§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the reasons for the shut-down of Trawsfynydd nuclear power station; how long it was out of commission; what was the cost to the nation's power supply; and what was the cost of repair.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe two reactors at Trawsfynydd nuclear power station were shut down by Nuclear Electric plc (NE) at the beginning of February to make adjustments to operate them at a lower coolant gas pressure. This decision was taken in the light of the latest data on the irradiated properties of the steel used in the pressure vessel. Operation at reduced pressure is intended to maintain the very high margins of safety required by the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate.
The NII was kept fully informed of NE's decision and supported the action taken by NE. The reactors will not be restarted without the agreement of the NII.
The commercial flexibilities open to NE and the regional electricity companies mean that this is unlikely to have any effect on the cost of electricity supplies to the RECs, or on the fossil fuel levy.
The cost to NE of adjustments to its reactors is an operational matter for the company.