Bridgend plans landmark nuclear power station to replace former coal site
A US-based energy developer has advanced its proposal to build four compact nuclear reactors on the site of the former Llynfi Power Station, marking a significant shift in South Wales’ energy future.
Last Energy, a company specialising in small-scale nuclear technology, confirmed in June that it had completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) — an important regulatory step carried out by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Natural Resources Wales, and the Environment Agency.
The review examined the company’s organisational plans, environmental and decommissioning strategy, and safety analysis process. It concluded that Last Energy had demonstrated a clear understanding of regulatory expectations and was planning to address key issues as its design matures.
Diego Lisbona, ONR’s head of regulation – advanced nuclear technologies, said: “Our assessment involved multiple technical workshops and during the review Last Energy progressed its organisational plans and committed to address regulatory feedback on disposal routes and safety analysis.”
He added: “The early engagement process shows the flexibility of the UK regulatory framework. The feedback from companies is that they value the approach we take.”
The proposed PWR-20 microreactors would be built on the long-disused coal site in the Llynfi Valley. Each unit would generate 20 megawatts of electricity — enough to power thousands of homes — and operate with a passive safety design that requires no active cooling or operator intervention during shutdown.
Michael Jenner, Chief Executive of Last Energy UK, said: “Unlocking nuclear power at scale is essential to decarbonising the industrial economy and driving economic growth across the UK. Completing our PDR has provided essential guidance to efficiently undertake and complete licensing processes, positioning Last Energy to deliver the UK’s first commercial microreactor.”
The company says the modular design allows the reactors to be fabricated, transported and assembled within 24 months, using land equivalent to a third of a football pitch. All nuclear components, including used fuel, would be housed underground within a 500-tonne metal shield.
The project is privately financed, with a £81m letter of intent from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and is expected to generate around 100 jobs and £30m in local supply chain investment. No public sector funding is being sought.
Project timeline
October 2024
Last Energy announces plans for four microreactors and secures site control of the former Llynfi Power Station.
January 2025
Company enters UK nuclear licensing process — a national first for microreactor technology.
June 2025
Successfully completes Preliminary Design Review (PDR), building regulatory confidence in safety and environmental plans.
December 2027 (target)
Regulators expected to make a decision on site licence, contingent on successful submissions.
2028 onward
Construction phase anticipated to begin.
Early 2030s
Microreactors planned to go online, supplying power directly to local industry.
The ONR has stressed that the PDR is not a substitute for full design assessment or licensing, but it does lay the groundwork for future regulatory scrutiny. The company will now move into the next phase of assessment, including site-specific safety and environmental cases.
As the project is deemed a development of national significance, final planning approval will rest with Welsh Government ministers, following assessment by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
Local reaction has been mixed. Some residents have welcomed the potential for jobs and investment, while others have raised concerns about safety and transparency.
Cllr Malcolm James, who represents the Llangynwyd ward, said: “This announcement came as a bit of a surprise to a lot of people in the area. At the moment I’m very concerned because I don’t have enough details about the facility — such as how it would work, how the fuel will be transported in and out, and what plans would be in place for the facility after it closes.”
Local resident Sarah Dawe added: “It can’t be a bad thing in terms of the jobs and investment it will bring. But when it comes to the nuclear aspect I’m really not sure. I’d like to be given more information before anything goes ahead.”
Tracy Thomas, who works at a café in Maesteg, said: “I wouldn’t think it would be any good for the Llynfi valley to be honest because it’s nuclear and I don’t think that’s any good. I don’t think it will work up here, and I don’t think it will go through as a lot of people would protest it.”
Public consultation is expected to begin later this year, with events planned to give residents a chance to ask questions and learn more about the technology.
#energy #EnvironmentAgency #LastEnergy #Llangynwyd #LlynfiPowerStation #LlynfiValley #Maesteg #microreactor #NaturalResourcesWales #nuclear #NuclearPowerStation #OfficeForNuclearRegulation
