Britain's government has formally approved plans to build a nuclear power station on Anglesey in Wales, partnering with Rolls-Royce to construct the country's first fleet of small modular reactors, or SMRs.
The Wylfa project is expected to generate around 8,000 jobs total, including approximately 3,000 positions directly at the site and 5,000 across the country, according to Rolls-Royce estimates.
Small modular reactors are constructed in factories as prefabricated modules and then assembled on-site. The three units planned for Wylfa could supply electricity to roughly 3 million homes for more than six decades.
The site has historical significance. The original Wylfa nuclear station opened in 1971 and operated for 44 years before closing in 2015, making it Britain's longest-operating reactor. The facility then entered a decommissioning phase.
A final investment decision is not expected until around 2030, with power generation unlikely before the 2030s. The timeline reflects the lengthy process typical of major infrastructure projects, including regulatory and planning requirements.
The government is framing the project as essential to achieving energy independence and breaking free from volatile fossil fuel markets. Nuclear power's low-carbon credentials align with Britain's climate commitments.
Anglesey's council leadership has welcomed the investment and job prospects while emphasizing that residents must remain central to the project's development. Officials said infrastructure impacts, environmental considerations and community welfare require serious attention as the project advances.