The future of nuclear power in Wales - UK Parliament

Wales has played a key part in establishing the nuclear industry in the UK, having hosted two first generation nuclear reactors for the past half a century. However, the future for nuclear power in Wales is uncertain. Both the Wylfa A and Trawsfynydd power stations are now closed, and therefore Wales no longer has any operational nuclear power plants.

The UK Government’s policy is to encourage new nuclear power stations to be built, to replace the existing ageing nuclear power stations.

As part of the Government’s plans for new nuclear build, it is proposed that two new Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWRs) are built by Horizon Nuclear Power, a subsidiary of Hitachi, at the Wylfa site. Hitachi-GE, which develops and builds nuclear reactors, will provide the ABWRs for Wylfa Newydd.

The inquiry into the future of nuclear power in Wales was launched on 20 January 2016, inviting evidence on a range of topics. On the basis of the evidence received, the findings focus on the following issues:

• Wylfa Newydd: Cost and scheduling;
• Wylfa Newydd: Environmental impact and safety;
• The contribution of the nuclear industry to the economy of North Wales;
• Decommissioning and waste at Trawsfynydd and Wylfa A; and
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Please follow the link for further details about this policy inquiry outcome.