Two months prior, the UK Prime Minister expressed optimism regarding a new nuclear partnership with the US, characterizing it as the start of a “golden age” in nuclear technology and investment. This partnership has faced a significant challenge with recent decisions regarding the location of small modular reactors (SMRs). The UK has designated the Wylfa site on Anglesey to host three SMRs constructed by Rolls-Royce SMR, leading to disappointment from the US ambassador, Warren Stephens, who had hoped that a US company, Westinghouse, would be involved in a larger reactor project.
The choice of Wylfa is influenced by several logistical factors. The site is government-owned, likely simplifying the planning process, and has hosted a nuclear facility previously, making it familiar to the local community. With the UK aiming to bolster its domestic nuclear industry, the preference for Rolls-Royce may not be unexpected. However, the effectiveness and cost efficiency of the SMR project compared to larger plants like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C remain to be seen. While Rolls-Royce has highlighted potential cost savings through prefabrication, these claims have yet to be validated in practice.
Some critics argue that the UK government is being overly cautious by ordering only three SMRs. They suggest that a larger initial order could better demonstrate the economic viability of batch production. Notably, the Wylfa site has the potential for additional SMR units, which could offer a substantial capacity increase over large-scale plants.
As a measure to maintain US involvement, Westinghouse will have the opportunity to compete for future large-scale reactor projects in the UK. Currently, the first electricity from Wylfa is not expected until the mid-2030s, indicating a long timeline before evaluating the success of this nuclear initiative. There remains uncertainty about whether the SMR technology will ultimately serve as a significant export for the UK.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/13/atom-split-us-uk-golden-age-partnership-wylfe-smr