Overview
- Great British Energy–Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR signed a contract Monday that launches site-specific design, regulatory work, and planning for three units ahead of a later Final Investment Decision.
- The National Wealth Fund set up a facility of up to £599 million to support design and early development, with officials saying the public money is intended to de-risk the project and attract private lenders.
- The initial build at Wylfa on Anglesey targets at least 1.4 gigawatts of capacity, enough for about three million homes for more than 60 years, with first power expected in the mid‑2030s subject to approvals and financing.
- Government and company estimates point to about 3,000 jobs at peak construction plus thousands across the supply chain, while some outlets report a wider total near 8,000 nationwide including roles off site.
- Rolls-Royce SMR was named the preferred partner in June 2025 after ministers set aside £2.6 billion for the program, and the factory-built reactor design aims to cut build time and cost at a site that previously hosted a Magnox plant.