Welsh Government signs MoU with the Sizewell C Consortium

The Sizewell C Consortium is an organisation of almost 200 businesses and trade unions from the UK nuclear supply chain focused on building the next nuclear power station at Sizewell.

At the point when construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Somerset nears completion, this MOU sets out the opportunity for Welsh businesses to be part of the supply chain for the next build at Sizewell C.

Wales has a long history of working with the nuclear sector, dating from when Trawsfynydd opened in 1965, and a number of specialist businesses which cater for the sector are based here.

As well as the investment and employment opportunities, this MOU will help to retain the nuclear skills base in Wales that has been reinvigorated through the Hinkley Point C supply chain.

Ken Skates, Economy Minister, said: “Wales has a strong history of nuclear expertise and know-how. A number of businesses across the country are now established parts of the global nuclear supply chain and they are now poised to benefit should Sizewell C be given the go-ahead. 

“While we have recently had disappointing news about Wylfa Newydd, we remain committed to that project and the supply chain.  This MOU shows how the Welsh expertise in the nuclear industry is in demand and can be used across the UK and further afield.”

Cameron Gilmour, Spokesperson of the Sizewell C Consortium, said: “This MOU is a signal of intent from the nuclear industry that Sizewell C can deliver jobs, skills and long-term economic growth right across Wales. The Consortium – with almost 200 members from across the UK – is determined to build on Wales’ proud nuclear heritage and now stands ready to do so.

We need to continue along the process of approval for Sizewell C in order to deliver the advantages to nuclear suppliers in Wales.”

Joint Statement on behalf of Unite Wales, GMB and Prospect unions: “This is important and timely news for workers and businesses across Wales. From Trawsfynydd through to Wylfa, the nuclear industry has a proud history in Wales. Skills, good jobs and communities have been sustained by it. New nuclear projects are needed now more than ever.

“Sizewell C is ready to go. It will support thousands of skilled jobs in Wales and the development of a world leading industry necessary to deliver the clean, green, transition to net zero. This MOU sets out the potential to grasp it.”

Georgia Gascoyne, Director and Chair of the Wales Nuclear Forum, said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government is signing an MoU with the Sizewell C Consortium. This shows the level of commitment to ensure that Welsh businesses benefit from the project in the same way as Hinkley Point C.”

Professor Bill Lee FREng, Sêr Cymru Professor and Director of the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University, said: “The Nuclear Futures Institute team at Bangor University is excited to support this nationally important project. We believe all new nuclear build to be of benefit to the UK and will also strengthen North Wales’ nuclear ambitions. The benefits of Sizewell C will be far-reaching and long-lived.”