The UK Government has designated Wylfa in North Wales as the preferred site for a new major nuclear power plant. Discussions with international energy firms are underway to build the UK’s third large-scale nuclear station at Anglesey, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This new gigawatt plant aims to generate clean energy for six million homes over 60 years, contributing to the UK’s target of producing 24 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2050.
The previous nuclear station at Wylfa was decommissioned in 2015, and a project by Hitachi to build two reactors there was canceled in 2019 due to rising costs. In March 2023, the UK government struck a £160 million deal with Hitachi to purchase the Wylfa site.
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho emphasized the project’s potential to boost energy security, create jobs, and attract investment to North Wales. Prospective partners include South Korea's nuclear developer KEPCO and American firms Westinghouse and Bechtel. The Nuclear Industry Association and Prospect union support the project, highlighting its importance for energy security, economic growth, and skilled employment in Wales. Final decisions on the project's development and technology type will be made by Great British Nuclear.