Wylfa on the coast of Ynys Môn (Anglesey) in North Wales selected as site for the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power station, hosting three Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Great British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) has selected Rolls-Royce SMR design to lead the new nuclear programme, and confirms a ‘hybrid’ approach to nuclear, with a SMR programme is funded with £2.5bn, the upcoming decisions on Hinkley Point C and the recently confirmed Sizewell C.

Rolls-Royce has welcomed the decision, giving it a vote of confidence as it also looks to export the technology (it has created partnerships in Czechia) and Anglo-US agreements on nuclear technology.

Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive, said: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy.”

The Rolls-Royce SMR is the UK’s first domestic nuclear technology in more than 20 years and was selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s next generation of nuclear power stations by GBE-N in June this year.

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