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UK Government's Energy Policy

I am so glad that I gave way to my hon. Friend, as I visited that project the other day and had discussions with the research team. It is one of the most exciting projects, and we need to encourage that sort of thing. Wales has expertise, and we must cherish it and ensure that it grows. Both here and internationally, there is a good opportunity to learn from the technology and inventions taking place in Wales. Wales has great natural resources, and they should be at the heart of our renewable energy solutions. We already have offshore sites at North Hoyle and Rhyl Flats, and another will soon be built at Gwynt y Môr, and we will deliver an offshore electricity grid to support the development of new offshore wind power. We also have one of the most technologically advanced solar module manufacturing plants in Sharp’s installation at Wrexham, which was referred to earlier. Only a month ago, it announced that it was doubling production, opening a training academy and creating 300 new jobs. That is another example of how crucial private-sector employers are in creating new jobs and investment, and in providing skills for the local work force. Some time ago, I visited G24 Innovations in Cardiff. In its main manufacturing plant, it is dedicating about 190,000 square feet to producing dye-sensitised solar cells. It is based on pioneering research; indeed, it won the Millennium prize last year. Yet again we see Wales leading the way in cutting-edge energy production. Those are two examples of many, and they all point to a strong energy presence in Wales. We are continuously building on that presence with potential developments such as Anglesey’s energy island and the Atlantic array in the Bristol channel. I recognise the economic importance of the existing nuclear power station in Wales, and I welcome the news that its operational life has been extended, allowing it to continue generating energy until the end of 2012. I am delighted that Wylfa is on the draft list for potential sites for new nuclear, which could be deployed by 2025. As well as the benefit of carbon reduction, the economic benefits are also huge. A new power station could bring significant investment to the area, creating opportunities for companies involved in the construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power stations. It could also create up to 5,000 jobs in construction and, I believe, up to 1,000 permanent jobs. All of that is much-needed good news for Anglesey, helping to secure its long-term economic stability—and it is good news for Wales.