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Civil Nuclear Road Map and Wylfa

23 January 2024

Lead MP

Virginia Crosbie

Responding Minister

Andrew Bowie

Tags

ClimateEnergy
Word Count: 3407
Other Contributors: 2

At a Glance

Virginia Crosbie raised concerns about civil nuclear road map and wylfa in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

I urge the Government to name Wylfa as the site for a further large-scale project and expedite the process of identifying a partner. Additionally, I suggest using funds from EDF and Urenco to buy out Hitachi, ensuring the land and intellectual property are in UK ownership.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
I am concerned about the potential for large-scale nuclear development at Wylfa in my constituency of Ynys Môn. This would be a transformational opportunity, being the largest inward investment in Wales's history and a significant action towards climate change mitigation and energy security. The site is ideal due to its existing grid connection, solid bedrock, abundant cooling water, and pre-prepared land from Horizon Nuclear Power under Hitachi. Local community support is strong as they remember Wylfa's economic benefits in the past.

Government Response

Andrew Bowie
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Clive Betts. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn on securing this debate, which is important not only for her constituency but also for the future direction of travel for the nuclear industry in the UK. My hon. Friend has championed the case for a future nuclear project at Wylfa through numerous visits and committee memberships. I welcome the opportunity to discuss our nuclear plans and Wylfa, reiterating the Government's determination to ensure that nuclear plays a central role in our future energy mix by building up to 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050, which will quadruple our current capacity. The civil nuclear road map sets out how we will achieve this, including exploring gigawatt-scale projects after Sizewell C and plans for advanced and small modular reactors. We are committed to making investment decisions on 3 to 7 GW every five years between 2030 and 2044. The minister also highlighted the importance of a geological disposal facility and the comprehensive policies for growth across the nuclear lifecycle, including finding a suitable location for this facility. He thanked my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn and other Members for their support in ensuring that the UK is one of the best places to invest in civil nuclear. The minister also discussed the benefits of nuclear developments for economic prospects, particularly in Wales and at Wylfa. He concluded by reiterating the Government's commitment to harnessing unique strengths and becoming a leading nuclear energy nation once again.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.