A proposal to build the UK’s third mega-nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey has been hailed as ‘the single biggest inward investment in Welsh history’.
The UK Government has announced Wylfa as its first choice site for a large-scale gigawatt nuclear power plant, a move which would bring thousands of jobs.
It says it would put North Wales in prime position to benefit from a boost to its economic prosperity and support the UK’s long-term energy security.
It is kickstarting talks with global energy firms to explore building the new power plant, which could provide enough clean, reliable and cheap power for six million homes for 60 years. It brings the UK closer to its target for a quarter of electricity to come from homegrown nuclear power by 2050 to strengthen the nation’s energy independence.
A major nuclear power station, similar in scale to Hinkley in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk, would revive the nuclear history of Wylfa and bring thousands of jobs and investment to the area, boosting the local economy.
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:
“The Government is absolutely right to pursue more large-scale nuclear alongside the small modular reactor programme: it is proven technology that delivers clean, sovereign power and can transform communities with thousands of high quality, long term jobs and apprenticeships. Wylfa is an ideal place for a big nuclear project, and the community knows nuclear.
“We welcome the Government’s engagement with potential partners internationally, and we urge them to move forward at pace. A large-scale project at Wylfa would be the single biggest inward investment in Welsh history, and a huge step towards both energy security and net zero for the whole country.”
The Government says that Wylfa, sitting on the North Wales coast, is ideally suited to host a nuclear power plant given its proximity to cooling water and nuclear heritage.
Great British Nuclear – tasked with delivering the world’s fastest small modular reactor competition – recently secured Wylfa and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire as two possible sites for new nuclear projects. It was the first time the Government acquired land for new nuclear since the 1960s.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said:
“We are powering ahead with the biggest expansion of nuclear energy in 70 years.
“Anglesey has a proud nuclear history and it is only right that, once again, it can play a central role in boosting the UK’s energy security.
“Wylfa would not only bring clean, reliable power to millions of homes – it could create thousands of well-paid jobs and bring investment to the whole of North Wales.”
Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade, said:
“The news that Wylfa on Anglesey has been earmarked as a preferred site by ministers in Westminster for a new gigawatt scale nuclear power station will come as a huge relief to local islanders who are crying out for a new reactor.
“A new Wylfa reactor will create thousands of good-quality, well paid jobs for local people and provide clean, reliable domestically generated power for millions of people across Wales.
“With plans for a new nuclear power plant on Anglesey moving forward, it’s critical that the planning red-tape that has slowed down building Hinkley Point C, and added huge costs, are quickly addressed by government.
“With the announcement of new nuclear at Wylfa, the case for a third Menai crossing is stronger than ever. The governments in Westminster and Cardiff should now work together to deliver.”
The UK is delivering the biggest expansion to nuclear power in 70 years and suitable sites will be critical to meet ambitions to quadruple nuclear capacity by up to 24GW by 2050. This will come from a mix of traditional large-scale power plants and small modular reactors, which can be rolled out more quickly and at scale.
Great British Nuclear aims to announce successful bidders for the small modular reactor competition by the end of this year.
Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear, said:
“Having agreed to purchase the Wylfa site earlier this year, GBN looks forward to working with the Government on the market engagement programme for large scale gigawatt providers and also delivering this vital project in the years to come.”
Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:
“This is significant and welcome news for Wales that promises to bring thousands of high-quality jobs to the local economy.
“Alongside the revival of nuclear power at Wylfa, recent measures we have announced include a Freeport for Anglesey, £17 million in Levelling Up money for Holyhead and electrification of the North Wales rail line which show that the UK Government continues to deliver for Anglesey and for North Wales.”
Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect union, said:
“Wylfa represents the best site in Europe for a large-scale nuclear power station. With this announcement this has now been recognised by the UK Government.
“Gigawatt scale new nuclear power stations are vital to hitting net zero and for our energy security. But they also maintain well paid and highly skilled jobs, meaning this project would be a major boost to the Welsh economy.
“Now we need a laser-like focus on delivery of new nuclear to make sure skills and experience are not lost, and costs are reduced as we progress.”
