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Proposed new build: key updates

Wylfa Newydd: We’ve largely stopped working on the Wylfa Newydd new build project in Anglesey, following Hitachi’s announcement in January that they were suspending work on the site. We had been assessing the site licence application submitted by Hitachi’s subsidiary Horizon Nuclear Power in 2017.

We’re carrying out a small amount of work to leave the project in a meaningful state, should it restart in the future, and we’ll remain in touch with Horizon. Our staff have moved to other priorities and we have amended our recruitment and support plans accordingly.

Hinkley Point C: Shortly after we gave NNB GenCo permission to begin the concrete pour for the nuclear island at Hinkley Point C we ran a webinar about our current work and future permissioning milestones for the project.

We’ve uploaded the webinar slides and audio recording – visit our website to hear our Chief Nuclear Inspector, Mark Foy, and Mike Finnerty, Deputy Chief Inspector for our New Reactors Division, talk about our areas of current and future interest and discuss issues with the stakeholders who attended.

Advanced Nuclear Technologies: We’re building our capability to regulate these new technologies, courtesy of a £5m grant from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Our three-year programme of work – which involves extensive engagement with industry and international regulators – will develop our people’s skills and knowledge  and make sure our guidance is fit for purpose.

We’re currently advising BEIS on its Advanced Modular Reactor Feasibility and Development project and participating in international regulatory forums on Advanced Nuclear Technologies at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). We’re also taking part in bilateral technical exchanges with the Canadian regulator (CNSC), which include sharing training opportunities.

If you’d like more detailed information about new build, subscribe to our joint regulators bulletin.