GUEST COLUMN:
Dr Debbie Jones
Low Carbon Innovation Manager, M-SParc
NWNA (North West Nuclear Arc), Executive Director
Wales Nuclear Forum (WNF), Director
The announcement that the Wylfa site on Ynys Môn will be the first UK site for three Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is great news for the region.
As someone who grew up in north Wales and studied nuclear chemistry at University and was working in the sector when the news broke about the previous project, I’m both excited about the news and a little bit wary of what it actually means too.
One thing is already clear: the potential for North Wales to lead in low-carbon innovation has never been greater.
A Moment of Opportunity
North Wales has the heritage, talent, and ambition to play a defining role in the UK’s clean energy transition. We have a unique mix of low carbon energy technologies including tidal, on and offshore wind, pumped storage, solar, hydro, an emerging hydrogen economy and of course, nuclear. Wylfa is widely recognised as one of the most suitable sites for new nuclear development, thanks to its existing grid connection, geological stability, business ecosystem and a community that understands both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with hosting major energy infrastructure.
The focus for us now is to ensure that the region is ready to make the most of hosting these first-of-a-kind reactors, and build on the strong and innovative ecosystem within the region.
Building on a Strong Foundation
M-SParc, the innovation hub for the region, are ready to support this journey. From supporting local supply chain companies to connecting small businesses with major industry partners, from fostering start-ups to preparing the next generation of skilled workers, our mission is simple: to maximise the economic opportunities from hosting these nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Across the region, we already see exciting examples of collaboration between industry, academia, and local government. We lead on North West Nuclear Arc cluster, which exists to strengthen those connections and help ensure that investment translates into tangible regional benefit: jobs, skills, and innovation, across north Wales and the North West of England, and work closely with the Wales Nuclear Forum; Wales’ leading nuclear supply chain cluster.
A Long-Term Vision for Growth
New nuclear development could act as a catalyst for long-term economic regeneration (and hopefully, eventually, a Nandos!).
We must ensure that the benefits of any future project are felt across the community; through maximising supply chain opportunities, apprenticeships, long term careers, and opportunities that allow people to stay, live, and thrive locally.
Equally, the story of Wylfa is not just about energy generation. It is about resilience, innovation, and the pride of a region determined to lead the next phase of the low-carbon economy.
At M-SParc, we will continue to work with partners, businesses, and communities to maximise the benefits of any investment and to ensure that North Wales remains at the forefront of low-carbon innovation.
