Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband has stated he makes 'no apologies' for the UK government's decision to select British firm Rolls-Royce for a groundbreaking nuclear power project in Wales, despite strong criticism from the United States.
Anglesey's Nuclear Renaissance
The first-of-its-kind small modular reactor (SMR) project will be constructed at Wylfa, on Anglesey/Ynys Mon in North Wales. The facility will be developed by publicly owned Great British Energy-Nuclear with £2.5 billion in government backing, subject to final contract agreements.
US Ambassador Warren Stephens issued a strong rebuke, telling reporters that Washington is 'extremely disappointed' by the decision. The ambassador had been advocating for a larger reactor at Wylfa, with US firm Westinghouse having reportedly presented plans to build a new gigawatt station at the prime site.
Defending Britain's National Interest
Mr Miliband responded directly to the diplomatic tension during an interview with Times Radio. 'It's true he doesn't think it's so great,' the Energy Secretary acknowledged. 'The reason he doesn't think it's so great is because he wanted a US company to be at this site.'
He added: 'I totally understand that, it's completely legitimate for him to be making the case for a US company. We chose a British company, Rolls-Royce for this site, and I make no apologies for that. Our job is to stand up for the national interest.'
The Energy Secretary suggested that Oldbury in Gloucestershire, another site under consideration, could 'accommodate various other US companies' interested in building new nuclear capacity in the UK.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed the Wylfa project will support up to 3,000 jobs in the local economy during peak construction. The first reactors are expected to begin supplying power to the grid from the mid-2030s, with the complete facility potentially housing up to eight SMR units.
Meanwhile, Great British Energy-Nuclear has been tasked with identifying potential sites for another large-scale nuclear power plant similar to those at Hinkley Point and Sizewell. The organisation must report back by autumn 2026 and has been instructed to consider sites across the UK, including in Scotland.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared: 'Britain was once a world leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind. Today, that changes.'
The announcement represents a significant step in the UK's shift toward nuclear power and other clean energy sources, which the government believes will reduce prices and enhance Britain's energy sovereignty.
