Welsh Government ‘make bid’ for Wylfa nuclear site

The Welsh Government is trying to buy the Wylfa nuclear site, it has been reported.

It is understood that it is making a last-ditch attempt to salvage the nuclear power project on Anglesey, and that it has approached Japanese industrial giant Hitachi with that aim, according to The Sunday Times.

The purpose of acquiring the Horizon project and its staff, is to keep it alive in a caretaker role until a developer can be found.

Hitachi pulled the plug on plans to build nuclear power plants in the UK in September, after writing off £2 billion.

The conglomerate has said that it will shut down the project at the end of next month after it scrapped plans to build a £20 billion nuclear plant at the Wylfa site.

It is understood that Hitachi demanding a significant sum for the site, and that the value of the land is regarded as a stumbling block.

The Welsh Government told The Sunday Times: “While we will not comment on speculation, we remain convinced that Wylfa Newydd is one of the best sites for a new nuclear development in Europe and continue to discuss potential ways forward with both Hitachi and Horizon.”

The business department said: “We remain open to discussing new nuclear projects with any viable companies and investors wishing to develop sites across the UK, including in north Wales.”