WYLFA on Anglesey has been chosen as the site for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station — a landmark decision welcomed across the political spectrum but met with calls to ensure that local people benefit from the investment.
The announcement, made on Thursday (Nov 13), was described by Labour as “proof that two Labour governments working together are delivering for Wales.” The project is expected to create thousands of skilled jobs, attract billions of pounds in investment, and re-establish Anglesey as a hub for energy generation.
Labour: “A new era for Wales”
Welsh Labour said the move marks the start of a new era for clean energy, aligning with its target of meeting 100% of electricity demand from renewables by 2035.
A spokesperson said: “The Welsh Labour Government is seizing the green opportunities of the future, making the most of our landscape, and taking action to deliver clean energy, good jobs, and cheaper bills. This is Labour’s vision for renewable energy — made here in Wales.”
The party highlighted recent initiatives including Trydan Gwyrdd, a publicly-owned renewable developer aiming to power 350,000 Welsh homes with new wind farms by 2030, and Ynni Cymru, which supports local hydro and solar energy projects.
Anglesey Council: “Prosperity for decades to come”
Anglesey Council Leader and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Gary Pritchard, welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step forward for new nuclear build on Ynys Môn.”
He said: “If, as we hope, these plans come to fruition – it will mean economic certainty and prosperity for decades to come. Despite past disappointments, we remain committed to hosting a new nuclear on the condition that it delivers long-term transformational benefits – in terms of local jobs, supply chain opportunities, and prosperity for our communities and residents.”
Anglesey’s Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, added that the development could “transform the economy of Ynys Môn, particularly the north of the Island and North Wales,” but stressed that the council would “work to mitigate negative impacts” on local residents and ensure “the voices of north Anglesey are fully taken into account.”
Lib Dems: “Local jobs and training must come first”
Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said he welcomed steps to improve energy security but warned against the use of outside contractors.
“I welcome any moves to improve our energy security, but this must translate into real jobs for local people, not outside contractors flown in for a few years,” he said.
“The focus should be on training, apprenticeships, and long-term opportunities that strengthen communities. Wales has the natural resources to lead a green energy revolution through tidal energy and offshore wind, but we need to see this same level of investment extended to projects like the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.”
Unite: “A step forward but a missed opportunity”
Trade union Unite said the announcement was welcome but criticised the government for not opting for a larger gigawatt-scale nuclear station at Wylfa.
General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite is a strong supporter of the development of SMRs, but a failure to support a giga-watt nuclear power station at Wylfa would be a huge missed opportunity in securing the UK’s energy security.
“The UK is crying out for a joined-up energy strategy that ensures long-term energy security while maximising well-paid, highly skilled jobs for British workers.”
Unite national officer Simon Coop added: “While there are several places where SMRs could be sited, Wylfa is by far the best placed for a giga-watt nuclear power station. This would bring substantial jobs and investment to Anglesey.”
Reform UK: “Long overdue”
Reform UK Wales also welcomed the news but accused successive governments of dragging their feet.
A spokesperson said: “This announcement is long overdue and, if the political will had been there, we could have been well on our way to generating nuclear power from Wylfa by now.
“With energy costs soaring and unemployment rising in Wales, we should be taking a lead on nuclear power, not dawdling as we have done now for many years. Sadly, lukewarm support from Plaid Cymru for nuclear has also played a role in slowing this down.”
A new chapter for Wylfa
The original Wylfa Nuclear Power Station, near Cemaes, provided stable employment from the 1960s until its decommissioning in 2015. If the new project goes ahead as planned, it would mark the revival of one of Wales’ most iconic industrial sites — bringing new life and purpose to Anglesey’s north coast.
However, with questions over scale, local employment, and community impact still to be resolved, the challenge now is to ensure that Wylfa’s future truly delivers for the people of Wales.
