18 Jan (NucNet): A UK parliamentary group has said Hitachi’s decision to suspend work on the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station in north Wales is “hugely disappointing” with the facility a crucial part of the government’s new nuclear build programme and vital for future energy needs.
The all-party parliamentary group on nuclear energy, an informal cross-party group, said the two UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactors planned for Wylfa Newydd would have provided 60 years of reliable, secure, low-carbon power for homes, businesses and public services.
It said nuclear power already plays an important role in the UK’s energy mix, providing 21% of the UK’s electricity. Nuclear is “an integral part of a future decarbonised power supply alongside other low-carbon technologies”, the group said.
“If we are to meet our legally binding carbon budget targets we need to make sure that the government works with industry to deliver vital nuclear capacity on this site.”
The group said it will work with all stakeholders, particularly the industry members affected by the news, to continue to support the Wylfa Newydd project.
Sue Hayman MP, co-chair of the group, called on the government to say how it plans to fill the gap the lack of electricity from Wylfa Newydd could create.
Ms Hayman said: “We need a funding mechanism that works to deliver new nuclear and low-carbon electricity. Time is of the essence.”
