MP says nuclear power generation should return

Plans to open a plant at Moorside failed in 2018

Plans to develop land next to Europe's largest nuclear site should include new nuclear power generation, an MP has said.

In June, the government announced it was releasing land at Moorside in Cumbria, next to Sellafield, in the hope of attracting small modular reactors and "the energy intensive industry they could power".

Energy Coast West Cumbria (BEC) has announced it has been commissioned to engage with businesses about plans for a "clean energy development".

Josh MacAlister, Whitehaven and Workington MP, said he was "optimistic" of "really exciting proposals" being put forward.

Plans to open a plant at Moorside by NuGen failed when parent-company Toshiba decided to wind up its UK nuclear business in 2018.

MacAlister said he wanted to "work at pace" to bring forward a proposal for the site, now known as Pioneer Park.

"I'm clear that I want to see new nuclear power generation here and the industries it could power and I'm optimistic we'll get some really exciting proposals brought forward.

"We now need developers to come forward with their best ideas and help to shape our masterplan," he said.

'Benefit to community'

Sellafield was the world's first commercial-sized nuclear power station until its closure in 2003.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), which is in charge of cleaning up Sellafield, is working with Cumberland Council on the project, and said operations at the existing nuclear site must be taken into consideration.

Council leader Mark Fryer said appointing BEC for the engagement process was "early but important progress".

He said: "I look forward to hearing what the market thinks of our proposal and I will be very interested in the ideas that are brought forward to benefit our community."

Michael Pemberton, CEO at BEC, said: "This process will help us to better define what opportunities will best deliver our ambitions for Pioneer Park and bring the greatest benefit to our community."