UK to buy new sites to increase nuclear energy production

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The UK's nuclear energy company will buy two new sites in a move for the country's "nuclear revival," according to officials on Thursday.

"In a historic day for the UK’s energy security, Great British Nuclear (GBN) is buying land for new nuclear development from Hitachi at both Wylfa in Ynys Mon/Anglesey (island of Anglesey, off the northwestern coast of Wales) and Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire (west of England)," said a joint statement by the GBN and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Earlier this year, the government published its Civil Nuclear Roadmap, setting out plans to boost Britain's energy security and achieve net zero carbon emissions.

"Access to nuclear sites is a critical factor in achieving these nuclear ambitions, which included deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and exploring a further large-scale reactor project after Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.," added the statement.

"We are already making progress on our nuclear revival, securing two sites with strong potential to host new projects and help deliver the biggest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years," said Claire Coutinho, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero.

Today’s site announcement is the first of a series that GBN, the government body responsible for delivering Britain’s nuclear renaissance, plans to make, as it supports the long-term Civil Nuclear Roadmap commitments and the SMR selection process.

"This is a major step forward for the UK’s nuclear revival. We are bringing nuclear back to the historic sites of Wylfa and Oldbury – and with it jobs, investment, and clean energy," said Andrew Bowie, the minister for nuclear and renewables.