Fast Track For EDF Wylfa Nuclear Plant

by Morag Portreath
(North Wales)

Following last week's stalled $25 billion bid by EDF for British Energy Group plc, the French power giant may now look to fast-track its plans to build a $6 billion new nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey, North Wales.

Had the British Energy bid been succesful it would have seen EDF take control of eight nuclear generating sites across the UK.

This would have signalled the start of a major investment programme to build a new generation of modern nuclear stations in Britain, as part of the Government's long term strategy on energy security.

The French energy giant wants to build about four nuclear stations in the UK. Now that the British Energy negotiations have collapsed, EDF is now likely to refocus its efforts on Wylfa.

Work on the site could begin as early as 2013, and would create up to 1,600 construction jobs.

EDF is among three faourites bidding to develop the Wylfa site together with US firm Energy Solutions.

Local MP Albert Owen said that Wylfa is well placed to be considered for new build. The infrastructure is in place and it already has skilled people on site, given that the present plant is sill generating until the end of 2010.

And crucially the island's population is overwhelmingly in favour of new build, knowing the economic benefits that would be secured with such a major long term project.

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