Trump administration voices displeasure over UK nuclear project

The administration of US President Donald Trump has expressed displeasure over the new mini-nuclear power plant project to be built on the island of Anglesey in the United Kingdom.

The White House had expected the British government to select the US company Westinghouse as the contractor to supply reactors for the station, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Guardian.

However, London opted for Rolls-Royce technology, as the project required smaller reactors.

Unexpectedly, a trade union representing several groups of nuclear industry workers sided with Washington, arguing that producing several small reactors instead of one large unit would not create a significant number of new jobs and would not enhance the United Kingdom’s energy security.

Wylfa on the island of Anglesey, or Ynys Môn, is set to host three small modular reactors to be developed by British manufacturer Rolls-Royce SMR, backed by a £2.5 billion government investment.

Rolls-Royce intends to assemble the reactors, each delivering 470 megawatts of power, primarily at its facilities in Derby.

Officials also noted that Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) will soon outline potential locations for additional, larger-scale reactors. Just before the UK announcement, US ambassador Warren Stephens issued a statement saying Britain should choose “a different path” in Wales.

The Trump administration recently concluded an £61 billion agreement with Westinghouse — a company that had been under financial strain — to construct several of the same large reactors proposed for Wylfa.

The terms of that arrangement include the possibility of Washington acquiring an ownership stake in Westinghouse.

By Jeyhun Aghazada