Government confirms plans for major nuclear power plant in Wylfa

29/08/2024

Wylfa in Anglesey has been selected as the first choice for a large-scale gigawatt nuclear power plant. This plan means that Anglesey will benefit from thousands of jobs and local investment in clean, reliable and cheaper power, as well as North Wales benefiting from a boost to its economic prosperity and help to support the UK’s long-term energy security.

The government is kickstarting talks with global energy firms to explore building the new power plant, which could provide enough clean and reliable power for the equivalent of around six million of today’s homes for 60 years. It brings the UK closer to its ambition for up to a quarter of its projected electricity needs to come from homegrown nuclear power by 2050, to strengthen the nation’s energy independence.

The government is exploring building a major nuclear power station, similar in scale to Hinkley in Somerset and Sizewell in Suffolk. This new project would revive the nuclear history of Wylfa and bring thousands of jobs and investment to the area, boosting the local economy.

	Wylfa in Anglesey is the first choice site for a large-scale gigawatt nuclear power plant

Wylfa, sitting on the North Wales coast, is ideally suited to host a major nuclear power plant given its proximity to cooling water and nuclear heritage.

Great British Nuclear, which was tasked with delivering the world’s fastest small modular reactor competition, recently secured Wylfa and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire as two possible sites for new nuclear projects. This was the first time the government had acquired land for new nuclear since the 1960s.

Tricia Austin, Managing Director of the National Skills Academy Nuclear (NSAN), commented: “NSAN welcomes the selection of Wylfa in Anglesey as the preferred site for the UK’s third mega-nuclear power station, a significant decision that will bring a boost to the economic prosperity of North Wales and support the UK’s long-term energy security. This new project will create thousands of jobs and NSAN is ready to support companies and individuals in gaining the skills needed to achieve this programme. It is a proud moment for Anglesey and its nuclear heritage, as we look forward to a future of clean, reliable and affordable energy.”

www.nsan.co.uk

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