Rolls-Royce and GBE-N Mobilise 400 Suppliers for Gwyndod SMRs on Anglesey
Rolls-Royce SMR and Great British Energy – Nuclear have mobilised over 400 suppliers from North Wales, the UK and internationally to advance plans for the UK’s first small modular reactors at Gwyndod on Anglesey.
The ‘Delivering Together’ conference, hosted at Coleg Menai’s Llangefni Campus, brought businesses face-to-face with the joint Gwyndod delivery team. This gathering marked a critical step in building the industrial capability required for this flagship nuclear project.
Over two days, delegates received detailed briefings on programme opportunities, required capabilities and industry standards. SMEs also accessed tailored guidance on how to prepare and engage with the wider Gwyndod project supply chain.
Rolls-Royce SMR and GBE-N presented practical guidance to help businesses of all sizes integrate into the programme. Suppliers learned about necessary capabilities and how to collaborate with delivery partners through dedicated meet-the-buyer sessions.
The joint venture holds an ambition to deliver 70% of the Gwyndod project content through UK-based companies. This strategy aims to create and sustain thousands of jobs locally and across the whole of the UK.
More than 300 apprentices are expected to be supported during the construction phase. The project team has stated an ambition to fill these opportunities locally wherever possible.
Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks MP, highlighted the broader economic impact of the initiative. He stated: “Our golden age of nuclear will create thousands of skilled jobs, attract billions of pounds of investment, and help drive down bills over time.”
Shanks added: “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, emphasised the strategic commitment to local benefits. He 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.
Price continued: “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, outlined the transformative potential of the project. He remarked: “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.
Cholerton concluded: “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, expressed satisfaction with the industry response. He noted: “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.”
Roddy added: “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. This goal includes transforming UK industry and creating lasting opportunities for communities in North Wales and across the UK.
Eli Nathan
Eli Nathan covers Wales news, politics, community stories, and sports for The National Wales (thenational.wales).
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