Welsh Secretary discusses Wylfa Newydd Future at Hitachi HQ
Alun Cairns meets representatives from the firm at the start of Japanese visit
From left to right – Ambassador Paul Madden (British Ambassador to Japan), Hiroaki Nakanishi (Chairman and CEO of Hitachi), Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns and Toshikazu Nishino (Hitachi).
Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns met representatives from Hitachi at its headquarters in Tokyo earlier today to discuss the future of the Wylfa site in north Wales.
It follows the announcement that Hitachi has suspended plans to build the new multi-billion pound Wylfa Newydd power station on Anglesey.
The meeting forms a key part of Secretary Cairns’ visit to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka where he’ll meet with Japanese businesses who have significant investments in Wales. During the visit, he will set out the UK Government’s commitment to supporting Japanese investment in Wales and the opportunities ahead as we prepare to leave the EU.
Following the meeting, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:
I am grateful to Hitachi for the constructive meeting today to discuss options for their future plans in Wales. “While I fully recognise their decision was a disappointment to people on Anglesey and across north Wales, the UK Government remains committed to developing a broad-based, resilient economy. We believe that nuclear has an important role to play in the UK’s future energy mix as we transition to a low-carbon economy, but any future offer must represent good value for both the taxpayer and the consumer.
I look forward to future discussions on Wylfa’s new nuclear future and will continue to push for greater investment and additional job creation across north Wales.