Copeland MP Trudy Harrison has hailed the Government’s new energy strategy as a “massive step forward for the nuclear industry”.
This week the government published its British Energy Security Strategy, which signifies a significant acceleration of nuclear, with an ambition of up to 24GW by 2050 to come from this safe, clean and reliable source of energy.
Subject to technology readiness from industry, small modular reactors (SMRs) will form a key part of the nuclear project pipeline, the Government adds.
Mrs Harrison said: "The new British Energy Security Strategy is a massive step forward for the nuclear industry. It will target more nuclear energy, as well as renewables, in a quest to produce low carbon power for 95% of all our energy needs by 2030.
"I am particularly encouraged by the role for nuclear. A new nuclear delivery body will supercharge delivery and a commitment for up to eight new nuclear reactors by 2030 provides a great opportunity for new nuclear deployment here in Cumbria."
A new government body, Great British Nuclear, will be set up immediately to bring forward new projects, backed by substantial funding, and the Government will launch the £120 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund this month.
Trudy has campaigned for five years for the introduction of SMRs, and to have them located in Copeland.
It was announced in November 2021 that Rolls Royce SMR will invest £195 million of private funding into the project to develop SMRs, with a further £210 million pledged from the Government.
Last month, Rolls Royce SMR’s power plant design entered the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process with its regulators.
The British Energy Security Strategy also sets out how Great Britain will accelerate the deployment of wind, solar and hydrogen, whilst supporting the production of domestic oil and gas in the nearer term, which could see 95% of electricity by 2030 being low carbon.
For the full announcement from the Government, visit: Major acceleration of homegrown power in Britain’s plan for greater energy independence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
READ MORE: https://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/news/20028780.copeland-mp-discuss-smr-hopes-council-bosses/
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