THE nuclear power company behind the proposed development of a new power station in Anglesey has promised to prioritise the safety of local residents as it continues to push ahead with plans for the plant’s development.
The announcement from Horizon Nuclear Power, the company behind the proposed Wylfa B plant at the current Wylfa site near Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, was made in the wake of damage caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in Japan.
Alan Raymant, the chief operating officer of Horizon, yesterday insisted that the company remained committed to its proposals.
Mr Raymant said: “Safe, clean nuclear power generation is increasingly important as part of the UK's energy mix and to the economy of Anglesey and North Wales.
“We are privileged to enjoy strong local support for new nuclear build and we have always promised the people of Anglesey and North Wales that safety is our number one priority.
“That remains the case and is the basis on which we'll go forward.”
Leon Flexman, a spokesman for Horizon added: “Providing we learn the lessons from what’s happened we have every confidence that nuclear power can be developed safely.”
Mr Flexman also added that public consultation with residents in the area will be ramped up as plans for Wylfa B begin to formalise.
However, the government has ordered an independent report by the UK’s Chief Nuclear Inspector, Dr Mike Weightman, into events in Japan and Horizon has confirmed that the report will be essential in determining the basis of future plans.
Mr Raymant said: “What we must and will do is make sure our plans reflect the learnings from the forthcoming Chief Nuclear Inspector's report.”
However, there have been criticisms of the planned report.
Dylan Morgan, a spokesman for People Against Wylfa B (PAWB), expressed concern.
He said: “The inspectors in Japan are going to need months and months to asses what went wrong.
“The government should immediately suspend planning and divert resources to smarter renewable resources.”