A new facility to treat coolant from a Japanese nuclear reactor has been earmarked for the Port of Workington.
Subject to planning and regulatory permissions, Cavendish Nuclear and its delivery partner Amentum will build the plant.
The development is part of a wider project to support the Japan Atomic Energy Agency with decommissioning the Monju Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.
The facility will be operated by a joint venture between the two companies and will treat sodium coolant removed from the reactor.
The construction phase is expected to be worth more than £25 million. The facility will also require an operational workforce of around 20 people over its seven years of operation.
News of the planned facility follows recent work carried out at the port and neighbouring Oldside to clear land to prepare it for future development.
The clearance is being carried out by Thomas Armstrong Construction on behalf of Cumberland Council, which owns and operates the port.
The project is funded by the Government as part of the Workington Town Deal.
Cumberland Council said the development was part of a wider regeneration project that included the Workington Gateway and better transport links in the town centre.
The authority added that the construction and operation of the plant would support skilled jobs directly and across the supply chain.
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the port as this new development, subject to the necessary approvals, will bring good quality jobs to Workington and support the wider supply chain and local economy.
“We’re extending a warm welcome to our new partners and look forward to working with all those involved over the coming weeks and months.”
The council said plans for Oldside and the port were part of a long-term initiative to develop the area as a hub for clean energy, manufacturing and intermodal logistics to support wider regional growth.
A spokesman for Cavendish Nuclear and Amentum said: “Cavendish Nuclear and Amentum are grateful to Cumberland Council and the port’s management team for their support in enabling our design and construction programme to move to the next phase.
“We are fully committed to adding real social value to West Cumbria and this new venture will contribute to the regeneration on the Port of Workington and support the local economy.”
Josh MacAlister, Whitehaven & Workington MP, said he had been involved in the project from the outset.
He said: “This is a major vote of confidence in the Port of Workington, our world-class nuclear workforce and the strength of the West Cumbrian supply chain.
“This project will bring substantial construction investment, opportunities for local companies and highly skilled jobs.
“Just as importantly, it demonstrates to other major investors that the Port of Workington is ready to host nationally and internationally significant industrial projects.”
