DWYFOR and Meirionnydd’s Welsh Assembly Member has backed calls to reintroduce nuclear power to the region.

Plaid Cymru AM Dafydd Elis-Thomas has called upon the UK Government to invest in Small Modular Reactor technology at Trawsfynydd site.

He wants the central government to look into more research regarding small modular reactors (SMRs) during a recent appearance before the Welsh Affairs Committee.

SMRs are nuclear power plants that are smaller in size than current generation plants.

These smaller, compact designs are factory-fabricated reactors that can be transported by truck or rail to a nuclear power site and produce approximately 30 per cent as much energy as their much larger counter parts.

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas appeared before the committee to discuss and give evidence on the future of nuclear power in Wales.

As part of the discussion, the Assembly Member noted his continued support towards nuclear energy as part of a mixed energy policy for Wales.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM said: “I’ve always been aware of the crucial role of the nuclear industry.

“If you represent 600 people working at the site then there was no question of supporting that industry.

“In the Assembly’s Environment Committee there has been multi-party agreement on having a mixed energy policy for Wales.

“I have supported a mix of energy capacity and sources and that’s what I continue to support.

Speaking specifically about SMRs Lord Elis-Thomas added: “I’ve had the opportunity to chair the Trawsfynydd Oversight board for the last five years.

“I would encourage the UK government to look at what the energy department in the USA are doing.

“The technology would be a very great cost-saving with huge possibilities.

“We should devolve and commercialise more energy with a long term approach.”