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Npower announces plans for new nuclear at Wylfa in Wales RWE Npower has acquired land and grid connections at Wylfa, Anglesey, for a new nuclear power station. The energy company said it had acquired the right to connect up to 3,600MW of nuclear generation to the national grid. It has acquired options to buy farmland at Wylfa close to the existing nuclear power station, but said it would consult with local people before making any firm plans. Andrew Duff, CEO of RWE npower, said: "We are serious and committed to progressing new nuclear options." But he also called for the government to provide more clarity over energy policy, saying: "The country also needs early and significant investment in a diverse mix of power generation in order to reconcile climate targets and security of supply. There is an urgent need to bridge the energy gap opening up over the next five years as a result of the closure of older coal and nuclear stations." Phil Fowlie, leader of Anglesey County Council, said: "Ensuring energy generation remains at Wylfa for future generations is a major priority for the County Council, and we are eager to work in partnership with all potential private sector companies to ensure our 'Energy Island' aspirations are realised." Local support for nuclear around Wylfa, where one nuclear power station is in operation, but is due to shut down in the next few years, has been high. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which owns the existing nuclear station, recently put some of its land up for sale to potential nuclear new-build. Mike Graham, the national secretary of Prospect, which represents nuclear workers, said, "the building of a new nuclear power station will create many hundreds of construction jobs in the near future, with massive positive impact on the local economy. In the longer term it will mean between 1,000 and 1,200 highly skilled permanent and well-paid jobs for nuclear experts." Source: Utility Week © Faversham House Group Ltd 2008. News articles may be copied or forwarded
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