The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

A £6 million energy centre on Anglesey was officially opened by Wales' First Minister Carwyn Jones.

The Canolfan Ynni at Coleg Menai, which received a £1.5 million contribution from the NDA, houses some of the best low-carbon energy technology, equipment and training facilities in the UK. The majority of funding has come from the Welsh Assembly Government and the college. 

The Centre will help ensure that North West Wales is well placed to support skills provision for the growing energy sector. Specialised courses will be provided for young people to train for the energy industry, while the centre will house the most advanced welding and fabrication facilities in Wales, together with a business innovation department and first-class conference amenities.  The latest in sustainable, low-carbon technologies were used during the building's construction.  

The NDA's Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Jon Phillips, said:

"We are committed to supporting efforts to minimise the local impact of decommissioning of Wylfa Power Station and are delighted to be making this contribution to Canolfan Ynni.  The commitment from the NDA Socio-Economic Fund will support a major workforce transition in the next few years and will go a long way in helping to develop the skills local people need to meet future job demands of the energy sector." 

Speaking at the opening, Colege Menai's Principal, Dafydd Evans, said:

"It is more important than ever that our young people have the necessary skills to compete for jobs in any sector. However Canolfan Ynni is unique in being able to provide skills and training for the low-carbon energy industry. This is crucial to our economy as the sector is expected to offer considerable growth potential both locally and nationally in years to come."   

At the launch, the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said the new centre was an integral part of Anglesey's drive to become an 'energy island':

"Wales once led the world in carbon-based energy. Our goal now is to do the same for low-carbon energy. This is a challenging but exciting and vital agenda. The Centre will ensure that we have skilled and talented people ready to work in the hugely important energy sector in North West Wales and beyond. "  

Mr Jones added:

"The Principal of Coleg Menai, his team and their partners in the public and private sectors deserve praise for their work to develop such an outstanding facility. I wish every success to the centre, and to the Energy Island initiative." 

Sasha Wynn Davies, Anglesey Energy Island Programme Director, said:

"The Energy Centre demonstrates Coleg Menai's real vision and commitment to maximising the very real opportunities arising from the existing Wylfa nuclear power station, proposed Horizon Nuclear Power new nuclear build at Wylfa and wider Energy Island projects. Coleg Menai is a key partner of the Energy Island Programme and this is a major step forward for the College in taking the lead in North Wales and potentially beyond in Energy Skills provision."