The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has been accused by a West Cumbrian MP of putting the area’s economic future at risk.
Josh MacAlister, who represents Whitehaven & Workington, told Parliament that the authority – in charge of the UK’s nuclear decommissioning mission – had earmarked a large area of Moorside to lay down construction materials for future buildings it hoped to build on the Sellafield site.
Moorside has also been earmarked as a possible site for nuclear new build.
Mr MacAlister said: “Great British Nuclear, need to make an imminent decision about site selection and if Moorside is going to be a contender, they need to be confident that the land will be available for new nuclear plants.
“To put it simply, zero sum thinking and the lack of a serious plan B by the NDA is putting the economic future of my area at risk. Hypothetical future decommissioning work – not yet approved or funded by the Government and that could use different available land – is putting a very real and current proposal to build a new nuclear power plant at Moorside in jeopardy.
“This is unacceptable to me and it is unacceptable to my community.
“I understand the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s position – the clue is in the name.
“They’re there to deliver a safe, efficient and effective decommissioning programme for the UK’s nuclear waste.
“But they do also have a responsibility under the Energy Act to work in the interests of the local community, and our community needs and deserves more than just more decommissioning work.
“I’m confident that the NDA can come up with a plan B for their future plans that preserves Moorside for its original purpose of new nuclear. I say this because until 2018, the NDA were planning on the basis of a gigawatt scale nuclear plant on Moorside.”
Mr MacAlister asked the Government to make it clear that any sites designated for nuclear use, such as Moorside, had new nuclear prioritised over any other potential use of that land.
He added: “I’d like the land needed for new nuclear at Moorside transferred from the NDA to Great British Nuclear to make that intent clear.
“GBN has taken ownership of other land for nuclear developments and it is now time that the same should happen at Moorside. The clock is ticking on the need for this transfer of land as GBN will be making siting decisions in the coming months.
“I would also ask that the Government supports the NDA to come up with plans for laydown using other land available, and that the Government provides long term confidence to the NDA on some of the major decommissioning choices that lie ahead, not least on plutonium.
“Finally I’d like the department to instruct Great British Nuclear to assess the Moorside site as it stands and not on the basis of any other use of the land or hypothetical future decommissioning projects.”
Julie Minns, Carlisle MP, told the house: “Does my hon friend agree that bringing new nuclear to our wonderful county is not just important for economic growth but absolutely essential if we are to attract new people to come and live in Cumbria, so we can grow our population and begin to overcome some of the demographic challenges we currently face?”
Cumbria vital to UK’s energy, defence and nuclear industries
Michael Shanks, the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, told Mr MacAlister: “I welcome this opportunity to set out the Government’s position.
“Cumbria is vital to the UK’s energy, defence and nuclear industry, from Barrow-in-Furness, where the Ministry of Defence is building and maintaining nuclear submarines; to Drigg, where the low-level waste repository disposes of nuclear waste; to Seascale, which is home to the most significant nuclear facility in the country; and finally to Carlisle, where Nuclear Transport Solutions, owner of Direct Rail Services, operates a crucial railhead for nuclear transport.
“Each of these locations plays a vital role in our nation’s nuclear infrastructure, ensuring safety, security and innovation in the nuclear sector. As my hon. Friend outlined, Cumbria’s journey has been a remarkable one, of achievements, technological advancements and steadfast commitment—a testament to the people in this area, who have opened their arms to nuclear and who continue to do so.
“Tackling the UK’s civil nuclear legacy safely, securely and cost-effectively is a national priority, with more than £3 billion being invested this year alone to ensure the NDA and its subsidiaries continue its mission to clean up the UK’s nuclear legacy.
“Under the Energy Act, the NDA also has the supplementary function of promoting economic development, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Figures on the NDA’s economic contribution to West Cumbria show that its local activity supported £1.3 billion of gross value added across the local economy, which is 40% of the total gross value added for the entire area.
“That is why this Government’s commitment to new nuclear—which I restate—is so important. My hon friend and a number of my colleagues rightly mentioned the standstill approach of the previous Government: a lot of warm words, but 14 years of inaction. I notice that no Conservative members are in the chamber this evening.
“The legacy of nuclear activity in north-west Cumbria is important, but so too is its future. It continues to inspire confidence and optimism, with a decommissioning mission lasting over 100 years. The NDA and Sellafield will continue to contribute to the community of West Cumbria and remain at the forefront of that vital work.
“Of course, the region also remains a pioneer in nuclear research and development, contributing to advancements in reactor technology, waste management and environmental protection. The lessons that we learn from Sellafield are invaluable assets right across the country and the world, guiding future endeavours in the nuclear sector.
“We welcome the continued engagement of the two Cumbrian communities involved in the national process to find a suitable site for a geological disposal facility. It is a unique process whereby the local community will have the final say on whether it wants to host that facility.
“West Cumbria is also home to Moorside, a previously designated potential new nuclear site and one of several that has the capability to host future civil nuclear projects. That site’s location—adjacent to Sellafield—would need to be factored into any future considerations, and any prioritisation of projects in West Cumbria will of course take into account how to maximise public benefit.
“As we look to the future of Cumbria’s nuclear industry, we face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. To meet the demands of our growing nuclear programme and to have a workforce pipeline, industry modelling suggests that we need to fill 40,000 jobs by 2030. That means we must more than double our current recruitment rates to ensure we have the skilled workforce necessary to drive our nuclear ambitions forward.
Moorside’s potential
“I want to turn to the specific questions about the land at Moorside. On whether the Government can make clear the primacy of new nuclear on the sites currently listed in the 2011 national policy statement, the statement listed eight sites as being potentially suitable for the deployment of new nuclear by 2025.
“The sites were nominated to that process by third parties, and it was never intended that listing such sites should restrict their future use. Any nuclear project at these potential sites must be subject to development consent or to examination and approval, as well as site licensing and other regulatory requirements.
“On whether Great British Nuclear could consider the technical potential of Moorside without potential future decommissioning projects nearby, I note that GBN has considered a number of sites, including Moorside, from both a project delivery and a technical perspective.
“The fact is, however, that the location of the site adjacent to Sellafield does need to be factored into any consideration.
“Any interaction between existing or future projects could introduce additional complexity, potential pressures on supporting local infrastructure and increased delivery risk. I want to assure the House that use of the land at Moorside will undoubtedly bring investment and employment opportunities in the region, and any decisions will be made with the utmost priority given to the maximisation of opportunity for the local community.
“West Cumbria’s nuclear history shows its commitment to scientific progress, environmental stewardship and public safety, and by working together we can ensure the best possible outcome as we navigate the complexities of nuclear decommissioning, waste management and this Government’s absolute commitment to new nuclear.”
An NDA spokesman said: “We’re committed to decommissioning our sites safely, securely, and sustainably, leaving a positive long-lasting legacy for future generations.
“As an arms-length body, it’s our job to support and implement policies and decisions made by the Government and as such we are working with our sponsor department, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Great British Nuclear to explore how we can use our expertise, resource, and assets to best support ambitions, including greater energy independence, while ensuring we continue to deliver our mission. This includes land at Moorside.”
