New Nuclear Power Sites 2023-07-05
2023-07-05
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
There are discussions within the Cabinet regarding potential new nuclear power sites, including sites in Wales.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on new nuclear power sites in Wales?
There are regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential for new nuclear in Wales. Great British Nuclear (GBN) is actively working with the Government to support our ambition to ramp up nuclear capacity in the UK to up to 24 GW by 2050.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Wylfa is considered a prime location for nuclear power due to its geology and potential to support the UK's 24 GW target.
Does my hon. Friend agree that Wylfa is an ideal site not only to continue generating nuclear power, but also to expand beyond it?
I agree with my hon. Friend. Wylfa is one of the best sites in this country, if not in Europe, for nuclear power generation due to its optimal location and geology. I am confident that the site's potential to support our 24 GW target can be utilised.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The questioner raises the issue of energy storage and proposes using nuclear power to produce pink hydrogen during periods of low electricity demand.
Has the Minister looked at any new Welsh nuclear power plants producing so-called pink hydrogen at times when electricity demands are low?
We recognise the important role of both nuclear energy and hydrogen in reaching our net zero goals. We are committed to a nuclear future for Wales, and I have visited the Wylfa site and Bangor University's Nuclear Futures Institute this year. My hon. Friend is right about storing energy effectively; our 2021 hydrogen strategy explores using electricity from nuclear power stations to produce pink hydrogen.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The questioner questions if there is any approved small modular reactor (SMR) design in the UK and whether plans to install SMRs are feasible.
Will the Minister confirm that there is not an approved SMR design in the UK yet, so talking of installing SMRs at Wylfa and elsewhere is just fantasy?
Great British Nuclear (GBN) is looking into the importance of small modular reactors to our future net zero contributions, and I hope that there will be sites across the United Kingdom for them.
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Assessment & feedback
Confirmation on whether there is an approved SMR design in the UK
Looking Into
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