Extract from Welsh Parliament debate on Nuclear - Jun 19

Janet Finch-Saunders (Con):...A study by Oxford Economics, commissioned by the nuclear industry, shows that the UK's existing civil nuclear industry contributed £700 million to the Welsh economy in 2021, directly employing 800 people and supporting nearly 11,000 jobs. According to Prospect, the nuclear sector is crucial for meeting our future energy needs and enhancing energy security. It plays a vital role alongside the expansion of renewables and other technologies, whilst also providing highly skilled, well-paid jobs. Rolls-Royce have stated that each small modular reactor will create 400 to 500 local jobs during its operation.

Looking at the wider potential benefits, each nuclear sector employee contributes an average of £102,300 in gross value added to GB—nearly twice the national average. The UK Conservative Government have made it clear that they want these projects to remain localised, with Rolls-Royce shortlisting three potential factory sites, including Deeside in north-east Wales, aiming for up to 80 per cent UK content to maximise local employment and supply chains.

To read the whole debate, OPEN HERE