Gleeds has been appointed to support global engineering and built environment consultancy Arup in the delivery of early-phase foundation engineering and design works for the UK’s first small modular reactors (SMR) at Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales.
Commissioned by Great British Energy-Nuclear (GBE-N), the government arm's length body responsible for delivering the next generation of nuclear power in the UK, the project represents a significant milestone in the UK’s ambition to strengthen energy security and accelerate the transition to net zero. Once operational, the development will generate at least 1.4GW of low-carbon electricity for the UK grid, enough to power around three million of today’s homes.
Gleeds is providing programme delivery and cost engineering expertise to support the early phases of the project, working alongside Arup and a multidisciplinary team including LDA Design, TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies and Mace. Together, the group will support GBE-N in the optioneering, feasibility and development of an integrated, site-specific concept design for the Wylfa project.
This appointment builds on Gleeds’ ongoing work with GBE-N over the past two years, as well as the company’s previous involvement in the development of the Wylfa proposition. Through early collaboration, Gleeds will help ensure that programme, cost and delivery considerations are integrated alongside engineering design from the outset, supporting efficient decision-making and enabling the successful development of the UK’s first SMR projects.
Small modular reactors will play a critical role in delivering reliable low-carbon energy and strengthening national energy security, so we’re pleased to be supporting Arup and GBE-N with this landmark programme that will shape the UK’s nuclear future. Gleeds has extensive experience in programme delivery and cost engineering across all the UK’s major nuclear infrastructure projects, and we remain committed to supporting the UK’s transition to a secure, low-carbon energy system through early collaboration with clients and our delivery partners.
Jeremy Stain, Nuclear Business Leader at Arup, added: “The project represents the first of the UK’s anticipated fleet of small modular reactors and aligns with the UK’s energy policy, supporting the need for all available technologies to address carbon reduction and energy security challenges, with nuclear as a vital part of the energy mix. We are delighted to contribute to Arup’s multidisciplinary engineering skills and local knowledge to this landmark nuclear project.”
Simon Roddy, Chief Executive of GBE-N added: “Delivering a safe, high-quality, and integrated site-specific design for the UK’s first SMRs requires strong collaboration, innovation and precise technical decision making with our Technology and Foundation Engineering Partners. I welcome Gleeds and their project partners to this landmark nuclear project alongside GBE-N and our preferred technology partner bidder Rolls-Royce SMR.”
Works on the Wylfa project are expected to begin on site later this year, delivering significant economic benefits for North Wales. The development will support the creation of thousands of jobs during the construction phase and create long-term opportunities across the nuclear supply chain.
