Written question WQ85862

Nuclear policy is a reserved matter and therefore an issue primarily for UK Government. Creating the right delivery framework for projects is also primarily an issue for UKG.

Nevertheless, we see potential for significant economic opportunities arising from new nuclear projects and agree with UKG that nuclear has a role to play in ensuring energy security and helping to achieve net zero by 2050. We want to work with potential technology vendors, investors and developers as well as UKG to support development and delivery options for both Wylfa and Trawsfynydd.

As yet, there are no firm proposals in place for a project restart at Wylfa. However, it is a matter of record that Bechtel and Westinghouse are reviewing how a new project could be brought forward and we are broadly supportive of their approach – but not at any cost. We would expect the accrual of significant employment and wider business and community benefits across Anglesey and the wider North Wales area as well as additional legacy benefits such as off-site infrastructure improvements, investment in educational/training facilities and supply chain development to enter the global market.

With respect to Trawsfynydd, Cwmni Egino (the Trawsfynydd Site Development Company) has been established by Welsh Government to specifically help provide a project delivery vehicle that can support investment proposals and create job opportunities and economic growth through the deployment of small or advanced modular reactor technology.

I have raised these matters with the new Secretary of State for Wales and emphasised the need for the new leadership of the UK Government to provide clarity on its objectives for the sector in the region.