Power Generation /
West Cumbria has strong skills and assets in Nuclear Power generation.
At Sellafield, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority owns enough uranium and plutonium to power two third generation 1.6 Gigawatt reactors for 60 years with no Government funding required. This could provide a platform for the fourth generation reactors available in around 2020 that would provide localised power, a MOX fuel burning capability and heat transfer technology to produce hydrogen and other forms of energy.
The presence of this reprocessed fuel is just one of the many major advantages for nuclear new build at Sellafield. Not only does the area have the workforce and skills, but also enough land for two reactors and space for expansion to meet the needs of emerging Government policy.
West Cumbria’s coast provides adequate cooling water and also good opportunities for other renewable energy generation, such as wind and tidal. Whilst other regions have similar coastal areas, none also have the concentration of expertise and local support for power generation and related infrastructure.
