UK government reaffirms commitment to new Wylfa reactor

The UK government is expected to reaffirm its commitment to a new nuclear reactor on Anglesey during a ministerial visit to Wylfa later.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry will tell the power station's staff the nuclear industry has a positive future on the island and within the UK.

Wylfa, which has been producing energy since 1971, will stop generating in 2014.

Two firms shelved plans to build a new power station at Wylfa in March.

The Welsh government says Anglesey is the best option for nuclear development, and the company behind Wylfa B says the project is still live.

E.ON and RWE npower are looking for a new owner for Horizon Nuclear Power, the joint firm to develop Wylfa B.

Horizon had planned up to 6,000 megawatts of new nuclear plants in Britain, including Wylfa B, which they saw as more friendly to nuclear energy than other countries.

With its rich history in the nuclear industry, a skilled workforce and a motivated and enthusiastic local community, Anglesey can help power the UK for decades to come”

Mr Hendry will also announce a new £480,000 socio-economic funding package awarded to the Anglesey Energy Island Programme (EIP) by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Hendry said: "With its rich history in the nuclear industry, a skilled workforce and a motivated and enthusiastic local community, Anglesey can help power the UK for decades to come.

"The new funding I am announcing today will enable the council to invest in education, skills, and infrastructure, and boost the local economy."

During his day long visit to the island, Mr Hendry will speak to students at Coleg Menai's Energy Centre.

He will also meet officials from the EIP, Horizon Nuclear Power, Magnox Limited and EnergySolutions, Coleg Menai, Bangor University and other local stakeholders, as well as visiting Horizon's new site offices.

Anglesey council leader Bryan Owen said: "It's fitting that the energy minister should make his statement here on Anglesey as - in Wylfa - we have one of the best new nuclear build sites in Europe."