Minister of State for Energy, Charles Hendry, has reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to new nuclear build during a visit to Anglesey.
The Minister told Coleg Menai students and Wylfa power station staff that the nuclear industry has a positive future on Anglesey and within the UK.
He also announced a new £480,000 socio-economic funding package awarded to the Anglesey Energy Island Programme (EIP) by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
This will enable the Isle of Anglesey County Council and its strategic partners to forge ahead with the programme and improve prosperity and quality of life on Anglesey and across North West Wales.
Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy, said, “With its rich history in the nuclear industry, a skilled workforce and a motivated and enthusiastic local community, Anglesey can help power the UK for decades to come. The new funding I am announcing today will enable the Council to invest in education, skills, and infrastructure, and boost the local economy.”
During his day long visit to the Island, Charles Hendry MP will address students at Coleg Menai’s Energy Centre and staff at the existing Wylfa power station. He will also meet officials from the Energy Island Programme, Horizon Nuclear Power, Magnox Limited and EnergySolutions, Coleg Menai, Bangor University and other local stakeholders, as well as visiting Horizon’s new site offices.
Anglesey County Council Leader, Councillor Bryan Owen, stressed, “It’s fitting that the Energy Minister should make his statement here on Anglesey as – in Wylfa – we have one of the best new nuclear build sites in Europe.”
“I’m also delighted to hear about the new NDA funding which will allow us to develop a number of key EIP work streams – including education and skills; inward investment and supply chain opportunities; and strategic Infrastructure to create lasting community benefits.
Cllr Owen added, “During his visit, the Minister will see first hand the many positives Anglesey has to offer in relation to new nuclear build – both in terms of the excellent skills set which already exists amongst the Wylfa workforce and how we’re investing in our young people through Coleg Menai’s Energy Centre, which provides training that will help them find work in future major energy developments.”
NDA Director of Stakeholder Relations, Jon Phillips, added, “The Energy Island Programme has delivered excellent progress over the past three years and we are delighted to maintain our support with this latest grant, which we hope will make an important contribution to unlocking future economic activity and to building a sustainable future for Anglesey and the wider North West Wales region.”
