'Historic' nuclear deal to create 2,500 jobs

Hartlepool's existing power station is set to be decommissioned in 2028

A new deal to build up to 12 advanced modular nuclear reactors in a town could create up to 2,500 jobs.

The agreement, between Centrica and US firm X-energy, will see the country's first reactors of this kind deployed in Hartlepool, Teesside.

The companies estimate the site would generate enough power for up to 1.5 million homes and unlock £12bn for the north-east region.

Jonathan Brash, the Labour MP for Hartlepool, said the deal was a historic moment for the town.

"With the UK's first advanced modular reactor, Hartlepool will stand at the forefront of Britain's nuclear future, be the beating heart of a clean energy revolution and drive the UK's economy once more," Brash said.

The site will be developed next to the town's existing nuclear power station, which is set to be decommissioned in 2028.

It currently employs about 600 people.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the agreement put the town "at the cutting edge of nuclear innovation".

"With the plant nearing the end of its life, this deal between Centrica and X-Energy could secure the next 50 years of clean, homegrown energy in the North East and marks the dawn of a new golden age for British nuclear," Miliband said.

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The Hartlepool project will pave the way for a national fleet of up to 6 GW of advanced reactors which will provide power for 14 million homes, the companies said.

It is part of a wider deal between the UK and the United States to boost energy security.

A government spokesman said the partnership would make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries, by speeding up the time it takes for a nuclear project to get a licence from four or three years to two.

The agreement is due to be signed at the state visit this week.