End of Wylfa B?

by J Roberts
(North Wales)

There is a possibility that Wylfa B, considered crucial to Anglesey's economic recovery, may never be completed, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Germany.

Horizon Nuclear Power is the joint venture between the two German parent companies, RWE AG and E.ON AG.

Both companies have been impacted by the recent decision of the German Government to close down all nuclear power stations by 2022.

Horizon has plans to build up to 6GW of generating capacity in Britain, with Wylfa earmarked as the first of two power stations to be built by the joint venture, with the aim of starting electricity production by 2025.

Concerns have been expressed by officials at the German parent companies that the projects may become more expensive than originally anticiapted, particularly after the events in Fukushima, Japan.

It seems Horizon may have a struggle on its hands trying adequately to explain to potential investors why extra billions of euros of investment capital may be needed.

Official statements from both E.ON AG and RWE AG say that no decision has been taken as to whether the Horizon Nuclear Power venture will be terminated.

Significantly, the UK nuclear regulator is due to publish its Generic Design Assessment (GDA) in autumn 2011.

This will set out the requirements for a safe and robust reactor design and will indicate which of the preferred reactor designs is most likely to be selected by the developers.

The GDA will take into account the findings of the Report carried out by Dr Mike Weightman, which was initiated following the events earlier this year in Fukushima, Japan.


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