Wylfa Nuclear Power Station

Hitachi to End Business Operations on the UK Nuclear Power Stations Construction Project

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 16, 2020

TOKYO, Sept 16, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced that it will end business operations on the nuclear power plant construction project in the United Kingdom (Horizon Project), which was suspended in January 2019 (1).

Key Points: 
  • TOKYO, Sept 16, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced that it will end business operations on the nuclear power plant construction project in the United Kingdom (Horizon Project), which was suspended in January 2019 (1).
  • The Horizon Project is a proposal by Horizon Nuclear Power Limited, which Hitachi acquired in November 2012, to develop nuclear power stations comprising of two units of UK ABWR(2) at Wylfa Newydd in Anglesey, North-West Wales, with the intention to develop Hitachi's nuclear business in the UK and contribute to the energy policy of the UK government, as well as maintaining the business foundation that supports the nuclear industry in Japan.
  • As a result of this decision to end business operations on the Horizon Project, Hitachi will coordinate with the UK government and relevant organizations regarding its cooperation as the owner of ABWR licence(3) and the handling of the planned construction sites and other matters.
  • Hitachi will continue to contribute to improve social, environmental and economic value and people's quality of life through its Social Innovation Business, including the energy business.

Chair disappointed by Government’s lack of commitment to North Wales following Wylfa Newydd collapse

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 9, 2019

Davies MP, expresses disappointment at the lack of real commitment to North Wales in the Governments response to the Committees report on the suspension of nuclear works at Wylfa Newydd.

Key Points: 
  • Davies MP, expresses disappointment at the lack of real commitment to North Wales in the Governments response to the Committees report on the suspension of nuclear works at Wylfa Newydd.
  • The Chair criticises the Governments response for offering nothing but warm words about the prospect of developing nuclear capabilities in North Wales.
  • The Government response, however, does not explicitly commit to accepting these recommendations to support North Wales in the aftermath of the suspension of works.
  • This response demonstrates that, beyond warm words, the Government has no real commitment to developing a low carbon energy industry in North Wales.

Chair disappointed by Government’s lack of commitment to North Wales following Wylfa Newydd collapse

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 9, 2019

Davies MP, expresses disappointment at the lack of real commitment to North Wales in the Governments response to the Committees report on the suspension of nuclear works at Wylfa Newydd.

Key Points: 
  • Davies MP, expresses disappointment at the lack of real commitment to North Wales in the Governments response to the Committees report on the suspension of nuclear works at Wylfa Newydd.
  • The Chair criticises the Governments response for offering nothing but warm words about the prospect of developing nuclear capabilities in North Wales.
  • The Government response, however, does not explicitly commit to accepting these recommendations to support North Wales in the aftermath of the suspension of works.
  • This response demonstrates that, beyond warm words, the Government has no real commitment to developing a low carbon energy industry in North Wales.

Chair disappointed by Government’s lack of commitment to North Wales following Wylfa Newydd collapse

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 9, 2019

Davies MP, expresses disappointment at the lack of real commitment to North Wales in the Governments response to the Committees report on the suspension of nuclear works at Wylfa Newydd.

Key Points: 
  • Davies MP, expresses disappointment at the lack of real commitment to North Wales in the Governments response to the Committees report on the suspension of nuclear works at Wylfa Newydd.
  • The Chair criticises the Governments response for offering nothing but warm words about the prospect of developing nuclear capabilities in North Wales.
  • The Government response, however, does not explicitly commit to accepting these recommendations to support North Wales in the aftermath of the suspension of works.
  • This response demonstrates that, beyond warm words, the Government has no real commitment to developing a low carbon energy industry in North Wales.

UK Government and Hitachi should capitalise on fertile territory for energy project after suspension of Wylfa Newydd

Retrieved on: 
Friday, May 3, 2019

Welsh Affairs Committee publishes report on the suspension of development of the Wylfa Newydd power station

Key Points: 


COMMONS

UK Government and Hitachi should capitalise on fertile territory for energy project after suspension of Wylfa Newydd

    Purpose of the inquiry

    • The Welsh Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into the implications of this suspension for the surrounding economy and for the UKs nuclear capabilities.
    • It also calls on the UK and Welsh Governments to consider a range of possible future sustainable energy projects in North West Wales.

    The report also recommends

      Chair's comments

      • Davies MP said: The development of the Wylfa Newydd site was vitally important to Anglesey and the whole of North West Wales, and the announcement that works would be suspended was a blow to local communities and the local economy.
      • Our report calls for the Government to capitalise on these benefits by ensuring that a range of possible energy projects can be developed on the site.

