In a groundbreaking move for the UK's energy landscape, Great British Nuclear (GBN) has secured the acquisition of prime land from Hitachi at both Wylfa in Ynys Mon/Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire. This landmark decision comes as part of the government's commitment to enhancing energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with up to 25% of the country's energy produced from nuclear power.
The acquisition is a pivotal step in realizing the ambitious goals outlined in the government's Civil Nuclear Roadmap earlier this year. GBN is set to play a crucial role in deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and exploring additional large-scale reactor projects, building on the success of Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.
Claire Coutinho, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, expressed enthusiasm about the progress, stating, "We are already making progress on our nuclear revival, securing two sites with strong potential to host new projects and help deliver the biggest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years. Wylfa and Oldbury-on-Severn have proud nuclear histories and stand to benefit from local investment and high-skilled jobs, alongside cleaner, cheaper power for households across the country.”
GBN, responsible for Britain's nuclear renaissance, plans to focus on sites like Wylfa and Oldbury initially, with potential expansion to others boasting a rich legacy in the UK nuclear industry. The government is currently consulting on a future approach to nuclear sites, which may include non-nuclear sites in later phases.
Andrew Bowie, Minister for Nuclear, emphasised the significance of the move, stating,
This is a major step forward for the UK's nuclear revival. We are bringing nuclear back to the historic sites of Wylfa and Oldbury – and with it jobs, investment, and clean energy.
Gwen Parry-Jones, GBN's Chief Executive, celebrated the news as a landmark for new nuclear development in the UK said, “These two sites at Wylfa and Oldbury have tremendous potential and present a significant opportunity for Britain and for local communities. Each location has a long history of hosting the UK nuclear industry and has experienced the enormous benefits that nuclear power can bring to their local and regional economies. We deeply appreciate Hitachi’s development of these sites and their work to date was one of the reasons why they were so attractive to us.”
Alistair Dormer, Executive Vice President Energy and Mobility, Hitachi Ltd. said: “We are delighted that Great British Nuclear selected Wylfa and Oldbury, two of the premier locations for nuclear in the UK. Hitachi has continued to maintain these sites over the years in order to guarantee their future in playing an important role in the UK energy transition for decades ahead.2
As GBN moves forward with its Small Modular Reactor Technology Selection Process, eligible companies, including EDF Energy, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy International LLC, Holtec Britain Limited, NuScale Power, Rolls-Royce SMR, and Westinghouse Electric Company UK Limited, can now access tender documentation. This opens the door for potentially multi-billion-pound technology development contracts, with the deadline for tender responses set for June 2024.
Parry-Jones highlighted the ambitious timeline of the SMR selection process,
In addition, the fact that we are inviting companies to tender for our SMR selection process demonstrates that we are working to an ambitious timeline, the fastest that has been done in the market to date globally, to deliver a robust and successful procurement process that delivers value for the taxpayer.
The announcements mark significant progress in the development of new nuclear power in the UK, and GBN looks forward to engaging with local communities, updating them on the ongoing processes, and fostering a long and fruitful dialogue in the months to come. The next steps include the launch of a project website, public meetings, and the formation of a Community Forum in Wylfa and Oldbury.
Source: www.gov.uk “Great British Nuclear to buy two Hitachi sites for new nuclear development” Press Release from Great British Nuclear, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, The Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, and Andrew Bowie MP
