Decommission Wylfa nuclear power station

Friends of the Earth Cymru (FOE Cymru) are calling for the speedy closure of Wylfa nuclear power station on Anglesey following what appears to be a double fault at the plant yesterday. The environmentalists say that the power requirements of north Wales can be met by renewable energy schemes and energy efficiency measures. The environmentalists are calling on the Assembly to use Objective One aid to kick-start the deployment of offshore windfarms, tidal generators and other renewables which would create new industries and tackle climate change.

Neil Crumpton, FOE Cymru spokesperson said:

"The ageing Wylfa nuclear power station is an increasing danger to the public. Depending on just how serious the causes of yesterday's emergencies are, Wylfa should be closed down as soon as possible. It should certainly not be considered for further operation after 2004 when its current operating licence expires."

The environmentalists are calling for the rapid phase out of nuclear power stations in favour of on and offshore renewable energy schemes and energy efficiency measures. FOE Cymru say that just one renewable energy scheme called a 'tidal generator' (1) could supply all Anglesey Aluminium's 250 MW electricity requirements reliably for decades. Within five to ten years, deployments of offshore windfarms, marine current turbines and other renewables could easily supply more than Wylfa does (800 MW) (2).

Neil Crumpton continued:

"As for Wylfa's power contract with Anglesey Aluminium we say that within three or four years all the 250 megawatts of reliable electricity supply that the smelter needs could be generated by even one tidal generator. Within 10 years a combination of offshore and onshore renewables could supply much of north Wales especially as Objective One aid can be used for such schemes."

Notes

1) A tidal generator is basically a near-shore, rock-walled enclosure where tidal sea water enters and exits into the enclosed area though a turbine. Such generators would produce economically viable electricity in high tidal areas such as Liverpool Bay and the Severn Estuary. The enclosed area may cover anything from less than one square mile to several square miles.

2) Germany has proposed a plan for their first offshore windfarm which would generate on average 400 MW. In comparison, the Wylfa station currently generates on average about 800 MW. Denmark is planning to supply 50% of all its national electricity demand from windfarms (40% offshore, 10% onshore) within the next 30 years.