The UK's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Welsh development company Cwmni Egino have announced they will work together on proposals for the siting of a new nuclear development at the Trawsfynydd site in north Wales.

The existing Trawsfynydd plant site (Image: Magnox Ltd)

Cwmni Egino, wholly-owned by Welsh Government, was established in 2020 to bring forward potential new projects, including the deployment of small nuclear reactors (SMRs), to generate electricity and wider options to maximise the opportunity for the Trawsfynydd site.

The 392 MWe Trawsfynydd Magnox nuclear power plant began operation in 1965 and was retired in 1991. It is now owned by the NDA and is being decommissioned by NDA subsidiary Magnox Ltd. The NDA also owns land outside the Magnox site boundary which could be used for a new nuclear development.

"As part of this new arrangement, the NDA will share information about the characteristics of the available land at the Trawsfynydd site, its decommissioning plans (to support schedule and work-force planning) and support Cwmni Egino in the development of its socio-economic plans," the companies said in a joint statement. "It will also offer an opportunity for Cwmni Egino to engage with potential developers and technology providers who wish to participate in the development of the Trawsfynydd site." 

They noted any formal commitment of NDA land, or other support, would require government approval via NDA's sponsoring department, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

"As well as delivering our mission, we're committed to helping the government in supporting its energy goals and our partnership with Cwmni Egino, around the potential future use of land at Trawsfynydd, is testament to our continued support of government policy and our socio-economic obligations," said NDA CEO David Peattie.

Cwmni Egino CEO Alan Raymant added: "Our relationship with NDA and Magnox is critical to the successful delivery of our vision for the development of new nuclear at Trawsfynydd. This collaboration agreement provides the foundation for a fruitful partnership that will bring benefits to the local community and help deliver the Energy Security Strategy."

Cwmni Egino is progressing its plans for a development at Trawsfynydd and hopes to be in a position to confirm their outline business proposition within the year.

Rolls-Royce has identified the Trawsfynydd site to build one of the first of a new fleet of SMRs across the UK.

Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Tom Samson welcomed the collaboration between NDA and Cwmni Egino, saying: "Identifying sites is a key milestone for us and this location offers existing grid connection, infrastructure, access to a highly skilled workforce and strong relationships with a supportive engaged community. The land around the Magnox site at Trawsfynydd has great potential for small modular reactors.

"Cwmni Egino has the right leadership to move the project forward at pace, and that's matched by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's commitment to delivering its mission in a way that promotes regional economic and social regeneration."

Researched and written by World Nuclear News