Wylfa Newydd Economic Impact & Mitigation in Anglesey, North Wales
Hardisty Jones Associates was appointed by the Welsh Government as part of a consortium of consultants to review and critique the Development Consent Order (DCO) application for the proposed Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station on Anglesey, North Wales. Our role involved assessing the potential economic and social impacts of the Wylfa Newydd project, identifying mitigation strategies for adverse effects, and exploring ways to maximise long-term benefits for the region.
Client
Welsh Government
Services
Key Areas of Work
Maximising Economic Benefits During Construction
The Welsh Government aimed to secure £1 billion of supply chain spend in Wales during the construction phase. We analysed the applicant’s proposals for supply chain development and spending, providing recommendations to increase local procurement and stimulate economic activity across Anglesey and North Wales.
Mitigating Economic Risks and Displacement
Potential risks included:
- Workforce displacement from local businesses
- Negative impacts on tourism and accommodation
- Pressure on housing and transport infrastructure
To address these, we assessed measures such as an employment and skills service, workforce development strategies, and training programmes to ensure local people, particularly the unemployed, economically inactive, and under-employed, could access new opportunities. Actions included:
- Raising awareness of job opportunities
- Delivering skills training ahead of project needs
- Encouraging young people to pursue careers in the nuclear sector
- Supporting local employers affected by labour displacement
Protecting the Tourism Sector
Tourism is vital for Anglesey and North Wales. We considered a tourism mitigation fund, marketing initiatives, and ongoing monitoring to minimise negative impacts and maintain the region’s attractiveness during construction.
Creating a Long-Term Economic Legacy
The Welsh Government sought to establish North Wales as a centre of excellence for nuclear energy, research, and innovation. Our work supported strategies for a more balanced and diverse economy, ensuring Wylfa Newydd delivered lasting benefits beyond construction.
Hardisty Jones also assessed potential local supply chain spending and its contribution to Wales’ economic targets.
Gareth Jones represented the Welsh Government at DCO hearings in Anglesey, prepared written submissions, and spoke at the examination.
Why this matters for Anglesey and North Wales
The proposed Wylfa Newydd project represented a transformative opportunity for Anglesey, North Wales, and the wider Welsh economy. By maximising local benefits and mitigating risks, this development can create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and position the region as a leader in the nuclear sector.
