The UK Government’s new Energy Security Strategy has given fresh hope to developing a nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey.
New nuclear was a prominent factor in the strategy and a new government body, Great British Nuclear, will be set up immediately to bring forward new projects as soon as possible this decade, including the Wylfa site.
The Isle of Anglesey County Council’s chief executive, Dylan J. Williams, welcomed the announcement with cautious optimism.
“There now appears to be real impetus within the UK Government to bring new nuclear to Wylfa, as part of a secure future energy mix which would reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and meet net zero targets,” said Williams.
“It is vital, of course, that we take lessons learnt from our experiences of past nuclear development on Anglesey and ensure that they positively influence future plans.”
He added: “We remain committed to hosting a nuclear power station on Anglesey on the condition that it delivers long term transformational benefits – in terms of local jobs, supply chain opportunities, and prosperity for our communities and residents. Respecting the Island’s communities, safeguarding the Welsh language and culture and protecting the environment as well as a commitment to meaningful public engagement remain important red lines.”
Anglesey has a tradition of power generation with the recently decommissioned Wylfa Nuclear Power Station providing employment during its construction in the early 1960s and after it became operational in 1971.
The county council launched its own ‘Anglesey Energy Island Programme’ in 2010.
Anglesey’s head of regulation and economic development, Christian Branch, said: “Our priority now will be to continue to engage with both UK and Welsh Government, potential developers and regional stakeholders to ensure that Wylfa is at the forefront of their thinking.
“A new nuclear power station at Wylfa has the potential to transform the economy of Anglesey, particularly the north of the Island, and the whole of North Wales. It would be a significant enabler to create substantial jobs and supply chain opportunities for generations to come.”
Source: Insider Media Limited