Welsh Conservatives have today called on the Welsh Government to utilise the potential of Ynys Mon to become a successful energy hub and ensure that the area’s significant opportunities are not wasted.
Leading a debate in the National Assembly, the Shadow Minister for Environment has welcomed the news that Hitachi will develop a new nuclear power station on Ynys Mon and urged the Welsh Government to consider the development of a clear plan to support the development of the island as a centre for energy generation.
The Assembly’s Environment and Sustainability Committee published an inquiry into Energy Planning in Wales in June 2012. It detailed over 70 recommendations and received over 300 pieces of written evidence. While the Welsh Government accepted many of the report’s recommendations, little progress has been made in implementation.
Shadow Minister for Environment, Russell George AM, said:
"Ynys Mon has bags of potential that must not remain unopened.
"Labour Ministers have a significant opportunity to help the island become a centre of excellence for energy development and I urge them to take it.
"Hitachi’s announcement is extremely welcome but far more must be done to support energy potential on Ynys Mon. Clarity on the creation of an enterprise zone was far too slow in coming and the island’s gas and marine potential is waiting to be tapped.
"Wales has an abundance of natural resources and it is vitally important that the Welsh Government pro-actively supports a genuine energy mix."
The Welsh Conservative motion for debate is below:
National Assembly for Wales:
1. Recognises the potential of Ynys Môn as hub for energy and economic growth.
2. Welcomes the announcement that Hitachi will develop Horizon Nuclear Power at the Wylfa plant on Ynys Môn.
3.Urges the Welsh Government to consider the development of a clear plan to support the development of Ynys Môn as a centre for energy generation.
4. Believes the development of nuclear energy on Ynys Môn must be complemented by further support for a robust energy mix across Wales.