§ 37. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Power what is the average cost of electricity generated per unit at the most modern coal-fired power stations; and what the cost is expected to be at the nuclear power station to be built at Wylfa, Anglesey.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Richard Wood)Depending on the distance from the coalfields of coal-fired stations to be commissioned at about the same time as the proposed nuclear station at Wylfa, the cost of conventional generation at base load seems likely to be between 0.5d. and 0.6d. a unit. It is too early to give a figure for Wylfa, as the tender specification has not yet been issued, but the cost is not expected to be above this range.
§ Mr. RidleyDoes that mean that we are already reaching the break-even point between conventional and nuclear power generation, or will do so at the station a: Wylfa when it is completed?
§ Mr. WoodNo, Sir. It does not mean quite that, because although the cost of generating or operating at nuclear stations may be below that at conventional stations, the capital cost of nuclear stations is very much higher. and the break-even point will not be reached for some time.