Speaking following the Wylfa SMR siting announcement on 13 November 2025, President of the Nuclear Institute Professor Fiona Rayment OBE FREng FRSE FNucI said:
“We are pleased to see timely progress following the small modular reactor competition. Choosing Wylfa as the first site for SMR deployment is a positive step in building momentum to create new nuclear capacity across the UK.
“But it is only a step. The backdrop of global political challenges and the impacts of climate change mean nuclear power has never been more vital.
“Whilst larger reactors provide nuclear energy on a gigawatt scale, their colossal scale means they are limited in terms of where they can be sited. SMRs use modular, off-site manufacturing and can be situated much more flexibly, in many more locations. The two types of power station in tandem will help to enhance energy security through readily available fuel supplies and UK-based infrastructure – crucial in meeting the country’s long-term energy needs.
“Beyond energy production, the sector has a significant economic impact across the UK. The nuclear workforce in Wales stands at around 1,000, a 17% increase from 2024, and siting an SMR in Anglesey will only build on this further, creating more skilled jobs and offering an economic boost.
“As the professional membership body dedicated to nuclear, we stand ready to support our members in ensuring these projects are delivered efficiently and effectively and we look forward to seeing the UK deliver a cleaner, more secure energy landscape for generations to come.”
Sasha Wynn Davies, Nuclear Institute Trustee and Wales Nuclear Forum Chair added:
“It is fantastic to, once again, have a new nuclear build project announced for Wylfa, Anglesey. This time the project must be delivered to create long term, quality jobs in the local and wider area, working with the local community and securing many hundreds of jobs into the local, Wales and wider UK supply chain”.
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