Copeland has missed out on the opportunity to host a one-of-a-kind nuclear fusion reactor, likely to create 10,000 jobs elsewhere in the UK.
Moorside, a site neighbouring Sellafield, was shortlisted in a competition to host a prototype nuclear fusion reactor from STEP.
A UK first, it would have seen Cumbria demonstrate to the world that fusion can produce clean energy for commercial use. But at the Conservative Party conference, the Government’s business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg announced that the West Burton A plant in Nottinghamshire has been selected to host the reactor.
Conservative leaders say that, while it is a blow, the future remains bright for new nuclear in Copeland, but Labour says it shows Government’s reluctance to invest in Cumbria.
Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP, said: “While it’s disappointing that Moorside has not been selected for this project, my priority for the area has always been – and will remain – Small Modular Reactors, and I am working with Rolls-Royce SMR, the Government and industry to achieve this.”
Rolls-Royce has signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to bringing SMRs to Fellside, another site near Sellafield.
Copeland Council’s portfolio holder for nuclear and commercial services David Moore said: “Really disappointed, we believed we had a lot to offer. It’s gone to Nottinghamshire which is very close to where they’re doing all the research in Culham.
“They said ours was a really strong bid and they’ve promised us feedback a little bit down the road.
“We’re going to dust ourselves off really quickly and get back in the game with the SMRs. We’ve got the recognised Moorside site which is guaranteed to be a nuclear site. The next campaign starts now.”
Cllr Moore said that the next mission is to push for more detail on Government’s SMR programme.
Former Labour Parliamentary candidate for Copeland Tony Lywood said: “Yet again this decision shows the Conservative Government and Copeland’s Conservative MP have let us down by refusing to invest in our local area. It is over five years since Trudy Harrison and the Conservatives promised they would secure Moorside.
“They failed to deliver and ditched the project for Cumbria. Now it looks like they have again passed by our area in favour of Nottingham.”
