West Lakes Renaissance – the Urban Regeneration Company for Furness and West Cumbria – and the County’s economic development agency Cumbria Vision, have both stressed that West Cumbria should be seriously considered as a place for a new power station.

A new nuclear power station at the Sellafield site is a vitally important part of the Britain’s Energy Coast Masterplan – a package of regeneration projects that centre on the further development of the area’s globally important expertise in nuclear and other innovative energy technologies.

Rosie Mathisen, director for Nuclear Opportunities for West Lakes Renaissance and energy adviser for Cumbria Vision, said: “West Cumbria is ready and willing to step up its contribution and play a full part in meeting the challenges facing the UK’s energy production – in terms of both climate change and energy security.

“We already boast a globally recognised base of skills and expertise in the nuclear industry and have an ever growing reputation in other sources of energy production, ranging from off shore wind farms to gas and oil.

“Through the Britain’s Energy Coast Masterplan, we have the potential to deliver the critical elements of the national strategy to combat climate change and secure the nation’s energy supply.”

A review has been carried out by Amec on the potential challenges facing new build at Sellafiled – where 36 per cent of the UK’s nuclear energy is generated. It confirmed that whilst Sellafield is a strong contender for siting new build, it has a number of commercial disadvantages, particularly the lack of a 400KV line and the need to obtain planning consents.

Mathisen added: “Removing the uncertainty associated with the 400 KV connection is the most important issue for West Cumbria to work out with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Government and the National Grid”.

“On the other hand, Sellafield presents a number of advantages for utilities in their siting decisions, not least, strong public and local Government support for new build and our exceptional nuclear skills base.

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