By Vince Manni

The UK announced this week plans for a flagship nuclear energy site. The UK government stated that they are ceding an island in North Wales to Rolls Royce (RR) for the development of three SMRs. The U.S., who has been eyeing the site for a nuclear plant with partner Westinghouse Electric Company, is disappointed with this decision. This nuclear deal gives Rolls-Royce the runway to build its first — and hopefully not its last — reactor.

Wylfa on Anglesey, the island in question, was home to an old nuclear site. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stands firm and reaffirms Britain’s commitment to nuclear energy. The decision reflects Britain’s desire to cultivate a sovereign SMR industry, rather than relying on foreign technologies for its next wave of nuclear expansion. They pointed out that the development at Wylfa on Anglesey is the UK’s “flagship SMR programme” and as such should employ “the best site possible”. It seems this place was chosen for the previous infrastructure already in place. Wylfa operated a 1960s-era nuclear plant until 2015, and Hitachi invested $2 billion into the plant before walking away in 2019. So, this site is advantageous for a shorter development time. These SMRs are projected to add 3,000 jobs during development and will produce the power equivalent of 3 million homes. With the target of power on the grid in the coming decade, it seems Britain’s goal is to grow and establish its own nuclear power program; however, it can greatly benefit from collaboration with the U.S.

U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephens released a statement on the announcement, suggesting that the proposed plant is neither cost nor time efficient. Warren alluded that the U.S. partnerships can provide the same area with clean energy for cheaper and faster. 

Despite the expressed disappointment from the U.S. over differing opinions, the British government has reassured that they still want to work, collaborate and partner with the United States. A spokesperson for the British government said that they intend to “work closely” with U.S. partners, as they remain “vital to Britain’s nuclear future”, the decision to give Wylfa to RR does not close the door to a larger plant elsewhere. The UK is keeping its options open and intends on having the U.S. play a meaningful role in future plans. 

The UK’s Nuclear future is bright, and much optimism comes from its alliance and close ties to the U.S. Recently announced deals between UK energy supplier Centrica and U.S ‘s X-energy call for 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool. There is also a deal in place between British real estate and investment firm Tritax, Holtec (USA) and French state-backed energy group EDF Energy. 

There is hope that the U.S. ‘s expressed disappointment with the UK’s choice this time around will nudge them in the direction of choosing Westinghouse for future nuclear sites. 

At the end of the day, the U.S. understandably wants to cement its role as a global leader in nuclear technology. Energy dominance bolsters American companies, investors and strengthens the US economy, while also providing the U.S. a strategic advantage in a complex geopolitical landscape. But let’s take a step back to look at the bigger picture… although we all want the U.S. to grow its nuclear capacity and capabilities at home and abroad, nuclear energy development, regardless of by whom, reduces emissions and promotes environmental sustainability. 

Vince Manni and Chase White are advisors at the Nuclear Advocacy Resource Organization

Resource: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, HM Treasury, Wales Office, Prime Minister’s Office, Reeves, R., Stevens, J., & Miliband, E. (2025, November 13). North Wales to pioneer UK’s first small modular reactors. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/north-wales-to-pioneer-uks-first-small-modular-reactors