Plans to build a nuclear power station near the Sellafield site in Cumbria have moved a step closer after Parliament was told the sale of land for the site was “close to being concluded”.
Energy and climate change minister Lord Hunt said in a written statement that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) was close to a deal with an unidentified bidder, who intends to develop a new power plant.
Lord Hunt said: “I hope to be able to announce the successful bidder who intends to develop the site for a new nuclear power generation shortly.
“Proceeds from the sale of this site will be used by the NDA to offset the cost of decommissioning and to further its core mission.
“A successful outcome of the sale process will further demonstrate that major energy companies are gearing up for significant investment in low carbon energy in the UK.”
The Government has argued that a new generation of nuclear plants is needed as part of the effort to keep the UK’s lights on as existing power stations close and that nuclear power would help as part of the effort to reduce emissions from power generation.
But the announcement came amid calls from Labour MP Paul Flynn for the Government to end its support of the construction of new nuclear power plants.
Flynn, MP for Newport West said the Government’s own green watchdog had warned “the problems of nuclear power outweighed its benefits”.
Lord Hunt said: “I hope to be able to announce the successful bidder who intends to develop the site for a new nuclear power generation shortly.
“Proceeds from the sale of this site will be used by the NDA to offset the cost of decommissioning and to further its core mission.
“A successful outcome of the sale process will further demonstrate that major energy companies are gearing up for significant investment in low carbon energy in the UK.”
The Government has argued that a new generation of nuclear plants is needed as part of the effort to keep the UK’s lights on as existing power stations close and that nuclear power would help as part of the effort to reduce emissions from power generation.
But the announcement came amid calls from Labour MP Paul Flynn for the Government to end its support of the construction of new nuclear power plants.
Flynn, MP for Newport West said the Government’s own green watchdog had warned “the problems of nuclear power outweighed its benefits”.
Source: The New Civil Engineer
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