An announcement is expected imminently from UK Government
Wylfa is located west of Cemaes Bay on Anglesey(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
A nuclear power station on the island of Anglesey is expected to gain approval for small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) this week. North Wales Live has been informed that a UK Government announcement on the Wylfa site is imminent – with news expected before the end of the week.
The announcement would represent a massive economic boost for Anglesey and the broader North Wales region after the previous attempt to build a full-scale nuclear facility fell through in 2021 due to unsuccessful funding negotiations between developer Hitachi and the former UK Government.
This anticipated development comes after recent reports that potential flooding concerns at competing site Oldbury have pushed Wylfa to the forefront of the nuclear queue, reports North Wales Live.
Both locations are currently under UK Government ownership. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here.
An SMR project would deliver less employment opportunities and investment compared to a full-scale nuclear facility, but on the other hand the developmental impact on local residents and crucial industries such as tourism would be reduced.
MP for Ynys Môn,Llinos Medi, who has been advocating for a new nuclear power station, said: “An announcement on Wylfa has been long awaited, so this expected announcement would be a major step forward. It reflects years of engagement by local businesses, industry experts, and the local Council in highlighting the site’s unique potential as one of Europe’s best locations for new nuclear.
“I am pleased to have played a part in pressing the UK Government to reach this decision.
“We have been here many times before – so the people of Ynys Môn will rightly treat this story with caution until we see concrete action. We await further details to see how this announcement will secure high-quality, long-term jobs, and ensure local supply chains benefit from any development.
“This is a real opportunity to deliver a transformative project that strengthens energy security and benefits local communities, while fully respecting the Island’s environment, culture, and Welsh language. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure it is the most suitable project possible.”
Warren Stephens, the US ambassador to the UK, praised the partnership between the UK and the US on SMRs this week, stating that “the UK has an immediate opportunity to capitalise on this momentum by designating the Wylfa site in north Wales for a gigawatt-scale nuclear project”.
He continued: “Such a project would create thousands of jobs, provide affordable baseload power, and reduce reliance on weather-dependent or geopolitically vulnerable energy sources.
“Importantly, private investors are prepared to fund the majority of the project, minimising the need for taxpayer contributions.”