The small modular reactors would be assembled like a ‘Lego kit’
Wales could see the construction of four micro nuclear power plants, with a combined value of £300 million, in the near future. These modular reactors are set to be classified by the Welsh Government as developments of national significance.
Last Energy has proposed to build these facilities on the site of the old Lynfi Power Station in Bridgend, which shut down in 1977. If planning and licensing go according to plan, the first plant is expected to be up and running by 2027.
Once all four are operational, they would have the capacity to supply the yearly electricity demands of 244,000 homes. Each plant would only need an area about a third the size of a football pitch.
The PWR-20 plants from Last Energy consist of several dozen “modules” that can be pieced together much like a Lego set. They are designed for quick fabrication, transport, and assembly within a two-year timeframe.
The initiative is anticipated to create approximately 100 jobs, as reported by WalesOnline, reports North Wales Live.
In terms of local economic benefits, the company is aiming to procure at least 10% of its supply chain from within South Wales, which is expected to generate around £30m in regional economic impact. Last Energy is not seeking any public sector financial support for this project.
Most of the clean energy generated by these plants would be supplied to local businesses through a new private energy distribution network, especially those firms with high energy demands, via supply contracts. A smaller portion of the power might be fed into the National Grid to serve virtual customers.
The promising Lynfi site, snapped up by Last Energy, sits right next to a functioning substation—kept going since the old coal power station shut its doors. Hot on the heels of discussions with Bridgend Council and the Welsh Government, a public consultation has been fired up.
CEO at the helm of Last Energy UK, Michael Jenner, said: “Last Energy’s Llynfi project will not only transform a vacant coal site into a hub for clean energy production, it will also create economic opportunity for companies throughout South Wales.”
He added: “The benefits of nuclear power speak for themselves, so our focus must be on delivering those benefits on time and on budget. Last Energy’s emphasis on mass-manufacturability allows us to deliver significantly smaller plants in under 24 months with purely private financing. We look forward to engaging with the public, meeting local suppliers, and being an active partner in South Wales’ path towards energy security and industrial decarbonisation.”
Last Energy said the “minimal” nuclear waste generated could be safely managed, stating all materials will be secured underground, including a 500-tonne shield. A representative said: “Prior to plant construction, all design and safety systems will be reviewed and approved by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). We will also undergo extensive environmental reviews and permitting with Natural Resource Wales (NRW) and the Environment Agency (EA).
“Launching a nuclear facility requires that we first receive a radioactive substances regulations permit before any nuclear material is brought on site. When decommissioning takes place, we will work with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to transfer the waste to a designated UK storage facility. Those efforts will be funded by ourselves, and we will pay into a decommissioning fund during the entire active life power generation life of our project.”
Endorsing the plan, Lord Hunt, UK Government Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, highlighted the local benefits: “New nuclear projects can revitalise communities by repurposing old industrial sites and injecting new jobs and investment. This is at the cutting-edge of nuclear technology and could help decarbonise industry by providing low-carbon heat and power.”
“It comes a day after the UK’s investment summit and signals that we are reversing a legacy of no new nuclear power being delivered, ensuring the long-term security of the sector while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs.”
Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: “Increasingly, industries are looking to nuclear to provide that reliable and price predictable heat and power as they seek to decarbonise. Potential projects such as that proposed by Last Energy, with an innovative business model of direct to industry power and co-location, will be required if deep decarbonisation is to become a reality rather than a slogan.”
