A dispute over land use at the Moorside site in Cumbria has put the UK’s plans for a new generation of small modular reactors (SMRs) in jeopardy.
The site, located near Sellafield, is one of six currently being assessed by Great British Nuclear (GBN) for the rollout of these innovative nuclear power plants. However, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has unveiled plans to use most of the site’s space for decommissioning purposes, potentially leaving insufficient land for the development of multiple SMRs. MPs, Lords, business leaders, and union officials have written to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, urging him to intervene and prioritise the land at Moorside for new nuclear use.
They warn that failure to do so could have severe consequences for West Cumbria’s hopes of hosting the first SMRs in the country. The key qualities that GBN officials are seeking in potential sites are scale and speed, meaning the number of SMRs that can be accommodated and the readiness of the site for development.
Moorside is seen as a strong candidate due to its state ownership, while other sites under consideration, such as Bradwell in Essex and Heysham and Hartlepool, face ownership challenges.
The mounting pressure on Mr Miliband and the NDA comes in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s decision to block a new coal mine in the area, which would have created thousands of jobs. The Labour Party has pledged to roll out new nuclear power stations to bolster the UK’s energy security.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has stated that while Moorside has the capability to host future civil nuclear projects, no decisions have been made yet. The NDA, as an arms-length body, is working with the government and GBN to explore how its expertise, resources, and assets can best support the nation’s ambitions for greater energy independence while ensuring the safe decommissioning of legacy sites.
As the UK strives to become a clean energy superpower, the resolution of the Moorside dispute will be crucial in determining the country’s ability to harness the potential of small modular reactors and achieve its net-zero goals.
Post Disclaimer
The following content has been published by Stockmark.IT. All information utilised in the creation of this communication has been gathered from publicly available sources that we consider reliable. Nevertheless, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this communication.
This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an offer, recommendation, solicitation, inducement, or invitation by or on behalf of the Company or any affiliates to engage in any investment activities. The opinions and views expressed by the authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Company, its affiliates, or any other third party.
The services and products mentioned in this communication may not be suitable for all recipients, by continuing to read this website and its content you agree to the terms of this disclaimer.