Gwyndod supply chain mobilised to deliver UK’s first SMRs
More than 400 suppliers from across North Wales, the UK and the international nuclear industry came together on Ynys Môn as Rolls-Royce SMR and Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) moved forward with plans to deliver the UK’s first small modular reactors at Gwyndod.
The ‘Delivering Together’ conference, held at Coleg Menai’s Llangefni Campus, brought businesses face-to-face with the joint Gwyndod delivery team. It marked an important step in mobilising the supply chain and building the industrial capability needed to deliver this flagship project.
Over two days, delegates heard about the opportunities from the programme, the capabilities and standards required and how businesses can prepare to become part of the supply chain. SMEs also received tailored guidance on how to engage with the wider Gwyndod project supply chain.
Rolls-Royce SMR and GBE-N delivered presentations and shared practical guidance to help businesses of all sizes engage with the programme. Suppliers heard about the capabilities needed and how to work with the programme’s delivery partners, including through dedicated meet-the-buyer sessions.
Rolls-Royce SMR and GBE-N have an ambition to deliver 70% of the content for the Gwyndod project through UK based companies - creating and sustaining thousands of jobs locally and across the whole of the UK. More than 300 apprentices are expected to be supported during construction, with an ambition to fill opportunities locally wherever possible.
Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks MP, said: “Our golden age of nuclear will create thousands of skilled jobs, attract billions of pounds of investment, and help drive down bills over time.
“Gwyndod's small modular reactors will create new opportunities for a generation of young people across North Wales, supporting growth through the UK supply chain, and delivering clean, homegrown nuclear power for the whole of Britain."
Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said: “The Welsh Government is committed to maximising Gwyndod’s economic, employment and supply-chain benefits for Wales. Our ambition is not simply to host the project, but to secure lasting value through skilled jobs, opportunities for Welsh businesses and stronger local supply chains.
“Wales brings an experienced and highly skilled workforce, with expertise spanning professional, technical and trade roles. This provides a strong foundation for Welsh businesses and workers to play a substantial role in delivering what marks a new chapter for the British nuclear industry as the first SMR build.”
Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive, added: “The Gwyndod project is our opportunity to transform the way nuclear power is delivered. Our repeatable, factory-built approach will provide greater certainty and reduce delivery risk, while creating a national industrial capability that can support a UK fleet of Rolls-Royce SMRs and the huge export order opportunity, starting with those already secured in Czechia and Sweden.
“This event has brought the organisations and expertise behind that ambition together with a focus on Delivering Together. We are now energising the Gwyndod supply chain and building the enduring partnerships that will turn our plans into action.”
Simon Roddy, CEO of Great British Energy – Nuclear, said: “As we continue to make great strides with the Gwyndod project, it was inspiring to see such a significant level of interest and excitement from the supply chain to find out more about how they can get involved, and even better to be able to host such an event on Anglesey itself at Coleg Menai.
“The attendance of Ministers from both UK and Welsh Governments across both days of our event perfectly emphasised how serious we are about delivering the project together; we truly are all one “Team Gwyndod!”
Together, Rolls-Royce SMR and GBE-N share an ambition for Gwyndod to provide clean, affordable power for generations to come, while transforming UK industry and creating lasting opportunities for communities in North Wales and across the UK.
