Heysham and Sellafield put forward as new nuclear sites

THE Coalition Government yesterday announced plans for the next generation of nuclear power stations in the UK, which will include sites at Heysham in Lancashire and Sellafield in Cumbria.

The plans were announced as part of its new Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) unveiled before Parliament yesterday, which it said followed “an extensive public consultation” earlier this year.

The strategy laid out a framework for investment in a range of new energy sources which will generate 33GW of electricity, including the eight nuclear sites which are all set to be built by 2025. These will require an estimated £100bn of investment.

Energy minister Charles Hendry said: “Around a quarter of the UK’s generating capacity is due to close by the end of this decade. We need to replace this with secure, low carbon, affordable energy. This will require over £100billion worth of investment in electricity generation alone.

“This means twice as much investment in energy infrastructure in this decade as was achieved in the last decade.

“Industry needs as much certainty as possible to make such big investments. These plans set out our energy need to help guide the planning process, so that if acceptable proposals come forward in appropriate places, they will not face unnecessary hold-ups.”

“The Coalition Government is determined to make the UK a truly attractive market for investors, to give us secure, affordable, low-carbon energy. These National Policy Statements are an important milestone.”

EDF Energy is proposing to build the site at Heysham, which could be completed as early as 2017. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has nominated the Sellafield project, which is set for a 250 hectare plant just north of the existing nuclear reactor.

Lancashire County Council leader Geoff Driver welcomed the inclusion of Heysham on the list. He said: “This is good news for Lancashire as it will help to keep very high-skilled jobs right here in the county.

“There are other benefits for the wider county economy, such as for Lancashire-based companies involved in the supply chain for the nuclear industry, as well as other goods and services that are needed to build and run any large facility.

“This decision could also have wider benefits for our universities, helping to attract students into the county to study and have good employment prospects within the industry.

“This also reinforces the national importance of the Heysham-M6 Link, a major strategic transport scheme for the county.”

Cllr Tim Knowles, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member responsible for environment, said: “I’m delighted that Sellafield has been confirmed as a suitable site for nuclear new build.

“The National Policy Statements will play a vital role in informing future planning decisions and West Cumbria is now right in the running for potentially billions of pounds worth of future investment, which will seal its position as being at the heart of Britain’s nuclear industry and becoming a major platform for low carbon energy investment.”