Thursday 29 March 2012

Horizon reaction: Wales needs to refocus

Horizon reaction: Wales needs to refocus

The news today that the Horizon nuclear project has been dropped by its owners RWE npower and E.ON has kicked up a storm in Wales where one of the planned plants was due to be built. Wylfa, near Anglesey, had agreed a 3600MW Connection Agreement with the National Grid.

Plaid Cymru, the National Party of Wales said the announcement had "massive economic implications for Anglesey" and comes shortly after a U-turn in favour of nuclear for Wales.

Plaid's spokesperson on Energy, Alun Ffred Jones AM said: "Plaid's main focus is on working to ensure that employment is available now and in the future. We need urgent action from both the Welsh Government and UK government to develop new sustainable industries which create jobs on the island."

Environmental groups said Wales should use the opportunity to create green jobs in the renewables industry.

Alun James, policy officer at WWF Cymru said: "Just two weeks ago we called on the Welsh Government to do more to drive forward renewables, instead of pushing forward with its unfortunate change of policy to support nuclear power. We hope today's news will prompt Welsh first Minister Carwyn Jones to refocus his government's efforts to support clean, safe and affordable renewable energy production."

RWE and E.ON want to find a new owner for Horizon Nuclear Power, citing problems with capital as one of the major barriers to the project.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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