MPs have highlighted the ‘great potential’ for developing nuclear power in Wales but have said the Government ‘has more work to do’ to prove the financial viability of two proposed projects.
The Commons Welsh Affairs Committee has published a report into the future of nuclear power in North Wales, specifically schemes at Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey and Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd.
Menai Suspension Bridge in Anglesey
Both are close to the sites of disused nuclear plants that are being decommissioned.
MPs said the Government and developers must also make sure that local communities benefit and that they mitigate the likely disruption major infrastructure developments would cause.
Committee chair David TC Davies said: ‘The key questions that need to be answered for future development of nuclear power at Wylfa and Trawsfynydd to be viable, centre on value for money and local impact.
‘The Government must prove that the cost of any nuclear development is well understood and competitive with renewable sources. These costs must be made public in a format that can be easily understood.’
He added: ‘There has to be a demonstrable benefit for the local community as well. Local businesses must form a key part of the supply-chain and be given sufficient information to allow this to happen.
‘We must also make use of the many skilled nuclear workers currently based in Wales, and provide sufficient training to develop the next generation.’
Last month, Transport Network reported that Isle of Anglesey CC was in talks with Hitachi subsidiary Horizon Nuclear Power, the developer of the planned Wylfa plant, over funding for road improvements.
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