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

The collaboration has the agreement of UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The site had previously been mentioned by Rolls Royce SMR as a location for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR).

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 20 May told the Welsh Conservatives party conference: "Today I can tell you that we’re looking to build another small modular reactor on the site at Trawsfynydd." His announcement comes a month after he said that a new full-size NPP would be built at Wylfa on Anglesey implying that Wales is now set to get two new nuclear plants.

In his speech UK Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: "Our ambition for a British nuclear renaissance means a bright future for nuclear power in Wales, not only securing clean, affordable, homegrown energy but also jobs and investment at sites like Trawsfynydd.” He added: “We remain on track to realise our plan to approve eight new nuclear reactors by 2030, transforming the UK’s energy network and revitalizing decommissioned nuclear sites."

The NDA is charged with the mission to clean up the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost-effectively, with the aim of benefiting local communities and the environment, to ultimately release its 17 sites for other uses. The NDA site at Trawsfynydd is home to a Magnox station, which became operational in 1965 and was closed in 1991. It is being decommissioned by Magnox Ltd, a subsidiary of the NDA. 

The NDA also owns land outside the Magnox site boundary which could be used for a new nuclear development. Cwmni Egino (CE) is a development company wholly owned by the Welsh Government, established to drive future development at the Trawsfynydd site and to promote regional economic and social regeneration.

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. 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.

David Peattie, NDA CEO, said: “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.”

Gwen Parry-Jones, Magnox Ltd CEO, said: "The formal collaboration between NDA and Cwmni Egino is fantastic news for Trawsfynydd and affirms our mission to safely clean-up the site for other uses. It also presents a significant opportunity to benefit the community around the site building on and utilising the world-leading skills and expertise of our nuclear workforce."

Alan Raymant, CEO of Cwmni Egino said: "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".

Image: Decommissioned site of the Trawsfynydd NPP is now being proposed as the location for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR).