The inclusion of the Gateway site in Deeside on the shortlist of
three sites for the Rolls Royce SMR factory to produce key
components for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), shows the strength
of the skills and expertise in North Wales, Ministers have said.
Rolls Royce SMR has considered over 100 sites across the UK.
The Heavy Pressure Vessels (HPV) factory will support the
production of first-of-a kind SMRs in the UK, with additional
potential for worldwide export. The final decision on its
location is to be taken in the New Year.
The Welsh Government is committed to developing a low carbon
economy and the nuclear sector is seen as key to this ambition.
The sector offers significant economic development opportunities
as well as contributing to efforts to achieve net zero emissions
by 2050. The vision for nuclear is focused around investment in
place, supporting the supply chain and the development of key
skills.
Economy Minister said: “To reach the
shortlist and be considered as one of the final three is a great
achievement, and I congratulate the team working on this.
With Cwmni Egino in Trawsfynydd leading work to enable SMRs on
the site and facilities such as the AMRC championing advance
manufacturing, North Wales does provide the skills and expertise
for such a facility.
“To be featured on this prestigious shortlist is testament to the
skills we have in North Wales, and helps further highlight this.”
Minister for North Wales said: “The production of
SMRs has the potential to be a key contributor to the low carbon
economy, and North Wales is already leading the way through Cwmni
Egino. I congratulate all those involved in reaching the
shortlist, and whatever the final outcome, this in itself shows
the very real strengths of the region in this sector.”