      Key conclusions and recommendations

        Resuming works at Wylfa Newydd

        • Throughout the inquiry, the Committee consistently heard that the site at Wylfa Newydd has distinct geological advantages that make it ideal for nuclear development. One witness even said that the site was understood to be “one of the best sites in west Europe, if not in the whole of Europe, for building nuclear power stations.” The Director of Nuclear Operations at Horizon – the subsidiary of Hitachi responsible for the redevelopment of the site next to the old Wylfa nuclear power station – also shared the view that the site had unique advantages.
          • The Committee therefore urges the UK and Welsh Governments to make every effort to ensure that works can resume on  the site, or alternative energy projects can be brought forward in the surrounding area such as a low carbon energy project.
          • The Committee also recommends that the Government’s analysis of the regulated asset base model (RAB) focus on whether it could resolve the Hitachi’s financing concerns around Wylfa Newydd.
          • The Committee recommends that if RAB could deliver nuclear at Wylfa Newydd, the Government should bring forward legislation to implement it.
          • The Committee recommends that if Hitachi is unwilling to resume works, the Government should prompt it to sell the site and help to encourage more willing developers to purchase it.

        Providing high value jobs

        • While Horizon has committed to supporting the 33 apprentices taken on to work at Wylfa Newydd, the Committee is concerned that their skills will be lost to North Wales if job opportunities in the energy sector are not available in the area.
          • The Committee therefore recommends that the benefits of the Trawsfynydd site are capitalised on through the development of a proposal for a small modular reactor to help sustain the local economy and retain the skills base.
          • The Committee heard that Trawsfynydd’s geological characteristics has the potential to bring high value jobs to the local economy.
          • The Committee urges the Government and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to explore all opportunities for apprentices in the decommissioning of the old Wylfa and Trawfynydd reactors to help their skills stay in North Wales

        Supporting the local economy

        UK Government and Hitachi should capitalise on fertile territory for energy project after suspension of Wylfa Newydd

        Retrieved on: 
        Friday, May 3, 2019

        Welsh Affairs Committee publishes report on the suspension of development of the Wylfa Newydd power station

        Key Points: 


        COMMONS

        UK Government and Hitachi should capitalise on fertile territory for energy project after suspension of Wylfa Newydd

          Purpose of the inquiry

          • The Welsh Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into the implications of this suspension for the surrounding economy and for the UKs nuclear capabilities.
          • It also calls on the UK and Welsh Governments to consider a range of possible future sustainable energy projects in North West Wales.

          The report also recommends

            Chair's comments

            • Davies MP said: The development of the Wylfa Newydd site was vitally important to Anglesey and the whole of North West Wales, and the announcement that works would be suspended was a blow to local communities and the local economy.
            • Our report calls for the Government to capitalise on these benefits by ensuring that a range of possible energy projects can be developed on the site.

            Key conclusions and recommendations

              Resuming works at Wylfa Newydd

              • Throughout the inquiry, the Committee consistently heard that the site at Wylfa Newydd has distinct geological advantages that make it ideal for nuclear development. One witness even said that the site was understood to be “one of the best sites in west Europe, if not in the whole of Europe, for building nuclear power stations.” The Director of Nuclear Operations at Horizon – the subsidiary of Hitachi responsible for the redevelopment of the site next to the old Wylfa nuclear power station – also shared the view that the site had unique advantages.
                • The Committee therefore urges the UK and Welsh Governments to make every effort to ensure that works can resume on  the site, or alternative energy projects can be brought forward in the surrounding area such as a low carbon energy project.
                • The Committee also recommends that the Government’s analysis of the regulated asset base model (RAB) focus on whether it could resolve the Hitachi’s financing concerns around Wylfa Newydd.
                • The Committee recommends that if RAB could deliver nuclear at Wylfa Newydd, the Government should bring forward legislation to implement it.
                • The Committee recommends that if Hitachi is unwilling to resume works, the Government should prompt it to sell the site and help to encourage more willing developers to purchase it.

              Providing high value jobs

              • While Horizon has committed to supporting the 33 apprentices taken on to work at Wylfa Newydd, the Committee is concerned that their skills will be lost to North Wales if job opportunities in the energy sector are not available in the area.
                • The Committee therefore recommends that the benefits of the Trawsfynydd site are capitalised on through the development of a proposal for a small modular reactor to help sustain the local economy and retain the skills base.
                • The Committee heard that Trawsfynydd’s geological characteristics has the potential to bring high value jobs to the local economy.
                • The Committee urges the Government and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to explore all opportunities for apprentices in the decommissioning of the old Wylfa and Trawfynydd reactors to help their skills stay in North Wales

              Supporting the local economy

              UK Government and Hitachi should capitalise on fertile territory for energy project after suspension of Wylfa Newydd

              Retrieved on: 
              Friday, May 3, 2019

              Welsh Affairs Committee publishes report on the suspension of development of the Wylfa Newydd power station

              Key Points: 


              COMMONS

              UK Government and Hitachi should capitalise on fertile territory for energy project after suspension of Wylfa Newydd

                Purpose of the inquiry

                • The Welsh Affairs Committee conducted an inquiry into the implications of this suspension for the surrounding economy and for the UKs nuclear capabilities.
                • It also calls on the UK and Welsh Governments to consider a range of possible future sustainable energy projects in North West Wales.

