The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has welcomed confirmation that Wylfa on Anglesey will host the UK’s next-generation small modular reactor (SMR), describing it as a milestone for clean energy, energy security and economic growth. 

The decision follows the government’s £2.5bn partnership with Rolls-Royce to advance SMR technology, a cornerstone of efforts to secure low-carbon power and strengthen climate resilience. 

The new plant is expected to create up to 900 permanent jobs once operational and several thousand during construction, delivering a major boost to North Wales and the national engineering supply chain. 

Ben Brittain, Director of Public Affairs at ACE, said: “Confirming Wylfa as the site for Britain’s next SMR is a huge step forward for the UK’s energy ambitions. This is exactly the kind of project that shows how we can marry clean energy with good jobs, innovation and long-term economic benefit for communities right across the country. 

“The challenge now is delivery - getting spades in the ground, maintaining momentum and making sure the benefits are felt locally as well as nationally. 

“As the government promised, Britain is entering its golden age of nuclear and ACE members are at the forefront of delivering that critical energy infrastructure, working in partnership across industry and government to bring the global engineering excellence and expertise needed to turn the government’s ambition into reality.”