UK and US at odds over nuclear deal as Britain gives green light to domestic firm for new reactors.
The UK's decision to allocate Wylfa on Anglesey, Wales, to host small modular reactors (SMRs) has sparked tension with the US, with Washington accusing its British counterpart of "home bias". The move means that Rolls-Royce SMR will build three units at the site, a development that has left US Ambassador Warren Stephens disappointed.
Critics argue that this choice is little more than a case of Britain favouring its own domestic industry over international partnerships. However, insiders say the decision was always going to be in favour of Rolls Royce, given the benefits of hosting nuclear reactors on government-owned land and the fact that Wylfa previously hosted a Magnox reactor.
The real test of this strategy will come when the full potential of the SMR technology becomes clear. So far, the only major order for the technology is from the Czech Republic, with no indication that costs can be reduced to match those of larger reactors like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.
However, some analysts believe that the choice of Wylfa could prove beneficial in the long run. The site has the potential to accommodate five more units, which would give Britain a significant advantage over its competitors. It remains to be seen whether this will translate into cost savings for consumers.
One possible consolation prize for the US is that Westinghouse will still have the opportunity to compete for future large-scale reactor projects in the UK. However, critics argue that Washington should have been given more advance warning of the decision before it became public.
While hopes are high that SMR technology could become a major export earner for Britain, there remains significant uncertainty over its viability. The first electricity from Wylfa is unlikely to be generated until the mid-2030s, and costs will only start to fall as more units come online.
Ultimately, giving priority to domestic firms may have been the best course of action, but it comes with a warning: if Britain wants to maximise its chances of success in this field, it needs to be prepared for setbacks and keep working towards a goal.
The UK's decision to allocate Wylfa on Anglesey, Wales, to host small modular reactors (SMRs) has sparked tension with the US, with Washington accusing its British counterpart of "home bias". The move means that Rolls-Royce SMR will build three units at the site, a development that has left US Ambassador Warren Stephens disappointed.
Critics argue that this choice is little more than a case of Britain favouring its own domestic industry over international partnerships. However, insiders say the decision was always going to be in favour of Rolls Royce, given the benefits of hosting nuclear reactors on government-owned land and the fact that Wylfa previously hosted a Magnox reactor.
The real test of this strategy will come when the full potential of the SMR technology becomes clear. So far, the only major order for the technology is from the Czech Republic, with no indication that costs can be reduced to match those of larger reactors like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.
However, some analysts believe that the choice of Wylfa could prove beneficial in the long run. The site has the potential to accommodate five more units, which would give Britain a significant advantage over its competitors. It remains to be seen whether this will translate into cost savings for consumers.
One possible consolation prize for the US is that Westinghouse will still have the opportunity to compete for future large-scale reactor projects in the UK. However, critics argue that Washington should have been given more advance warning of the decision before it became public.
While hopes are high that SMR technology could become a major export earner for Britain, there remains significant uncertainty over its viability. The first electricity from Wylfa is unlikely to be generated until the mid-2030s, and costs will only start to fall as more units come online.
Ultimately, giving priority to domestic firms may have been the best course of action, but it comes with a warning: if Britain wants to maximise its chances of success in this field, it needs to be prepared for setbacks and keep working towards a goal.
I'm not surprised to see the US getting all bent outta shape over this one 
. It's like they forgot that they're the ones who've been giving us Brits a hard time about our nuclear policies in the past 
. Anyway, I think it's cool that we're finally gonna get some homegrown reactors up and running at Wylfa 
. We can't keep relying on other countries to make decisions for us 
. And who knows, maybe this whole thing will turn out to be a win-win for both the US and UK 
. The only concern is that we're gonna end up paying through the nose for those reactors 
️.
. Can't they just chill and accept that Britain wants to support its own industry for once? 
I mean, one thing for sure is that costs are gonna be a big deal in the long run 
. But at the same time, if they're being too protective of their own firms, won't that just limit their chances of success in the global market? 
I guess only time will tell...
so like, dont get me wrong, i think its cool that brits are giving it go with their own tech instead of going international all the time... maybe its a way to keep costs down and stuff? but at the same time, idk if its gonna be good for consumers in the long run 
anyways, guess we just have to wait & see how it all plays out 
But at the same time, I get why Britain wants to give its own companies a chance, it's all about supporting local businesses and creating jobs. 
The thing is, we need to be realistic here - this isn't just about 'home bias', it's about prioritizing what's best for the country. 
And if that means giving Rolls-Royce the nod over Westinghouse or whoever else was in the running, then so be it. 
We can't put all our eggs in one basket and expect it to work out. 
The real test is going to be how these SMRs perform in the long run - will they actually save consumers money? 
. But honestly, can you blame them? I mean, when has the UK ever been known for its international partnerships over domestic interests?
. But hey, at least Britain gets to keep all that cash for itself 
it's not like they're gonna make more reactors than needed just 4 the sake of it 
besides, this is a big step forward 4 SMR tech & who knows maybe it'll lead to cost savings 4 consumers? 
. Let's see how it all plays out! 
.
that's wild! The US is really upset about the UK giving preference to Rolls-Royce SMR over international partnerships 
. The fact that Wylfa can accommodate five more units could be a game-changer for Britain in the long run 
!
. I mean, come on, they're just playing catch-up with tech 
.
Its like they should've seen this coming and prepared for it beforehand 
Anyway, gotta keep an eye on how these reactors turn out and if they really do help save energy costs in the UK