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E.ON and RWE confirm plans for new UK nuclear reactor on Anglesey

Horizon Nuclear Power, a joint venture between German energy giants E.ON and RWE, yesterday confirmed plans to build a new nuclear reactor at Wylfa on Anglesey in Wales.

Given the right market conditions, says the company, it aims to make a planning application by 2012 and commission the new reactor by 2020.

Once construction on the site begins, says Horizon Nuclear Power, it will put in a second application for a new nuclear power station at Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire.

Each power station will have a capacity of up to 3300 MW and create up 800 permanent jobs, as well as around 5000 temporary positions during the construction phase.

“This will bring a major economic boost to both local economies and cement their reputation as nuclear centres of excellence for generations to come,” says Horizon Nuclear Power chief operating officer, Alan Rayment.

The company says it will decide on the reactor technology at the end of the first year of work on each site and is in discussions with Westinghouse and Areva, both of which are seeking UK licences for their nuclear reactors.

While Horizon Nuclear Power may well encounter opposition from local communities, as well as sections of the Welsh Assembly Government, a survey out today from the Institute of Directors (IoD) indicates that business leaders overwhelmingly support new nuclear power.

The survey earlier this month of 1800 IoD members found 85% believe that new nuclear reactors should be built in the UK to guarantee energy security.

For further information:
www.horizonnuclearpower.com/index.php
www.iod.com/policy

31 March 2010

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