MPs urge action after nuclear hiatus prevents growth deal prospects
MPs have called on the UK and Welsh Governments to consider a range of low-carbon energy projects in north-west Wales following the suspension of work on the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station.
A Report from the UK Parliament's Welsh Affairs Committee has been looking at the economic impact of the decision by Japanese company Hitachi to halt work on its proposed new nuclear plant, earmarked for an existing nuclear site on the island of Anglesey.
Rising costs were behind the decision to halt work.
MPs on the select committee also ask the Governments, Local Authorities and other partners involved in the emerging North Wales growth deal to ensure that other projects in the deal are funded and accelerated to fill the gap left by the hiatus over the power project.
The Report stresses the importance of capitalising on the geographical benefits of the Anglesey site and the skills of people working in the area, by considering a range of possible energy projects.
It confirms the Governments and other interested partners should work together on a proposal for a small modular nuclear reactor at Trawsfynydd, site of the now-decommissioned Magnox nuclear power station in the Snowdonia Natural Park in Gwynedd.
The MPs argue that if Hitachi is not prepared to resume development, the UK Government should encourage it to sell the site to another developer willing to reactivate the project, and seek out companies to develop alternative low-carbon energy projects.
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