This week Greg Clark, minister for energy, confirmed in Parliament that he is in talks to spend taxpayers’ money to bail out a nuclear power station in Anglesey, Wales. Although he wouldn’t reveal it, we know the total cost of Wylfa is set to be up to £20billion, which would make it even more expensive than the much-criticised Hinkley Point C – and £5 billion of it could be funded by the British taxpayer. Propping up this dying industry to the tune of billions is nonsensical: as the costs of nuclear are going through the roof, renewables are only getting cheaper. Even once the power plant is built – it’s forecast for some time in the mid-late 2020s – the energy it will produce will be considerably more expensive than offshore wind. While energy from Wylfa power station might cost £77.50 per megawatt hour , offshore wind projects have been agreed at a rate of £57.50 per megawatt hour in an auction last year. Even with extra costs to make sure we have secure energy, even when the wind doesn’t blow (around £7/MWh) this is significantly cheaper. Offshore wind projects will be ready sooner too. Please sign and share the petition to get the government to ditch the deal!
Greenpeace 8th June 2018 read more »
Japanese industrial giant Hitachi says it will make the final decision on a nuclear power plant project in Britain by the end of next year as scheduled. Hitachi announced this on Friday in the wake of an agreement with the British government to start full-fledged talks on the project. The power plant is to be built on Anglesey Island on the north coast of Wales. The agreement came after Britain offered to fund the project. Vice President and Executive Officer Hidetoshi Takehara said at a briefing for investors that Britain’s commitment to the project is a great achievement. He said the 2 sides will discuss when Hitachi should decide whether to start the construction, but that the company wants to make the decision soon. Hitachi and the British government continue to differ on how to ensure the project’s profitability, including the price of electricity to be supplied by the plant.
NHK 8th June 2018 read more »
The UK government has confirmed that it is considering putting taxpayers’ money into a project to build a new nuclear power station at Wylfa in North Wales. This is 180 degree shift from its position in 2010 when it said it was adamant that the UK public should never have to run the risk of the lengthy and costly overruns that have become a hallmark of nuclear plant construction.
Modern Power Systems 8th June 2018 read more »
