Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has spoken in Parliament of the potential that plans by Rolls-Royce to build “mini” nuclear reactors in Britain have to “level up” North Wales.
Rolls-Royce is hoping to secure a number of sites for the roll out of a fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with potential locations at existing disused nuclear sites across the country, such as Trawsfynydd and Wylfa on Anglesey.
At last week's Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) questions in the House of Commons, James highlighted the benefits of a factory to manufacture components for the SMRs also being located in North Wales.
He said:
“Is my right hon. Friend aware of Rolls-Royce SMR’s plans to set up small modular reactor factories here in the UK?
“Does he agree that the high-skilled, long-term jobs in such factories could significantly help to level up north Wales and contribute to both net zero and a global Britain that exports more around the world?”
Energy Minister, Greg Hands MP, agreed it would help level up North Wales.
He said:
“As the current Energy Minister and the former Exports Minister, I agree entirely with my hon. Friend on the export potential of the Rolls-Royce SMR technology, which has the potential to provide levelling-up jobs precisely in areas such as north Wales, as he so ably urges.”
The Prime Minister backed small modular reactors as part of his 10 point plan for a “green industrial revolution” to help meet the government’s 2050 net zero carbon target.
A Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470mw of low carbon energy equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines.
