Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has defended the UK's decision to select Rolls-Royce for its first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station at Wylfa in North Wales, despite strong criticism from the US ambassador. Warren Stephens said Washington was “extremely disappointed” that a UK firm was chosen over an American company for the site.
Miliband told Times Radio he made “no apologies” for backing British industry, adding that the ambassador’s opposition was understandable given his desire to see a US firm secure the prime location. The £2.5 billion project, owned by Great British Energy-Nuclear, is expected to create up to 3,000 jobs during construction and power up to three million homes from the mid-2030s.
The ambassador had pushed for a larger reactor at Wylfa, with US firm Westinghouse reportedly proposing a gigawatt station. Stephens argued there were “cheaper, faster and already approved options” available. In response, Miliband said the Oldbury site in Gloucestershire could accommodate US companies interested in building new nuclear capacity.
The government also announced that Great British Energy-Nuclear will identify potential sites for another large-scale nuclear plant, similar to Hinkley Point C and Sizewell, with a report due by autumn 2026. The move is part of wider plans to boost energy sovereignty and reduce bills through nuclear and renewable sources.
