How Last Energy's Lynfi plant could look

New nuclear power plants to be built in Wales in huge £300m project

The proposed micro plants would generate enough energy to power 244,000 homes in south Wales

15 Oct 2024, 04:00 by Sion Barry · Wales Online

Plans for four micro modular nuclear power plants in Wales worth £300m have been revealed. The project from Last Energy, which would be determined by the Welsh Government as a project deemed a development of national significance, is earmarked on the site of the former coal-powered Lynfi Power Station in Bridgend, which closed in 1977.

Subject to planning and licensing approvals, the first pioneering plant would become operational in 2027 and the project as a whole would generate the equivalent of the annual power needs of 244,000. A Last Energy plant, known as a PWR-20, comprises of a few dozen modules that are assembled like a Lego kit. They only require land the equivalent of a third of a football pitch and have been designed to be fabricated, transported, and assembled within 24 months.

The company plans to source at least 10% of its supply chain for the project in South Wales, generating an estimated £30m economic impact which doesn’t include business rates. The project would create around 100 jobs. Last Energy is not seeking any public sector financial support.

Through a new private energy distribution network the vast majority of the 24/7 clean energy produced would be provided to local businesses, particularly high energy intensive firms which enter into supply contracts. A small percent of power from the plants would likely go through the National Grid to virtual customers.

The Lynfi site, which Last Energy has secured, benefits from being adjacent to an active substation which has been maintained since the former coal power station closed. A public consultation for the project has been launched following engagement with Bridgend County Council and the Welsh Government. Each plant will have a design life of 42 years with an option for extension.

Last Energy said it is already in commercial discussions with a range of industrial customers in the region. The US company is also planning a number of other sites across the UK for the rollout of its technology.

Chief executive 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.

"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.”

Welcoming the proposed project, UK Government Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Lord Hunt, said: “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.”

Last Energy said that the small amount of nuclear waste created would be easily contained, stored, and transported offsite once a plant is decommissioned. It added that all nuclear components, including used fuel, are housed within a robust underground containment structure, which includes a 500 tonne metal shield.

A spokesman 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.”