REGENERATION organisations have urged utility companies to grasp the opportunity for nuclear new build in West Cumbria after the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority announced it is marketing its four sites to developers.

West Lakes Renaissance - the urban regeneration company for Furness and West Cumbria - and the county's economic development agency, Cumbria Vision, welcomed today's (Thursday, March 6) announcement that development proposals were being invited for Sellafield, Calder Hall, Windscale and the Low Level Waste Repository facility at Drigg.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority says it will consider any development at the four sites, but stressed proposals must demonstrate how it would give value to the UK taxpayer.

West Lakes Renaissance and Cumbria Vision believe this marks an important step in attracting the interest of companies which are considering building a new nuclear power station in West Cumbria.

Rosie Mathisen, Director for Nuclear Opportunities at West Lakes Renaissance and to Cumbria Vision on nuclear issues, said: "West Cumbria's nuclear sites have massive potential for a new nuclear power station.

"The private sector is well aware of West Cumbria's status as a world-leader in the nuclear industry. This early marketing of the sites will get across the message that there are many good reasons for new build here.

"Firstly, there is ample space for a new power station and to accommodate future expansion. There is also enough reprocessed waste at Sellafield to fuel two new reactors for 60 years at a relatively low cost.

"These assets combined with strong public and local Government support for new build and, of course, West Cumbria's highly skilled nuclear workforce, makes our selling points impossible to ignore."

The NDA's marketing of the site follows January's announcement by Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform John Hutton that Government would streamline the planning process to encourage private sector firms to build a new generation of power station, most likely on or near the site of existing nuclear facilities.

A new nuclear power station in West Cumbria is an important part of the Britain's Energy Coast Masterplan - a package of regeneration projects that build on the area's nuclear expertise and diversify into other energy technologies, including off shore wind, oil and gas. Projects within the Masterplan not only focus on improving training and educational facilities in the energy sciences, but extend to creating new opportunities for business to thrive and significant improvements to facilities on offer to local communities and visitors.

West Lakes Renaissance, on behalf of the partners behind the Britain's Energy Coast Masterplan, has already commissioned Amec to carry out an assessment of the challenges facing new build in West Cumbria.

Most notable is the lack of a connection to the national grid and the potential difficulties in obtaining planning permission for this.

Ms Mathisen added: "West Lakes Renaissance and partners are shouting loudly about the benefits of a new nuclear power station in West Cumbria.

"However, we have to be realistic and not shy away from the challenges that face us. All we can do is continue to lay the foundations for new build in West Cumbria and help secure the area's long term economic future."

The Masterplan totals a £2 billion public and private sector investment over the next 20 years. These projects will create 16,000 jobs; boost the County's economy to the tune of £800 million and transform West Cumbria into one of the fastest growing sub regional economies in the United Kingdom.