Nuclear sector deal hailed as a major economic boost for Cumbria
A nuclear sector deal announced by the Government is set to bring major economic benefits to Cumbria, according to Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The county’s strategic economic body has warmly welcomed the publication of the deal, which will involve the nuclear industry and Government working together to deliver an agreed action plan running up to 2030.
The deal also includes a £40m facility to support the design of advanced nuclear technologies in north Wales by the Welsh and UK Governments.
It is in addition to a £200m UK Government nuclear sector deal to be launched in Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd.
The deal will also see investment in technology to reduce the high cost of the sector and bring down energy bills.
The chief executive of the company behind plans for Wylfa Newydd, on Anglesey, welcomed the proposals.
Cumbria LEP says the deal will be an integral part of the new Local Industrial Strategy currently being developed for Cumbria.
The LEP has worked closely with the nuclear industry and the Government on the deal, along with the Heart of the South West LEP, New Anglia LEP and the North West LEPs, which also have nuclear expertise.
It has also produced a green energy plan for consultation, which is looking at energy growth through nuclear developments and low carbon innovations to help businesses achieve greater productivity.
In particular, Cumbria LEP has emphasised the importance of government support for developing skills, local supply chains and an extended business support programme, along with investing in key infrastructure such as road and rail.
Cumbria LEP chief executive Jo Lappin said: “We’re very pleased that a deal has been announced that sets out a clear and long term strategy for the nuclear sector.
“It’s great news for Cumbria given that the county holds many of the industry’s key assets, many of the skilled workforce, and a significant supply chain. It puts the county in a really good position to benefit from this deal.
“We welcome the particular focus on innovation and R&D, which reflects emerging priorities within the evolving Cumbria Local Industrial Strategy, plus the commitment to increase gender diversity.
“As far as supply chains are concerned, we are seeking an extensive business support programme which looks at emerging opportunities. The sector deal will also provide us with the resources we need to encourage more foreign direct investment into the area.”
She added: “Now that the deal is in place, we also expect that Cumbrian projects related to the nuclear sector and supported by the LEP will get some extra benefit when the Government is allocating transport funding.
“The coastal rail line upgrade and Whitehaven relief road, which are both closely linked to the nuclear sector, are two obvious examples.”
Cumbria is home to the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing and decommissioning plant, which was the world’s first commercial nuclear power station to generate electricity on an industrial scale, after its acquisition by the Ministry of Supply in 1947.
