N-PLANT BACK ON CARDS

Key decision delayed at Horizon’s request... and US giant beaten in 2012 bid ‘renews interest’

A PLANNING decision on Wylfa Newydd has been deferred until New Year’s Eve.

Japanese multi-national Hitachi last month announced they were pulling out of funding the £16bn nuclear development on Anglesey.

But UK Business Secretary of State Alok Sharma was due to announce if the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the site has been successful.

Now it has emerged that Duncan Hawthorne, chief executive officer at Hitachi’s investment vehicle Horizon Nuclear Power, had written to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) department twice in recent days asking for an extension.

He said: “Since Hitachi Ltd’s announcement to cease development activities associated with the Wylfa Newydd DCO Project, Horizon has been engaged in discussions with third parties that have expressed an interest in progressing with the development of new nuclear generation at the Wylfa Newydd site in Anglesey, Wales.

“These discussions are still at an early stage and it is felt that a short deferral would allow time for Hori

zon and those interested parties to determine whether, and if so how, the Wylfa Newydd DCO Project could be taken forward in Hitachi Ltd’s absence.

“Part of that consideration would relate to the possibility and benefits of seeing the current development consent order application through to conclusion, and any issues that would need to be addressed.”

Mr Sharma replied that he had agreed to an extension to December 31 2020 “so that you can consider options with your key stakeholders to secure the future of the project”.

The US energy giant Westinghouse is “believed” to be reviving its interest in the Wylfa site – after losing out to Hitachi on the deal when it was up for grabs eight years ago (see panel).

Welsh Government Economy Minister Ken Skates says there is US interest in reviving plans for a nuclear plant on Anglesey.

Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie said: “I welcome this news as a very positive signal from the UK Government that it still sees a future for Wylfa Newydd as a nuclear power plant.

“I know that many people on Ynys Môn recog

nise the good quality employment and economic boost that Wylfa Newydd would offer and were bitterly disappointed with Hitachi’s announcement.

“I want to assure them that by representing their views in Westminster and working with Horizon I am fighting hard to keep this opportunity alive.

“The UK Government recognises that Wylfa is the best location available for a nuclear power plant.

“Developing the site would achieve a number of high priority aims for the UK Government – including achieving net carbon zero by 2050 and

levelling up the economic opportunities for the people of Anglesey.

“By extending the decision on the DCO the Government is giving all interested parties the opportunity to secure a future for the site.

“I know that Horizon will do all they can to achieve a positive outcome and I personally commit to working with them and the UK Government to make that possible.”

Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: “Wylfa Newydd remains the prime location for new

nuclear in Wales, especially when you consider the skilled workforce here in North Wales.

“This extremely important project would not only ensure energy security for the people of Wales, but it marks a pivotal step forward in levelling up our nation’s economy to help with the process of decarbonisation.

“Extending the DCO will support Horizon in finding new financial support for a contract to take over the site.

“It was vital that this was given a chance to ensure that the benefits of Wylfa Newydd to the people of Ynys Môn are not lost.”