London, 22 November 2025 (Agencies): The United Kingdom has approved its first small modular reactor (SMR) project, selecting Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred developer for a new nuclear power station at Wylfa on the Welsh island of Anglesey. The decision, hailed as a cornerstone of Britain’s nuclear revival, has drawn sharp criticism from Washington, where the Trump administration had lobbied for U.S. firm Westinghouse Electric Company to lead the project.
The UK government confirmed that construction at Wylfa will begin in 2026, with three SMRs planned initially and capacity for up to eight. Power generation is expected by the mid-2030s. The project is backed by nearly $3.3 billion in government funding, with expectations to create 3,000 skilled jobs and provide clean energy for approximately 3 million homes.
Prime Minister Kier Starmer described the project as a turning point for Britain’s nuclear industry. “Britain was once a world leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia have meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind. Today, that changes,” he said. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan also welcomed the decision, citing “incredible benefits” for the local economy.
Energy Minister Ed Miliband emphasized the government’s commitment to training local workers, saying colleges would be engaged to ensure communities benefit directly from new jobs. Rolls-Royce will leverage its experience in submarine reactor design to develop the SMRs, which will be built in modular factories and shipped to site for assembly.
The announcement has triggered diplomatic friction with the United States. U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens expressed disappointment, arguing that Britain should have chosen “cheaper, faster and already-approved options” and warning that the decision undermines the nuclear partnership signed between London and Washington in September, valued at up to $100 billion. President Trump has also voiced dissatisfaction, insisting Westinghouse should have been selected.
Despite the criticism, UK officials insist the decision reflects a strategic choice to anchor nuclear revival in domestic technology. A government source said: “This is the right choice for Britain. This is our flagship SMR programme, producing homegrown clean power with a British company, and we have chosen the best site for it.”
Officials stressed that the Wylfa project does not exclude future collaboration with U.S. developers. Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) is assessing other sites, including Hinkley Point in Somerset and Sizewell C in Suffolk, for potential large-scale nuclear plants.
The Wylfa SMR project represents a major shift in Britain’s energy strategy, positioning the UK as a competitive player in the global SMR market while diversifying its nuclear portfolio.