NUCLEAR bosses have extended the life of Wylfa nuclear power station for another two years.
Magnox North announced today that the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Directorate had granted extended generation to the site, which was to stop generating in December.
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan said that extended generation was great news for Anglesey and North Wales.
She added: “Wylfa plays a vital role in the local economy and today's announcement will be a great boost for its workforce.”
Anglesey Council’s economic portfolio holder Councillor Bob Parry said that announcement it reduces the gap between Wylfa’s decommissioning date and the potential start of construction of new nuclear build on Anglesey.
He added: “Ensuring a smooth transition will be vital if we are to safeguard jobs and create new employment which will greatly support our economy for decades to come.
“The continued production of safe low carbon energy at Wylfa also reflects and contributes to Energy Island programme and vision, currently being developed by the County Council.”
Expected revenue from the station of around £100 million will go back into the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s programme at other sites.
Site director Nick Gore paid tribute to the station’s 650 staff for their efforts to extend production, which included the a ten year periodic evaluation.
He added: “This is all down to the quality of our staff on site and with our plant and equipment in excellent condition; we can look forward to the future in confidence.”
Anglesey Federation of Small Businesses chairman Selwyn Williams was confident that extended generation meant that approval of a Wylfa B plant was not far away.
He added: “The contractors value the skilled work force on the island, so when Wylfa B starts its construction programme it will be like hoping from one bridge to another.”