Wylfa Newydd talks continue as minister makes nuclear pledge
THE UK Government is committed to at least “one more large nuclear plant” as a minister said it continues to talk to potential developers interested in the Wylfa Newydd site.
Hitachi pulled the plug on the £16bn project last year after failing to reach a funding agreement with the UK Government.
The Government is now negotiating with EDF to enable investment in the planned Sizewell C nuclear power plant project in Suffolk, but said there is the potential for more sites.
The Anglesey community council, in whose area Wylfa B would be sited, said it remained supportive but was “tired of the uncertainty”.
Energy minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan told Anglesey stakeholders: “We all appreciate that Wylfa Newydd is a great site and we have the commitment within our energy white paper and the 10-point plan that new nuclear investment is a critical part of our energy mix going forwards.
“We have regular discussions with a number of potential developers and investors and that will continue because we are absolutely committed to having at least one more large-scale nuclear plant.”
She added: “It is well known and wonderful that there is a really strong community engagement and embeddedness with the nuclear history which you have been part of, and the support obviously remains strong. Nuclear is an absolutely central part of what our energy mix will have over the next 50 years plus.
“And Wylfa remains one of the best potential sites for those technologies, in large part not only because of the geology and geography, but because you have this really passionate and involved community who understand the value of what that brings.”
Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie said: “I think this was a positive meeting that updated our key local stakeholders on the UK Government’s thinking and, crucially, its continuing commitment to new nuclear on Anglesey.
“Ministers tried their utmost to help Hitachi in its development with a comprehensive support package but that is now in the past. We must look forward to the future and find a new investor. It was very reassuring to hear the enthusiasm and support the UK Government still has for Wylfa Newydd and that discussions with interested parties are happening.”
She added: “I am really pleased I was able to organise the meeting and bring a minister to the table to speak to local people. I hope everyone was able to take something away from it and be reassured the UK Government is fully behind new nuclear at Wylfa Newydd.”
Derek Owen, chairman of Llanbadrig Community Council – the site of the proposed development – said: “We support the Wylfa Newydd project but we are getting tired of the uncertainty. Our MP has put the project at the top level of government and we are hopeful of a resolution that will keep our children in jobs here on the island and to keep the lights on for the country.”