The UK has taken a major step by selecting Rolls‑Royce SMR to build its first small modular reactors (SMRs) at the former nuclear site of Wylfa in north Wales. The British government announced a £2.5 billion investment in the programme, with each reactor capable of generating around 470 megawatts. 

 

SMRs represent a newer nuclear technology designed for factory-built units and potentially faster deployment compared with traditional large reactors. By advancing this project, the UK aims to rebuild its domestic nuclear industry, support job creation, and reinforce its low-carbon energy ambitions. 

 

However, the decision triggered concern from the US side. The United States Embassy in London expressed “extreme disappointment”, pointing out that the UK bypassed the US-based Westinghouse Electric Company — a company backed by an $80 billion deal with the US government — in favour of a UK manufacturer. The US position argued there were “cheaper, faster and already-approved options” for clean energy at the site. 

 

In response, UK officials defended their choice as a strategic move to strengthen the national supply chain and deliver energy infrastructure that supports both the environment and employment. While the US reaction may not block the Wylfa project, it could influence future decisions about larger-scale nuclear builds or international partnerships.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

The UK selected Rolls-Royce’s SMR design for its first domestic small modular reactors at Wylfa.

 

The US criticised the decision, arguing UK bypassed cheaper and proven US nuclear technology.

 

UK officials emphasise the move strengthens local manufacturing, jobs and clean-energy strategy.

 

 

Adapted From 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/13/us-disappointed-that-rolls-royce-will-build-uks-first-small-modular-reactors

The US has proved itself to be an unreliable ally lately. Why would the UK go for an American company for what is an important part of national infrastructure?

 

That term Hegseth like to use so frequently (FAFO) comes to mind.

Good news for Britain and Rolls Royce, though tantrums will follow.

1 hour ago, phetphet said:

The US has proved itself to be an unreliable ally lately.

Britian has proved itself to be sliding into totalitarianism.

 

Plus it is in danger of Muslim occupation.

 

Probably a good idea we not give them advanced tech

24 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Britian has proved itself to be sliding into totalitarianism.

 

Plus it is in danger of Muslim occupation.

 

Probably a good idea we not give them advanced tech

Utter nonsense.

 

And clearly the UK has the advanced tech.

I understand that Rolls Royce in the past has had some involvement in power boat (speed boat) racing!

 

Now I wouldn't want to give "Whisky Pete" any ideas, but perhaps steer clear of speed boat racing for a while?

 

Daft post I know, but perhaps no dafter than suggesting that the UK is in danger of Muslim occupation!

Here comes more Trump tariffs.

Something isn't right.

In 2020, Japanese industrial group Hitachi ended its plans to develop a new reactor at Wylfa, writing off £2.1bn in the process.  The reason given was that the UK government was unable to agree to funding terms. A company just doesn't flush that kind of money down the toilet unless a project really isn't financially viable. Now, the project has magically found the financing with a government that is in worse financial shape than it was in 2018-2020.

 

Ok,miracles can happen and the Starmer government  is given to creative book keeping,  but why Rolls Royce, a company which is neither a leader in the SMR technology nor an experienced builder of SMRs. Although, Rolls Royce has built the nuclear reactors for the UK military submarine fleet, that's about it.  Meanwhile, Canada which is one of the world's SMR technology leaders, and has projects underway, uses GE Hitachi generators, a generator with a proven history.

 

I have a feeling that Rolls Royce was the only company that could be pushed into this and that the project is going to experience cost over runs, and a technology that will have teething problems. The UK taxpayes are going to be on the hook for an expensive adventure.

 

1 hour ago, JAG said:

I understand that Rolls Royce in the past has had some involvement in power boat (speed boat) racing!

 

Now I wouldn't want to give "Whisky Pete" any ideas, but perhaps steer clear of speed boat racing for a while?

 

Daft post I know, but perhaps no dafter than suggesting that the UK is in danger of Muslim occupation!

Head in sand a tad??

A good plan.

 

More jobs for the British industry and nothing for the USA.

8 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Britian has proved itself to be sliding into totalitarianism.

 

Plus it is in danger of Muslim occupation.

 

Probably a good idea we not give them advanced tech

Do you recall that this was the same argument used by the Boers for dismantling South Africa's nuclear bombs? If only all countries would follow suit, the world would be a safer place. Let politicians fight it out with clubs and wars would be history.

And Canada is looking to buy warplanes from Sweden instead of US F-whatevers. 

 

Good job Donnie. 

12 minutes ago, gargamon said:

And Canada is looking to buy warplanes from Sweden instead of US F-whatevers. 

 

Good job Donnie. 

Canada doesnt have a real Air Force LOL

And losing sales of f 35s to French rafael jets  

US is too unreliable to trust these days,