Expert Socio-Economic Assessments of Nuclear Power Projects – Wylfa SMR DCO Application

As the UK prepares for its first small modular reactor at Wylfa, planning and regulatory decisions will need to rely on robust socio-economic assessments of nuclear power projects. This insight piece explores how thorough assessment can inform DCO applications and support sustainable local economic development.
Published On: November 28, 2025
Hardisty Jones provide socio-economic assessment expertise for SMRs and nuclear power station DCO projects

Author

Gareth Jones

Director

Tel: 07966 397 922

E: gareth@hardistyjones.com

Share

Hardisty Jones offers specialist expertise in socio-economic assessments of nuclear power projects, helping stakeholders understand potential impacts, maximise community benefits, and plan effective mitigation. With the Wylfa small modular reactor (SMR) in North Wales confirmed as the UK’s first of its kind, local authorities, developers, and stakeholders will need robust analysis to understand potential socio-economic impacts.

We are ready to provide the insight and guidance needed to support evidence-based decision-making, drawing on our experience delivering socio-economic assessments for large-scale nuclear projects, including Wylfa Newydd.

Our Expertise – Wylfa Newydd, Anglesey

For the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station, Hardisty Jones assessed the local economic impacts and focused on:

  • Maximising economic benefits and mitigating dis-benefits during construction
  • Mitigating negative impacts on the tourism sector
  • Creating a long-term economic legacy for Anglesey and North Wales

This work involved detailed analysis of employment, skills, supply chain, and local business opportunities, alongside strategies to protect the visitor economy and promote sustainable regional growth.

Our inputs to Wylfa Newydd gave us relevant experience delivering tailored socio-economic assessments to inform planning, support DCO submissions, and maximise local and regional benefits.

Sizewell C, Suffolk – Case Study

In 2018, Hardisty Jones was commissioned by East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council to produce an Economic Impact Assessment for Sizewell C.

Key elements included:

  • Maximising benefits for employment, skills, supply chain, inward investment, and innovation
  • Mitigating negative impacts on tourism, workforce displacement, and local services
  • Modelling different delivery scenarios using comparator projects such as Hinkley Point C, Flamanville (France), and Olkiluoto (Finland)

The assessment analysed home and non-home-based workforce impacts, supply chain engagement, and tourism sector implications. Mitigation strategies were developed to maximise benefits while protecting local economic and social interests.

Sizewell C was granted planning consent in 2022. Our experience with Sizewell C supported our proficiencies in delivering comprehensive, actionable socio-economic assessments for large-scale nuclear projects.

Find out more about our delivery of the Sizewell C Economic Impact Assessment.

Hinkley Point C, Somerset – Case Study

Since 2011, Hardisty Jones has provided socio-economic support to Somerset County Council for Hinkley Point C, including DCO application inputs.

Our contributions included:

  • Preparing s106 cases for tourism mitigation, broadband, local economic assessment, and workforce engagement
  • Developing a low carbon economy plan and a nuclear business cluster programme, including an innovation centre and Enterprise Zone
  • Assessing regional jobs, skills, and supply chain impacts
  • Evaluating positive and negative economic effects, including tourism impacts
  • Supporting planning submissions with socio-economic chapters in Local Impact Reports and DCO consultation responses

This work supported our capabilities to prepare practical strategies to mitigate risks, maximise benefits, and deliver long-term regional economic value.

Find out more about our inputs to Hinkley Point C.

How Hardisty Jones Can Support Wylfa SMR and Other Nuclear Projects

We provide expert socio-economic assessment services to help stakeholders:

  • Assess local and regional economic impacts, including employment, skills, GVA, and supply chain effects
  • Consider social impacts on housing, population, and local services
  • Understand tourism and wider community impacts
  • Develop mitigation strategies for potential negative effects
  • Maximise community benefits through skills plans, supply chain engagement, and inward investment

Our prior experience with Wylfa Newydd, Sizewell C, and Hinkley Point C positions Hardisty Jones to deliver credible, evidence-based socio-economic assessments of nuclear power projects such as Wylfa SMR.

Get in Touch

If you are preparing a DCO application for Wylfa SMR or another nuclear or clean energy project, please contact us.