In response to the Welsh Affairs Committee’s report, Nuclear energy in Wales, the
UK Government confirms that conversations are ongoing around the
Wylfa nuclear site, along with a “strong dialogue” to how best
enable the UK Government’s nuclear energy ambitions.
Hitachi has owned the nuclear site at Wylfa since 2012, and the
Committee is keen to see the land made available for another
developer who would like to take forward a nuclear energy
project. The UK Government reflects on Hitachi’s continued
ownership, and recognises that any sale will be a commercial
decision for the company. However, the response does state that
there remains a strong dialogue between the UK Government and all
nuclear site owners.
In its report published in May, the Committee raised concern that
the nuclear sector needed greater clarity from the UK Government
on nuclear energy. In response, the UK Government set out details
of upcoming nuclear energy policy interventions, including the
process of Great British Nuclear’s small modular reactor (SMR)
competition. The leading technologies, it states, will be
determined later this year.
In its reports on energy in Wales, including in its recent
Floating Offshore Wind report, the Committee makes clear the
opportunities forWales’ supply chains and businesses of large
scale energy infrastructure. The Committee recommended that
policy is set out as to how to grow the sector in Wales,
including making sure the required skills are in place. However
in response, the UK Government has said that it will not place a
requirement on developers to use a minimum level of local content
during a nuclear energy project.
Welsh Affairs Committee Chair, Rt Hon , said:
“Wylfa is the next best nuclear site, after Sizewell C, to
realise the UK Government’s nuclear energy ambitions. It is
promising that there is a constructive and positive relationship
between Ministers and Hitachi, but would like to see more
progress in finding a buyer to crack on with creating a nuclear
power plant.
“Great British Nuclear, as called for and welcomed by our
Committee, is a strong and positive move by the UK Government to
illustrate its commitment to the sector. Its response to our
report today sets out some early priorities, and I look forward
to learning of the successful SMR projects later this year.
“We mustn’t lose momentum on the nuclear energy agenda,
particularly given the enormous benefits it can provide for
people and businesses across Wales.”
