US ‘disappointed’ that Rolls-Royce will build UK’s first small modular reactors

The UK government has decided to construct its first small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in north Wales, specifically at Wylfa on Anglesey, with Rolls-Royce as the chosen manufacturer, backed by a £2.5 billion investment. This announcement by Keir Starmer has sparked disappointment from the US, particularly from Donald Trump's administration, which had lobbied for a US company to be awarded the contract. The US ambassador suggested that Britain should consider a 'different path,' indicating a potential strain in UK-US relations over energy policy and technology. This situation reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, where energy independence and technological partnerships are increasingly scrutinized. The choice of a British firm over a US one may have implications for future collaborations and investments in the nuclear sector, as both nations navigate their respective energy strategies.