The reintroduction of nuclear power in Gwynedd is a step closer following the appointment of a top executive.

The Welsh Government has today announced the appointment of an interim chief executive Mike Tynan to a development company dedicated to bringing forward potential new projects to Trawsfynydd, including the installation of small nuclear reactors to generate electricity.

Trawsfynydd power station, which was decommissioned in 1993, has been outlined as a potential location for a small nuclear reactor project headed up by Rolls Royce.

Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for Economy, confirmed the appointment of Mr Tynan to the role of chief executive at Cwmni Egino.

He said: "Members will recall that the purpose of Cwmni Egino is to bring forward potential new projects including the deployment of small nuclear reactors to generate electricity and also a medical radioisotope research reactor to produce radionuclides for use in cancer diagnostics and treatment.

"This provides a significant economic opportunity for North West Wales, which is firmly embedded in to our response to the climate emergency.

"We have now appointed Mike Tynan as Cwmni Egino’s interim chief executive. Mike is a highly experienced leader having worked in the sector for over 40 years

"He has an extensive background in the civil nuclear sector spanning fuel manufacture, waste management, decommissioning and new build."

Mr Gething added: "He will now begin to develop and implement the company’s formal business plan over the next few months to facilitate and bring forward key projects.

"Mike joins Cwmni Egino’s chair, Dr John Idris Jones. John is well regarded in the nuclear industry following his previous roles at Magnox and other representative roles within the sector.

"His appointment will provide valuable continuity between the work of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone, for which he is also the chair, with the new company."