Written questions by Medi.

How many people are employed (a) directly and (b) in supply chains in the nuclear industry in (i) Ynys Mon and (ii) Wales in each year since 2015.

DESNZ do not produce their own figure on the nuclear workforce in Wales.

Whether the Government plans to provide financial support for the decommissioning of (a) nuclear projects, (b) Wylfa and (c) Trawsfynydd in (i) the 2026-27 financial year and (ii) future financial years.

HM Government remains committed to the decommissioning of nuclear power stations across the UK. The nuclear decommissioning projects including those at Wylfa and Trawsfynydd are carried out by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The NDA are publicly funded through the Department (DESNZ) and in the future from the Nuclear Liabilities Fund for the Advanced Gas Reactors (AGR) stations.. Funding for 2026-27 and beyond is currently in discussion with the Department as part of the ongoing Spending Review process.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 January 2025 to Question 21108 on Wylfa Power Station, whether his Department has finished examining the previous Government's plans for Wylfa.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to her on 7 January 2025 to Question UIN 21108. No decisions have been taken on any projects and technologies to be deployed at sites owned by Great British Nuclear. We will set out our plans in due course.

When he plans to (a) conclude and (b) publish his Departments review of electricity market arrangements.

The government aims to conclude the policy development phase of the REMA Programme by mid-2025. We intend to announce REMA’s final decisions and the timetable for implementation before the Contracts for Difference, Allocation Round 7 auctions open, giving investors clarity for prospective bids.

What recent discussions he has with the Welsh Government on developing a new nuclear site at Wylfa.

Ministers, and officials within the Department, regularly meet Welsh Government counterparts. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station and is now owned by Great British Nuclear (GBN), we will work with GBN to assess options for new nuclear at the Wylfa site.

What assessment he has made of the suitability of Wylfa to be designated as a preferred site for a new nuclear energy generation project.

On 6 February 2025, we published the draft of a new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) for consultation. EN-7 proposes to employ a criteria-based approach, rather than listing potentially suitable sites, to empower nuclear developers to identify suitable sites for their projects. The Government wants previously listed sites, such as Wylfa, which was acquired by Great British Nuclear in 2024, to meet their potential and EN-7 acknowledges the advantages they can offer for nuclear infrastructure deployment.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of designating Wylfa as a preferred site for a new nuclear energy generation project.

On 6 February 2025, we published the draft of a new nuclear National Policy Statement (EN-7) for consultation. EN-7 proposes to employ a criteria-based approach, rather than listing potentially suitable sites, to empower nuclear developers to identify suitable sites for their projects. The Government wants previously listed sites, such as Wylfa, which was acquired by Great British Nuclear in 2024, to meet their potential and EN-7 acknowledges the advantages they can offer for nuclear infrastructure deployment.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Ofgem's decision to allow a pause in new grid connections on the ability of the (a) Alaw Môn and (b) Maen Hir energy projects to connect to the grid.

Grid connections for individual projects are a matter for the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and the network companies. The short pause on connection applications for generation customers is a necessary transitional step in delivering fundamental connections reforms that, if approved by Ofgem, could reduce the connections queue by up to half and will enable accelerated connections for many generation and demand projects. The pause does not apply to demand projects or to projects connecting to the distribution network which do not require Transmission Impact Assessment.

If he will publish details of any plans held by his Department for the development of a nuclear power station at Wylfa.

Great British Nuclear (GBN) completed its purchase of the sites at Wylfa (in Ynys Mon / Anglesey) and Oldbury-on-Severn (Gloucestershire) in June 2024. As a site which has previously hosted a nuclear power station, and is now owned by GBN , we want Wylfa to play an important role in new nuclear in the UK. The Government is examining the legacy left to us by the previous government and decisions have yet to be taken on projects and technologies to be deployed at specific sites. As GBN progress the Small Modular Reactor competition toward final decisions in the spring, we will set out our plans in due course.

What discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on rewiring existing (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid infrastructure.

The reinforcement of our electricity network is critical to deliver clean, secure power to homes and businesses across the country. This reinforcement includes both new infrastructure, on and offshore, and upgrades to existing lines which are always considered first. Transmission and distribution companies are carrying out significant upgrades to increase the capacity of existing lines on their networks. However, upgrading will not eliminate the need for new lines as it will not be sufficient to provide the necessary network capacity in all areas.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7928 on Electricity: Wales, what estimate he has made of the level of investment needed between 2028 and 2033 in the (a) transmission and (b) distribution grids to help meet net zero targets.

As the independent regulator, Ofgem assesses network owners’ investment plans with regard to their duties, including to support net zero. Government supports Ofgem’s ambition for acceleration of network build and strategic investment in the next electricity transmission price control, covering the period 2026-31. Ofgem’s current consultation on the framework for the next electricity distribution price control (starting in 2028) identifies the need for significant investment ahead of need, strategic planning, and regulatory changes to prepare the GB distribution networks for net zero.

What steps is he taking to increase battery storage capacity in the (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid.

Batteries have a vital role to play in the energy sector, as set out in the National Energy System Operator’s recent advice on achieving clean power by 2030. The Government is working closely with the National Energy System Operator, Ofgem and industry to facilitate the deployment of battery storage. The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan will provide details on the steps we are taking to increase battery storage capacity connected to the distribution and transmission networks.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7928 on Electricity: Wales, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of planned investment in the (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid to meet Net Zero targets.

As the independent regulator, Ofgem assesses network owners’ investment plans with regard to their duties, including to support net zero. Government supports Ofgem’s ambition for acceleration of network build and strategic investment in the next electricity transmission price control, covering the period 2026-31. Ofgem’s current consultation on the framework for the next electricity distribution price control (starting in 2028) identifies the need for significant investment ahead of need, strategic planning, and regulatory changes to prepare the GB distribution networks for net zero.

How much Local Power plan funding will be allocated between each of the UK nations.

The Local Power Plan will be delivered through Great British Energy (GBE). GBE will benefit all four nations, creating jobs and building supply chains across the UK, while respecting the devolution settlements. GBE’s funding envelope provides a total amount to operate across all UK Nations. GBE will be capitalised with £125 million in 2025‑26 to set up the company and begin delivery on its functions.

What estimate he has made of the number of properties in Wales that are unable to generate their own electricity due to capacity constraints in the electricity distribution network.

The Department does not hold data on this. For generation of 3.68kW or less a property owner only has to notify the distribution network operator (DNO) post-installation. For larger installations the DNO will assess the impact of the proposed generation on the network, and either allow it to connect immediately or provide a connection date, and any costs.

What steps he is taking to expand the capacity of the electricity distribution network in Wales.

The government is committed to expanding the electricity network to support its Clean Energy Superpower mission and is working closely with Ofgem and industry to mobilise the required investment. Under the most recent price control for electricity distribution, covering 2023-2028, Ofgem has allowed £22.2bn for upfront network investment across GB, including Wales, of which £3.1bn is set aside for network upgrades to help the grid ready for low carbon technologies. Additionally, the National Infrastructure Commission is providing recommendations in early 2025 on the policy decisions required to make the electricity distribution network fit for net zero.