US Discontent Over UK's Small Modular Reactor Plans Amid Energy Transition

The UK government has announced plans to build its first small modular reactors, or SMRs, at the Wylfa site on Anglesey, Wales, a move that has drawn disappointment from the United States. According to The Guardian, the announcement by UK Labour leader Keir Starmer faces backlash due to the decision to select the British company Rolls-Royce SMR instead of the American manufacturer Westinghouse Electric Company.

The US, particularly under the Trump administration, had pushed for Westinghouse to be chosen, with US ambassador Warren Stephens expressing discontent. He stated, 'We are extremely disappointed by this decision, not least because there are cheaper, faster and already-approved options to provide clean, safe energy at this same location.' The UK government plans to invest £2.5 billion into this initiative, which aims to produce nuclear power stations in factories, thereby reducing costs and speeding up the installation process.

Each of the planned reactors will generate 470 megawatts of power, according to reports. The UK government's embrace of nuclear energy is part of a broader strategy to generate electricity without carbon dioxide emissions while also fostering a new export industry in SMRs.

However, this decision may strain US-UK relations regarding energy policy, especially considering the significant financial agreement recently signed by the Trump administration with Westinghouse worth $80 billion to develop larger nuclear reactors.

A source close to the UK government defended the decision, asserting it was the right choice for Britain and emphasized the importance of homegrown clean power. Yet, there are concerns within the UK about the implications for job creation.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, pointed out that building three smaller reactors instead of one larger facility could limit job opportunities for British workers. The Labour government has also indicated intentions to explore larger nuclear reactors in the future, despite potential opposition from the Scottish National Party regarding nuclear power in Scotland.

Starmer remarked on the historical significance of Britain as a leader in nuclear energy, stating that the government seeks to reverse years of decline and deliver investment and jobs. The Wylfa site had previously been home to nuclear power generation until 2015, when its last reactor was shut down.

The selection of Rolls-Royce for this project has received support from industry representatives, who view it as a chance to bolster the UK’s domestic supply chain and skilled workforce. Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, lauded the Wylfa project as a significant opportunity for UK technology, emphasizing the need for a diverse mix of nuclear capacity to secure a reliable electricity supply.

This development not only highlights the strategic energy choices being made within the UK but also raises critical questions about international collaboration in the face of climate change challenges, especially as the US expresses its desire for alignment in energy strategies with its allies.