A cross-party group of parliamentarians have backed the plans for new nuclear power, with Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactors flagged as key.
MPs, members of the House of Lords and regional leaders voiced strong support for the important role that they could play in the UK’s low-carbon energy future.
During an event in Westminster, they highlighted the need to get a cluster of job-creating new nuclear projects underway, at pace.
It comes as a shortlist of sites for manufacturing the heavy vessel key component was released this week, with Grimsby home to two of eight, with a further two in the wider region.
Paul Stein, chair of Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR is the UK’s domestic nuclear energy champion and our technology, developed by a UK-based team building on decades of engineering, manufacturing and nuclear reactor design experience, will play a vital role in meeting global energy challenges - providing clean, affordable energy for generations to come.
“We strongly believe that, by moving ahead with our technology rapidly, not only will we address the issue of rising energy bills but we will create 40,000 jobs around the UK.”
As reported, 200 jobs could be created with a £200 million investment, with Port of Grimsby and Pioneer Park at Stallingborough put forward in North East Lincolnshire.
Catterick and Ferrybridge also make the list, together with sites in Sunderland, Newton Aycliffe, Deeside and Carlisle.
Lord Inglewood, chair of the Cumbria LEP, hosted the event, bringing together national stakeholders and regional representatives, as he put forward Cumbria's case.
Rolls-Royce SMR confirmed it was actively exploring sites in West Cumbria and North Wales to locate its revolutionary power plants – each capable of producing 470MW of electricity.
They heard how commitment to the network of SMR plants would not only help meet growing demand for low-carbon electricity, but lay the groundwork for the British brand to export the technology across the globe.
Lord Inglewood said: “I was delighted to host the event to showcase to my colleagues the real opportunity that Small Modular Reactors and other new nuclear initiatives present in addressing net zero and energy security.
“It was also important to showcase the credentials that Cumbria, my own geography, has in taking forward these opportunities. We have the right people, skills and track-record as a centre of excellence, making us the natural home for nuclear innovation and investment. Creating a powerful nuclear cluster, with a mix of innovative facilities, will be central to the next chapter of the region’s nuclear legacy.
“The time to act is now, both in terms of tackling climate change and levelling up Britain’s economy. It’s heartening to see such strong support from parliament, business groups and our communities for nuclear innovation.
“We now need Government’s support to kickstart SMRs and other new nuclear projects to create long term high-quality jobs and to mobilise our supply chains."
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