North Wales is set to play a central role in the UK’s clean energy future after Great British Energy, Nuclear (GBE-N) awarded a £300 million contract to a joint venture between Amentum and Cavendish Nuclear.
The long-term agreement, which could run for up to 14 years, will support the development of Rolls-Royce small modular reactor (SMR) technology at the Wylfa site on Anglesey, positioning the region at the forefront of next-generation nuclear deployment.
Operating as Litmus Nuclear, the joint venture will provide independent technical oversight and assurance across key stages of the project, including design, safety, construction and commissioning. The work will be critical in helping GBE-N reach a final investment decision and unlock the delivery of one of the UK’s first SMR projects at Wylfa.
Loren Jones, senior vice president and head of Amentum’s Energy & Environment-International business, said:
“This award recognises Amentum’s expertise to accelerate the global expansion and revitalisation of nuclear energy. It also underscores our central role in advancing the UK’s nuclear ambitions, complementing our ongoing work at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. Amentum will draw upon our expertise in nuclear science and engineering to provide independent technical and delivery assurance, helping GBE-N advance the SMR program and bolster the UK’s energy security and industrial base.”
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“This contract moves us closer to clean power and thousands of skilled jobs at Wylfa, and is a clear sign that delivery of the UK’s first small modular reactors is now the focus.
“It’s good to see the supply chain being mobilised, with Great British Energy – Nuclear, alongside Amentum and Cavendish Nuclear, putting in place the expertise needed to support deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR technology and enable progress on the project.
“At a time when households and businesses remain exposed to volatile gas price shocks, SMRs at Wylfa will play a major role in strengthening energy security and driving growth – the priority now is to keep up the pace.”
The joint venture will also play a key role in ensuring the SMR programme meets all regulatory requirements, while helping to deliver reliable, low-carbon energy for decades.
Wylfa, on Anglesey/Ynys Môn in North Wales, was confirmed in November 2025 by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as the site for the UK’s first small modular reactors. With a capacity of 470MWe, these reactors are smaller and quicker to deploy than traditional nuclear power stations.
