclear power station that promises 8,000 jobs
Work begins on nuclear power station that promises 8,000 jobs
The UK government has launched construction on a new nuclear facility, set to generate 8,000 jobs. The site was selected following a £2.5bn agreement with Rolls-Royce to build it last year. Rolls-Royce highlighted that the project will create 3,000 local roles at Wylfa and an additional 5,000 across the nation.
Historic milestone for Wales
Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, described the initiative as a “historic step for clean power, industrial growth and skilled jobs in Wales.” He emphasized that Wylfa, a “very special site with unique strengths,” is poised to become the UK’s first location for small modular reactors (SMRs).
“The sector stands ready to help make the country’s first SMR fleet a success, putting Britain at the forefront of new nuclear development,” Greatrex added.
Small modular reactors explained
SMRs are constructed in a factory in modular components before being assembled on-site. Together, the three units are expected to supply electricity for approximately 3 million homes for more than six decades. The project remains pending a final investment decision, projected by the early 2030s, but is anticipated to be operational in the 2030s after overcoming regulatory challenges.
Wylfa’s legacy
Wylfa, located on the Anglesey coast in north-west Wales, operated as a nuclear power station for 44 years. Built in the 1960s, it began generating electricity in 1971 and employed thousands of workers. The last reactor closed in 2015, initiating a lengthy decommissioning process.
Replacement plans were initially proposed but were abandoned in 2021 before new proposals emerged in 2024. Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive, called the deal a “golden age of new nuclear being delivered successfully with British technology,” noting it brings “certainty” to the UK’s SMR program after an early works agreement in Czechia.
“Our clean energy mission is the only route to getting off the rollercoaster of fossil fuels and take back control of our energy independence,” said Ed Miliband, UK Energy Secretary, who called the development a “major milestone” for energy security.
