Campaigns

Plaid Cymru says No to Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Plaid Cymru Afan Ogwr Rhondda opposes the proposed development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the site of the former Llynfi coal-fired power station, just outside of Maesteg. The developer, Last Energy, is seeking to promote this unproven technology on the site, despite concerns expressed by the communities affected.  

Plaid Cymru opposes this development because:

  • the technology is unproven: only two plants (in China and Russia) are operating using this technology in the world 
  • the technology is even more costly than existing large-scale nuclear power generation, which is already heavily subsidised
  • concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the plants themselves, particularly the removal of and/or reduction in safety features
  • further concerns have been voiced that any reduction in on-site security may lead to a greater chance of sites being unlawfully targetted 
  • no technological answer has been found to the problem of storing nuclear waste; this will probably have to be stored on-site or moved through our villages, causing further risks to residents.

If you agree with Plaid Cymru, please sign the petition below:  

We, the undersigned, oppose the siting of a small modular reactor nuclear power plant on the site of the former coal-powered Llynfi power station.

2 November 2025

  • Plaid Cymru says No to Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

    Plaid Cymru Afan Ogwr Rhondda opposes the proposed development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the site of the former Llynfi coal-fired power station, just outside of Maesteg. The developer, Last Energy, is seeking to promote this unproven technology on the site, despite concerns expressed by the communities affected.  

    Plaid Cymru opposes this development because:

    • the technology is unproven: only two plants (in China and Russia) are operating using this technology in the world 
    • the technology is even more costly than existing large-scale nuclear power generation, which is already heavily subsidised
    • concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the plants themselves, particularly the removal of and/or reduction in safety features
    • further concerns have been voiced that any reduction in on-site security may lead to a greater chance of sites being unlawfully targetted 
    • no technological answer has been found to the problem of storing nuclear waste; this will probably have to be stored on-site or moved through our villages, causing further risks to residents.

    If you agree with Plaid Cymru, please sign the petition below:  

    We, the undersigned, oppose the siting of a small modular reactor nuclear power plant on the site of the former coal-powered Llynfi power station.

    2 November 2025

  • Afan Ogwr Rhondda Candidates - Senedd 2026

    Afan Ogwr Rhondda Plaid Cymru is pleased to announce the first three candidates for the forthcoming Senedd election in 2026: Sera Evans, Alun Cox and Elyn Stephens.

    "We are committed to changing our communities for the better. We will fight for every corner of the new constituency, giving us the change that we need, ensuring representation for all.”

    Sera Evans -

    Sera was born in Cwmparc and now lives in Treorci with her two sons. A former pupil of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Ynyswen, Ysgol Gyfun
    Cwm Rhondda and an Oxford graduate in modern languages and linguistics, she is a skilled communicator with a long record of
    standing up for valleys communities.

    Now in her fourth term as County Borough Councillor for Treorci, Cwmparc and Ynyswen, she chairs the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee and serves on key panels covering scrutiny, governor appointments and child poverty.

    Her experience supporting her autistic son has made her a strong advocate for families navigating additional learning needs.
    She has helped residents secure bus services, tackle flooding issues and improve access to vital services.

    If elected, Sera will champion education, health, cost-of-living support, flood prevention, fair access to services and stronger
    representation for vulnerable residents, while standing up for fairness for Wales.

    Alun Cox -

    Alun lives in Porth with his wife and daughter and works at the University of South Wales, helping researchers secure vital funding.

    A committed trade unionist, he serves as Unison’s deputy branch secretary and is a governor at two Rhondda schools.

    A Plaid Cymru member for 45 years, Alun has held roles at both the local and national levels, working tirelessly to strengthen the party.

    He’s an experienced campaigner, having helped lead major victories, including Leanne Wood’s 2016 Senedd election and the 2017 council campaigns.

    “Our communities face a failing health service, an education system in crisis and an economy that doesn’t work for us. Poverty
    and inequality are rising while current governments fail to act. “We need change. I back Plaid’s plans to support local businesses, grow green jobs and trial a child payment for low-income families. If elected, I’ll work for a fairer, more equal Wales for all.”

     

    Elyn Stephens -

    Elyn believes in politics rooted in care and fairness, and understands the need for real change.

    She knows the challenges our communities face. She grew up as a young carer for her mother, living at the top of the valley, without transport or access to services.

    As a deaf woman, Elyn has experienced discrimination, which shaped her lifelong commitment to social justice.


    At 25, she was elected to RCT Council, where she led the campaign to secure free period products in schools. She’s worked in frontline
    public services at the DWP, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

    Elyn has direct experience of the Senedd, having previously been employed as Office Manager to Heledd Fychan MS.

    If elected, Elyn will champion a caring society, stronger representation, a fair green transition and equity for all and will always fight for our communities.

    10 June 2025