Progress by Great British Nuclear (GBN) in ensuring that the UK produces up to 24GW of nuclear energy by 2050 has been welcomed by Anglesey leaders.
Secretary of state for energy security and Net Zero, Grant Shapps MP, outlined plans for the nuclear programme during the official launch of GBN.
Anglesey Council hopes that this will provide clarity and confirmation in relation to nuclear developments in the UK, including the development of a new nuclear power station on the Wylfa site, near Cemaes.
The Wylfa site is considered to be the best for a new nuclear development, be it a GW or modular scale development.
Council leader and economic development portfolio holder, Cllr Llinos Medi, said: "The communities of north Anglesey still feel the pain of Horizon Nuclear Power’s decision to withdraw from the Wylfa Newydd project in 2020. In the meantime, our communities have also felt the effects of the pandemic, key employers such as Two Sisters leaving the Island resulting in job-losses, as well as census data showing that our population is ageing.
"As an Island, and the communities of north Anglesey in particular, we are eager to now see a real momentum from this body, along with confirmation and a timetable for a development on the Wylfa site. This would allow us as a County Council to plan with confidence and assurance looking to the future and working towards securing prosperity for our communities and the wider region. Developing Wylfa would help to ensure that the United Kingdom meets its target of generating up to 24GW of nuclear power by 2050."
Council chief executive, Dylan J. Williams, added: "We are very eager to work with Great British Nuclear in the future. Our aim is to use existing expertise and understanding within the County Council’s Energy Island Programme to ensure that a development on the Wylfa site, be that a GW or modular scale development, delivers transformational benefits for the Island.
"This must include jobs and supply chain opportunities across the lifetime of the project and assurance that all the qualities which make the Island and its communities so unique are acknowledged and protected."
