GMB, the energy union, has welcomed the expected go
ahead for a new nuclear power station in Wales.
The Government is set to announce a multi-billion
pound investment in a new nuclear power station as well as
underwriting billions of pounds of loans. [1]
Business Secretary is expected to give MPs details
later today of a funding deal for the proposed Wylfa Newydd plant
in Anglesey, North Wales.
Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary for
Energy said:
“We may be witnessing an outbreak of energy
policy common sense that should set a new precedent for our vital
energy infrastructure projects.
“The go ahead on a new, publicly funded power
station at Wylfa, and the accompanying creation of thousands of
new jobs and apprenticeships, means a huge boost to the economy
and reliable electricity to millions of homes.
“By Government taking a stake in the new power
station, the price to consumers will be greatly reduced.
“This makes good sense all round, not just the
obvious benefits to bill payers but because Government is ‘the
lender of last resort’ when it comes to guaranteeing the
country’s energy supply and so direct public funding of the
construction does away with the nonsensical pretence that this is
some other country or company’s responsibility.
“GMB has long maintained it is the facts, not the
hype, which should determine the UK’s energy policy decisions.
“If we are to address the reality of climate change -
whilst keeping our country’s lights turned on, our homes heated
and our economy working - then we have to face up to the fact
that we need a mix of energy which combines renewable sources,
like wind and solar, with the reliable base load electricity
capacity that comes from zero carbon nuclear and lower carbon
gas.”
“That wind and solar are intermittent shouldn’t be a
point of contention, quite the contrary, but a
reason why base load zero carbon nuclear and lower carbon
gas energy sources are essential for a balanced and secure low
emissions future.
“There were a staggering 341 days in the year up to
March 2018 when - for more than half the day - solar panels
supplied less than 10 per cent of their installed capacity, and
65 separate days when wind turbines supplied less than 10 per
cent of their potential.
“Just a few weeks ago, a National Grid Report said
that to meet our emissions targets, gas will be fundamental to
any realistic future energy scenario and that it is not feasible
to switch over to electric heating on the scale
required.
“The grid report says that a move to electric heating
would require 20,000 new boilers per week to be fitted through to
2050 (which every household would have to pay for) and a seven
fold increase in the capacity of the electricity grid to 290
gigawatts, which is neither realistic nor affordable, emphasising
the future importance of gas and the need for our own independent
gas supply.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-44360816
