Prospect backs new Cumbria clean energy hub
Prospect has joined with leading businesses and other energy unions in coming together to develop plans for a clean energy hub based at Moorside in Cumbria.
At the centre of the Hub’s plans is a proposal for a package of nuclear projects at Moorside, including a new 3.2 GW UK EPR power station, small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs).
Co-locating future technologies alongside UK EPR technology – with its established, UK approved design – will bring together a range of skills, experience and industry knowledge at one site. This will enable a project to start quickly and help to bring forward the development of SMRs and AMRs.
By linking the nuclear plants to other energy technologies, such as renewables and green hydrogen, the members aim to create an integrated clean energy hub for the North West. The Hub hopes to capitalise on the region’s existing nuclear supply chain and could boost orders for hundreds of companies and create thousands of jobs.
The Moorside Hub is launching a brochure outlining some of its proposals. The Hub has also been seeking advice from the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Copeland Council, and Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster to develop the plans.
Prospect senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said:
“The opportunity to secure a new generation of nuclear jobs in the North West of England has been on hold for too long.
“Rapid development of this clean energy hub can play an essential part in rebuilding our economy after coronavirus and cutting carbon emissions to deal with the climate crisis.
“If the government is serious about levelling up, it will get right behind this plan, as part of a bigger commitment to new build nuclear.
“Zero carbon electricity is going to be essential for transport, heating and so much more in future, and now is the time to get the infrastructure and skilled workers in place to deliver it.”
Last week Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy wrote to the Chancellor urging him to invest in new clean energy projects as part of the economic recovery package.