**Plans for Small-Scale Nuclear Project in South Wales Gain Regulatory Momentum**
The prospect of a new small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station in south Wales has moved a significant step closer to reality, following the completion of an initial regulatory review. The scheme, driven by US-based company Last Energy, promises to offer a new chapter in clean energy for the region by introducing four microreactors at the site of the former Llynfi Power Station in Bridgend.
Last Energy first made headlines last year with its intention to invest £300 million in the development of a pioneering SMR facility at the former coal-powered site, which has stood dormant since shutting in 1977. The company, headquartered in Washington, has already acquired the land and is pushing forward with plans that could see the plant generate reliable, round-the-clock electricity equivalent to the annual needs of roughly 244,000 homes in the region.
A major breakthrough for the project was achieved with the successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), a rigorous scrutiny process overseen by the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. This PDR marks a crucial milestone, as it is the first time such a microreactor design—branded the PWR-20—has passed this stage with UK regulators, offering Last Energy a tailored regulatory pathway as it seeks to deliver its technology on British soil.
The thorough review phase concluded after more than a year of engagement with the relevant authorities, and five months of deep-dive analysis into organisational models, environmental and decommissioning plans, as well as safety process maturity. With this endorsement, Last Energy is now poised to continue with detailed regulatory assessment, including further work on safety, security, and environmental impact.
Michael Jenner, CEO of Last Energy UK, welcomed the regulator’s constructive approach. “Becoming the first micronuclear developer to complete a preliminary design review demonstrates a clear route through the UK’s regulatory landscape for innovative clean energy solutions,” he stated. He suggested that unlocking nuclear power at this smaller scale could be pivotal in both decarbonising the nation’s industries and spurring economic growth.
The company’s target is to achieve a site licence decision by December 2027, a goal that regulators believe is feasible provided Last Energy delivers the required documentation promptly and to the necessary standards. In addition to the regulatory hurdles, the project has secured a letter of intent for approximately £81 million in debt funding from the US Export-Import Bank, underscoring clear financial interest in advancing the scheme.
From a regional economic viewpoint, Last Energy estimates that at least 10% of its supply chain for the plant will be sourced within south Wales, generating around £30 million of economic activity in the area—not including business rates—and creating up to 100 new jobs. Notably, the company has clarified that it is not seeking taxpayer funding to support its venture.
In practical terms, each reactor will be made up of several dozen compact modules designed for rapid assembly, requiring a fraction of the land needed for traditional nuclear power—only about a third the size of a football pitch. The company claims the electricity generated will feed directly into the grid, having recently secured a 22 megawatt connection with National Grid Electricity Distribution.
Concerns around nuclear waste have also been addressed by Last Energy, which says all hazardous materials, including spent fuel, will be contained below ground in a reinforced structure, with waste removed off-site following decommissioning. Each reactor is designed with a planned operational life of 42 years, with possibilities for future extensions.
Ultimately, as the project is classed as one of national significance, the final decision will rest with Welsh Government ministers, following an in-depth review by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). Regulators have emphasised that the latest review is only an initial step, with further detailed assessments required before any final permissions can be granted.
The move to introduce a new type of nuclear facility in Wales comes amid the UK’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy mix and bolster long-term security of supply, particularly as the nation works towards meeting ambitious decarbonisation targets. The outcome of this project could pave the way for further SMR projects across the country, as policymakers and industry leaders seek new strategies to provide clean, reliable energy for future generations.