Nuclear future plans welcomed
FOUR North West sites are among 10 sites in England and Wales approved for new nuclear power stations by the Government.
The sites were outlined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband yesterday.
Three locations in Cumbria – Braystones, Sellafield and Kirksanton and one in Lancashire at Heysham are on the approved list.
The news was welcomed by the North West Development Agency.
Chief executive Steven Broomhead said: “The NWDA is delighted with today’s draft National Policy Statement and the inclusion of four sites in the region is further testimony to the region’s high calibre nuclear facilities, technical expertise and research ability.
“The announcement comes just two weeks after a consortium purchased land earmarked for a new nuclear power station near Sellafield.
“Heysham in Lancashire is also being actively considered by potential investors and the NWDA will continue to work with all partners to support potential development of the site.”
He said the development of new nuclear power stations in the region would build on its credentials as the UK’s major hub for nuclear infrastructure, which he said already accommodates 50% of the nation’s civil nuclear workforce.
“The potential for economic growth as a result of new nuclear is considerable and, with over 300 companies in the North “est’s nuclear supply chain, it is expected our businesses will play a leading role in the design, construction and operation of new nuclear power plants, he added.
Former energy minister Brian Wilson, who is now chairman of Britain’s Energy Coast, West Cumbria, said: “The Government’s list leaves no doubt that West Cumbria is at the heart of Britain’s nuclear renaissance.
“This makes complete sense because the skills, experience and commitment to nuclear new-build are all here to be tapped.
“Momentum is clearly gathering behind the site next to Sellafield, and its inclusion in the draft list is another step towards securing a new power station which could be generating electricity by the early 2020s.”
Roger Liddle, chairman of the county’s strategic economic development agency Cumbria Vision, said: “Cumbria deserves to be at the centre of Britain’s nuclear renaissance, having been the place where this important source of low carbon energy was first developed and subsequently flourished.”
Mr Miliband said nuclear was “proven and reliable” despite opposition from environmental groups.
Three of the North West sites are already home to nuclear plants, but Kirksanton is a new location.
Ministers hope to fast-track the construction of the new plants so that some can be producing energy by as early as 2018.
Mr Miliband said the new Infrastructure Planning Commission would have to make a decision on each application within a year of receiving it, to avoid a repeat of previous lengthy inquiries.
