Government body backing project for Rolls-Royce SMRs at Gwyndod
Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) has joined the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) as a Category 5 New Entrant Member, marking an important milestone in the organisation’s programme to deliver new nuclear capacity in the UK.
Category 5 membership is designed for organisations worldwide that are planning, constructing or preparing to operate new nuclear units.
Through this membership, GBE-N will gain access to WANO’s global network of expertise, operating experience and tailored support services for new nuclear projects.
WANO provides assistance throughout every stage of a new nuclear project, from construction and commissioning through to operational readiness, startup and long-term safe and reliable operation.
GBE-N, a government-owned body, is progressing plans to deploy Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at the Gwyndod site – formerly known as Wylfa – in North Wales.
To support GBE-N’s development programme, WANO has already prepared a draft interaction plan covering structured engagement activities, with an initial focus on 2026 and 2027. This roadmap will help ensure that the organisation receives targeted support as it advances towards future deployment and operation of its planned SMR fleet.
In the last three years, several new nuclear organisations have joined WANO as a Category 5 member, including SaskPower Corporation (Canada), Sizewell C Limited (UK), Orlen Synthos Green Energy (Poland), Elektrarna Dukovany II (Czech Republic), Duwayhin Nuclear Energy Company (Saudi Arabia) and Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe Sp.z.o.o (Poland).
