Energy giant starts test on Wylfa site

Oct 28 2009

TESTS will be carried out this week by German energy giants, RWE nPower, to see whether land near the current Wylfa nuclear power station, is suitable for a Wylfa B.

The company will start work on a contractors’ compound near to the existing power station visitor centre.

Alan Smith, nuclear development manager for RWE npower, said: "Although we are still a long way from being able to submit a planning application, the compound is an important step in helping us understand the site’s potential to host a new nuclear power station. 

"The compound - which will be in place for around seven weeks - will provide the base for a series of preliminary investigations into the environmental and ecological issues around the site. These studies and surveys include looking at noise and traffic as well as the types of animals, birds and plants present. A wider programme of studies - drawing on the work we are about to carry out - is planned for next year.

"As part of this work, we will need to set up a number of drilling rigs around the site which will be used to extract soil samples to help us understand the ground conditions.

"During this time, there will be a slight increase in the amount of activity on site which may be visible to the local community.

"We will work hard to reduce any potential impact on local people and have written to those closest to the compound to ensure they are kept informed."

RWE nPower will be holding a series of exhibitions towards the end of the year to update the community on its preliminary studies and explain the next steps in assessing the site’s potential to host a new nuclear power station.

 If the site is identified by the Government as suitable for new nuclear development, it is hoped that a planning application will be submitted in 2011

For more details ring the project information line on 0845 136 104 or email the company at information@rwenpowerwylfa.com and members of its team will respond.