NUCLEAR INDUSTRY RUES WYLFA PULLOUT

THE nuclear industry has expressed disappointment after developers behind a planned multi-billion-pound power station officially pulled the plug.

Horizon Nuclear Power has withdrawn its application for a development consent order (DCO) at the Wylfa Newydd site on Anglesey after Japanese backer Hitachi announced in September it was pulling out of the scheme.

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “Today’s announcement is disappointing news which underscores the clear need for a new financing model and clear pathway to progress nuclear projects.

“New nuclear power is essential to the prime minister’s 10-point plan and the net zero vision set out in the energy white paper.

“Wylfa is one of the best sites in Europe to make that vision a reality.

“The community and stakeholders on Ynys Môn have consistently supported a project which would create thousands of jobs and produce enough clean power for all of Wales.

“We call on the UK and Welsh Government to work together as a matter of urgency to identify a way forward for zero carbon nuclear development on the site.

“We cannot afford to squander the opportunities for future generations that Wylfa provides, or forfeit its enormous contribution to net zero.”

Mike Payne, of the GMB union, said: “It’s clear that the writing has been on the wall for Wylfa since Hitachi pulled out in September, and UK Government dillydallying has meant nothing has been done to save this important project.”