A research reactor in Trawsfynydd could create jobs and provide vital medical isotopes, says the Wales Secretary of Commerce.
Medical isotopes are used in radiopharmaceuticals, medicines used to diagnose and treat some cancers and other chronic diseases.
Welsh government economics minister Vaughan Gething says a projected gap in future production paves the way for a research reactor in Trawsfynydd.
Research reactors are nuclear reactors for research, development, education and training. They produce neutrons for use in industry and medicine.
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He said: “In Trawsfynydd there is an opportunity not only for a smaller reactor, but also for a research reactor.
“One of our main concerns about Brexit was medical radioisotopes for treatment in our healthcare system.
“We know there will be a void in radioisotope production in the not too distant future, so we need to have an alternative plan to produce this.
“You can do this in Great Britain, where Trawsfynydd is the ideal location.”
The Welsh government announced last year that it would create a nuclear development company called Cwmni Egino to restore Trawsfynydd as a site for small modular reactors (SMRs) and to investigate the installation of a medical research reactor to provide medical radioisotopes.
Mr. Gething added: “This requires the UK government to work with us because of the different division of powers. I think there is a real opportunity there not only to do something useful for the health sector, but to make real economic gain for this part of North West Wales. “
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