9. Debate: How do we achieve a low carbon energy system for Wales?

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:28 pm on 20 November 2018.

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Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 6:28, 20 November 2018

Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. It is my pleasure to move the two amendments in the name of Darren Millar this afternoon. Just talking about the generalities of the debate, it is good that we do debate these issues. One thing that Wales has is an abundance of natural resources that if harnessed correctly, could help the energy footprint, not just of Wales, but of the rest of the United Kingdom. I did note that the Cabinet Secretary said that is a question we should pose to ourselves: should we be exporting our energies or should we be generating enough for Wales as a country? I would argue that we are well placed to help the rest of the United Kingdom meet its energy requirements. Indeed, it is very desirable for us to do that, with the host of energy generation that we could put to best use.

Talking to the two amendments, if I may, obviously the Wylfa Newydd proposal up in Anglesey is an exciting and dynamic proposal that has been on the stocks for many years now, and thankfully seems to be coming into fruition and the endgame. I do hope very much that the political groups here today will support the amendment that is before the Assembly, because it offers an exciting opportunity: an opportunity that the First Minister himself has said is transformational, not just for the north Wales economy, but for the economy of Wales as a whole, when we're talking of between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs at peak production of construction, with 850 permanent—well-paid jobs, I might add—being located in a location that has a historical perspective of hosting a nuclear plant, prior to the new one being established. I'll take the Member's intervention.