Land release 'best chance' for nuclear return
NuGenThe release of land is the "best chance" of nuclear power generation returning to a county, an MP has said.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to free up land at Moorside, West Cumbria, to be leased for a new nuclear power plant.
Plans to open a plant at Moorside by NuGen failed when parent-company Toshiba decided to wind up its UK nuclear business in 2018.
"I can't promise we will get new nuclear, but unlocking this land gives us our best chance since the collapse of NuGen," said Josh MacAlister, Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington.
Cumbria's nuclear plant Sellafield hosted the world's first commercial-sized nuclear power station.
Calder Hall closed in 2003 after providing electricity for 47 years, and the site is in the process of being decommissioned.
The GMB, Prospect and Unite unions welcomed the announcement, which they said would sustain jobs.
A spokesman said: "West Cumbria needs investment, and the fact that Moorside is already a nuclear licensed site adjacent to Sellafield with a skills base, grid connection, and supply chain that are ready to go, makes it a great choice for further development."
The land at Moorside will be known as Pioneer Park, Sir Keir said, and would look to attract Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and "the energy intensive industry they could power".
MacAlister said the land agreement meant plans could "motor ahead" to deliver the project "at pace".
Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said a clean energy development in West Cumbria would help grow and diversify the local economy.
"The main driver for me is generating enough power at Moorside, by whatever means, to attract industry and technology to Cumberland that will sustain our economy and create jobs for west Cumbrians long after the inevitable downturn in decommissioning at Sellafield," he added.
MacAlister is hosting a public meeting on plans for new nuclear in West Cumbria on 26 June at 18:00 BST.
Venue details will be provided to those signing up for the event through the MP's website.