Industry Wales Response to Wylfa SMR Planning Decision
Industry Wales welcomes today’s announcement that planning permission has been granted for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the former Wylfa site on Anglesey — a major step forward for Wales’s ambition to deliver secure, low-carbon energy and world-leading clean-tech jobs.
Wylfa is one of the UK’s most important strategic energy assets. As a former nuclear site, it offers an ideal location to accelerate the next generation of nuclear technologies while drawing on decades of local expertise. Today’s decision creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales to lead the development of SMR deployment, advanced manufacturing, and exportable energy skills.
Dr Jenifer Baxter, Chief Executive of Industry Wales, said:
“This is an important milestone for Wales and for the UK’s clean energy future. A Small Modular Reactor at Wylfa has the potential to deliver thousands of highly skilled, long-term jobs and provide a stable supply of low-carbon electricity for decades to come.
“As ever, long-term commitment will be essential. Previous efforts at Wylfa did not progress, so government, industry and local partners must work together to ensure this project is backed through to delivery.
“Alongside the reactor itself, investment will also be needed in transport links, grid capacity, digital connectivity and wider support infrastructure to ensure that the surrounding economy can benefit fully.”
Industry Wales has been working closely with partners across the nuclear supply chain to map opportunities for Welsh manufacturers, develop future skills pipelines, and support companies preparing to enter new low-carbon markets.
We believe now is the time to begin engagement with developers of the SMRs to ensure opportunities throughout project delivery are made available to Welsh Suppliers.
That direct engagement with SMR/MMR developers means Welsh businesses are well-positioned to contribute to — and benefit from — projects such as this from the outset.
*Created with assistance of AI tools