The UK government has officially confirmed Wylfa on Anglesey (Ynys Môn) as the site for the UK's first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power station, green-lighting a £2.5 billion project set to become a cornerstone of Britain's new nuclear programme.

After years of anticipation, the confirmation outlines plans for an initial three Rolls-Royce SMR units at Wylfa. Activity is set to begin on-site in 2026, with a final investment decision (FID) expected by 2029 and the ambition to supply power to the grid from the mid-2030s. The site, which has a long nuclear heritage, is also being assessed for a much larger future, with the potential to host up to eight SMRs in total.

Industry leaders have heralded the decision as a pivotal moment. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called it a "landmark investment" that "proves Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time".

Simon Bowen, Chair of GBE-N, framed it as a strategic move, stating: “These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK's energy independence.” [Source: GBE-N]

For the technology provider, the focus is on long-term industrial impact. Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, highlighted the project's scale, calling it the "first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy" and a "tremendous opportunity... as we establish an enduring supply chain".

This focus on an enduring supply chain is where the true scale of the recruitment challenge becomes clear. While initial government figures promise up to 3,000 jobs in the local community at peak construction, this is only part of the picture. Rolls-Royce SMR estimates its programme will support an average of almost 8,000 highly skilled, well-paid jobs across the UK per year during the build phase. This wider national workforce will be responsible for the factory-based manufacturing and assembly of the SMR modules.

For technical professionals, this announcement provides a clear, long-term career path. For clients in the nuclear supply chain, securing a pipeline of specialist talent will be the single greatest factor in determining which companies are best positioned to win and deliver work.

For over 25 years, Millbank has been a trusted partner in UK technical recruitment, embedded in the nation's most complex infrastructure and energy projects. We understand the unique demands, compliance, and skills required to deliver projects like Wylfa.

For Clients: The time to build your talent strategy for the SMR programme is now. Contact our specialist nuclear recruitment team to discuss how we can help you secure the expert workforce you need to succeed.

For Candidates: Be part of the UK's nuclear renaissance. Register your CV with us today to be the first to hear about new opportunities at Wylfa and across the UK's most exciting engineering projects.