                The report also recommends

                  Chair's comments

                  • Davies MP said: The development of the Wylfa Newydd site was vitally important to Anglesey and the whole of North West Wales, and the announcement that works would be suspended was a blow to local communities and the local economy.
                  • Our report calls for the Government to capitalise on these benefits by ensuring that a range of possible energy projects can be developed on the site.

                  Key conclusions and recommendations

                    Resuming works at Wylfa Newydd

                    • Throughout the inquiry, the Committee consistently heard that the site at Wylfa Newydd has distinct geological advantages that make it ideal for nuclear development. One witness even said that the site was understood to be “one of the best sites in west Europe, if not in the whole of Europe, for building nuclear power stations.” The Director of Nuclear Operations at Horizon – the subsidiary of Hitachi responsible for the redevelopment of the site next to the old Wylfa nuclear power station – also shared the view that the site had unique advantages.
                      • The Committee therefore urges the UK and Welsh Governments to make every effort to ensure that works can resume on  the site, or alternative energy projects can be brought forward in the surrounding area such as a low carbon energy project.
                      • The Committee also recommends that the Government’s analysis of the regulated asset base model (RAB) focus on whether it could resolve the Hitachi’s financing concerns around Wylfa Newydd.
                      • The Committee recommends that if RAB could deliver nuclear at Wylfa Newydd, the Government should bring forward legislation to implement it.
                      • The Committee recommends that if Hitachi is unwilling to resume works, the Government should prompt it to sell the site and help to encourage more willing developers to purchase it.

                    Providing high value jobs

                    • While Horizon has committed to supporting the 33 apprentices taken on to work at Wylfa Newydd, the Committee is concerned that their skills will be lost to North Wales if job opportunities in the energy sector are not available in the area.
                      • The Committee therefore recommends that the benefits of the Trawsfynydd site are capitalised on through the development of a proposal for a small modular reactor to help sustain the local economy and retain the skills base.
                      • The Committee heard that Trawsfynydd’s geological characteristics has the potential to bring high value jobs to the local economy.
                      • The Committee urges the Government and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to explore all opportunities for apprentices in the decommissioning of the old Wylfa and Trawfynydd reactors to help their skills stay in North Wales

                    Supporting the local economy

                    Committee questions Secretary of State for Wales

                    Retrieved on: 
                    Friday, March 29, 2019

                    Welsh Affairs Committee asks the Secretary of State for updates on various issues for Wales including Brexit and future funding

                    Key Points: 
                    • As Brexit uncertainty continues, the Welsh Affairs Committee seek an update from the Secretary of State for Wales on the implications of Brexit, future funding for Wales, and the impact of the suspension of work on the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station.
                    • Secretary of State Alun Cairns MP will give evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on a wide range of issues such as the impact of Brexit on agriculture and trade and preparations for no-deal.
                    • The Committee may ask about the role of the Secretary of State in representing the views of Wales in ongoing talks.
                    • The Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, Secretary of State for Wales

                    Committee questions Secretary of State for Wales

                    Retrieved on: 
                    Friday, March 29, 2019

                    Welsh Affairs Committee asks the Secretary of State for updates on various issues for Wales including Brexit and future funding

                    Key Points: 
                    • As Brexit uncertainty continues, the Welsh Affairs Committee seek an update from the Secretary of State for Wales on the implications of Brexit, future funding for Wales, and the impact of the suspension of work on the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station.
                    • Secretary of State Alun Cairns MP will give evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on a wide range of issues such as the impact of Brexit on agriculture and trade and preparations for no-deal.
                    • The Committee may ask about the role of the Secretary of State in representing the views of Wales in ongoing talks.
                    • The Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, Secretary of State for Wales

                    Committee questions Secretary of State for Wales

                    Retrieved on: 
                    Friday, March 29, 2019

                    Welsh Affairs Committee asks the Secretary of State for updates on various issues for Wales including Brexit and future funding

                    Key Points: 
                    • As Brexit uncertainty continues, the Welsh Affairs Committee seek an update from the Secretary of State for Wales on the implications of Brexit, future funding for Wales, and the impact of the suspension of work on the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station.
                    • Secretary of State Alun Cairns MP will give evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on a wide range of issues such as the impact of Brexit on agriculture and trade and preparations for no-deal.
                    • The Committee may ask about the role of the Secretary of State in representing the views of Wales in ongoing talks.
                    • The Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP, Secretary of State for Wales