UP TO six new nuclear plants are to be built in Britain, ministers announced today (October 30).
Japanese technology firm Hitachi Ltd signed a 700million deal on Tuesday which will see sites developed in Anglesey, Wales and Gloucestershire.
In total this new infrastructure could generate power equivalent to up to 14 million homes over 60 years with the first plant feeding electricity into the grid in by the first half of the 2020s.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said: “Hitachi bring with them decades of expertise, and are responsible for building some of the most advanced nuclear reactors on time and on budget, so I welcome their commitment to helping build a low carbon secure energy future for the UK. I particularly welcome Hitachi’s firm commitment to involve the UK supply chain and local workforce.
“New nuclear isn’t only about keeping the lights on and emissions down, it’s an industrial strategy with big potential wins. The Nuclear Industry Council I’m announcing today will play a crucial role in this, and I believe there’s the potential for the UK to become globally recognised as the go-to place for the next generation of nuclear.”
The group say about 60% of the value of the first plant is expected to be sourced from within the UK and Rolls Royce and Babcock International have already signed Memorandums of Understanding with Hitachi.
Up to 6,000 jobs are expected to be directly supported during construction at each site, with a further 1,000 permanent jobs at each site once operational.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I am determined that Britain competes and thrives in the global race for investment.
This is a decades-long, multi-billion pound vote of confidence in the UK, that will contribute vital new infrastructure to power our economy.
"It will support up to 12,000 jobs during construction and thousands more permanent highly skilled roles once the new power plants are operational, as well as stimulating exciting new industrial investments in the UK’s nuclear supply chain. I warmly welcome Hitachi as a major new player in the UK energy sector.”
Energy Minister John Hayes said: “This was a commercial deal but we have been active in impressing on all interested parties that the UK economy is open and stable and our commitment to new nuclear energy is stronger than ever.
“Next month we will publish our Energy Bill aimed at bringing about crucial reforms of the electricity market to ensure energy security by providing investors like Hitachi with the certainty they need, and to get the best long term deal for the consumer.”
Welsh Secretary David Jones said: “When I was appointed Secretary of State, I made it clear that securing a future for nuclear generation at Wylfa was my number one ambition.
"Today's announcement is terrific news for Anglesey and the whole of North Wales. I have visited Wylfa many times and know there is a wealth of nuclear expertise and eager young apprentices on Anglesey; they can now look forward to a secure future of well-paid, high quality employment."
