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THE development of the new Wylfa nuclear power site can be a “springboard” for Wales to make the most of a revolution in energy supply, Welsh Secretary David Jones will claim today.

He will tell a London audience: “In Wales we currently produce 1.1GW of renewable energy – but we can do more.”

The Clwyd West Conservative MP will call for Wales to face up to the challenges ahead and be at the forefront of putting in place the technology and infrastructure that will keep Britain’s lights on.

Describing the opportunity created by Wylfa B, he will say: “Wales has already begun to attract investors. Hitachi’s decision to build a nuclear power station at Wylfa highlights the attractiveness of Wales as a place to do business and invest.”

He will call the creation of the new plant “one of the most important infrastructure projects in Wales”, stating: “During my visit to Japan in April I was delighted to meet with Hitachi executives to get a clear understanding of the operation of Hitachi’s global supply chain. “I want to ensure that UK, and in particular Welsh companies, take advantage of this unique opportunity, and use it to springboard into other international markets.”

He will add: “Welsh businesses must step up to this challenge and seize the opportunities it presents. It is important that we show we are amongst the very best suppliers, and demonstrate the quality of our work and the value we can offer so that Welsh businesses can reap the economic benefits on offer.”

Warning that a fifth of the UK’s energy producing capacity is due to be turned off in the near future, he will argue the country must make up for lost time.

He will say: “For around a decade, the previous Government had no credible energy policy, no plan for how we would meet increasing energy needs. It was very late in the day when they finally recognised nuclear energy needed to be part of the mix.”

Mr Jones will tell his audience at the event organised by Wales in London and legal firm Eversheds: “Between now and 2020, 20% of our energy generation will go offline. We need to replace that just to stand still. But our energy consumption is also increasing – so standing still is not an option.”

Arguing that the Welsh coast offers great energy-generating potential, he will say: “We already have offshore wind sites such as North Hoyle, Rhyl Flats and Gwynt y Mor with new developments in the pipeline such as the Atlantic Array and the Centrica Developments in the Irish Sea Zone off North Wales. To support the development of this new generation of offshore wind power the UK Government will deliver a new offshore electricity grid.

“With 1,680 miles of coastland in Wales the opportunities which come with harnessing the tidal power are clear and it is technology I want to see more of. Wave power is more predictable than wind power and it increases when our energy demands are highest – during winter.”