The Leader of Anglesey County Council has stressed that Wylfa remains the UK’s prime location for new nuclear build, despite this week’s announcement that Horizon will not continue with plans for a new power station.
Councillor Bryan Owen said, “The announcement is very disappointing. However, the decision by the parent companies of Horizon Nuclear Power in Germany has been made solely on financial grounds.”
“This decision has no bearing on the Wylfa site on Anglesey, which is acknowledged by the industry as the prime location in the UK for new nuclear build.”
He added, “The Isle of Anglesey County Council, through its Energy Island Programme, remains absolutely committed to securing new investment and other energy generation schemes for Wales. We will work with Horizon and its shareholders, the Welsh Government and UK Government to find a new investor for the Wylfa site. We understand that a number of strong expressions of interest have already been made.”
Considerable work has been undertaken to date through partnership working across the public sector and with the business community to support the Horizon Nuclear Power project.
Anglesey Energy Island Programme Director, Sasha Wynn Davies, whilst disappointed with the announcement stressed that this work has not been in vain.
She added, “Whilst it goes without saying that this is a major setback, the considerable efforts which have been put in over the last two years since the outset of the Energy Island Programme would be seen as an attractive proposition by potential investors.
“Indeed, it provides a solid foundation to enable a new investor to ‘hit the ground running’ on taking on the development.”
The County Council has already arranged meetings with Horizon, Welsh Government and UK Government to discuss matters further and seek a positive outcome.
Sasha Wynn Davies added, “We will be redoubling our efforts through seeking to engage with these parties at the earliest opportunity in order to spell out the compelling case for the Wylfa new build and the ongoing commitment from all involved. This ranges from skills training to enhance job prospects to support for businesses in North Wales to increase their competitiveness to secure sourcing opportunities.”
Anglesey Commissioner for with responsibility for economic development, Alex Aldridge, has already raised the matter with Welsh Government Ministers.
He said, “This morning I was in Cardiff for a pre-arranged meeting with both the Minister for Local Government, Carl Sargeant and the Business Minister, Edwina Hart.
“During these meetings, I took the opportunity to discuss this morning’s announcement on Wylfa ‘B’ and we have agreed to work together to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for the island and its people.”
“We are as one in believing this site continues to be the prime site for the next generation of nuclear power provision.”
