THE UK Government have agreed to buy the Wylfa site on Anglesey from Hitachi for £160million. 

This includes the Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made the announcement in his budget on Wednesday.

The Wylfa site on Anglesey and the Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire could be used as sites for small modular reactors (SMRs), which supporters hope will be quicker and cheaper to construct than traditional nuclear power plants.

Hitachi pulled out of the Wylfa project in 2020 after failing to reach a financing agreement.

Cllr Llinos Medi, Leader of Anglesey County Council, said: “Now that the Wylfa site will be back in direct control of the UK Government, we hope that this will lead to a firm commitment as to when a development, either at GW or SMR scale will take place. The island’s communities, in particular those in the North, we need clarity and certainty.”

“The County Council, through its Energy Island Programme, has adopted and maintained a supportive, pro-active and collaborative position in respect of a new nuclear project at Wylfa.”

"Through adopting the proximity principle, we recognise that this development has the potential to transform the communities of North Anglesey and beyond by providing much needed high quality and long-term job, skills and supply chain opportunities. However, our support is not at any cost and a development must fully respect and enhance the island’s sense of place including its environment, culture and the Welsh language.”

Dylan Williams, Anglesey Chief Executive, said: “We remain committed to continue playing a central role and to fully engage with UK Government, Great British Nuclear, industry, Welsh Government and other key stakeholders.

"As the local authority, we have an important role to play in influencing and informing stakeholders, to ensure this development aligns with our vision to create an Anglesey that is healthy and prosperous and where people can thrive.”

David TC Davies, Welsh Secretary, said: “The acquisition of Wylfa as a site for new nuclear development is fantastic news for Anglesey and the wider Welsh economy. It’s the next step on our path to an energy secure and net zero future, while also laying the foundations for a huge economic boost."

Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon, said: "This is a huge day for our island with this UK government firmly putting its money where its mouth is by buying the Wylfa site.

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“I could not be more thrilled to hear those words come from the Chancellor today. It is exactly what I have cajoled, ambushed and pleaded for to happen with every minister I could find.

"What it means is that we will have a new nuclear plant at Wylfa. Ownership of the land is the key to unlock it and it has happened.

"What a victory for Ynys Môn. Bright days lie ahead with huge investment and high-quality and high-paid jobs coming to our energy isle. We will be playing our part in the UK’s energy security and net zero ambitions too and we should be proud of that.

"But more hard work is needed to ensure further progress is made and spades are in the ground as soon as possible. I will continue to pester and prod and make a nuisance of myself in a turbo-charged way to ensure the pace is kept up.

"My absolute top priority was to bring jobs and investment to the island. New nuclear is the Holy Grail."