THE new British Energy Security Strategy – launched by the Government last week – represents a massive step forward for the nuclear industry.

The landmark strategy signifies a significant acceleration of nuclear.

The Government will target more nuclear energy, as well as renewables, in a quest to produce low carbon power for 95% of all our energy needs by 2030 – with an ambition of up to 24GW to come from this safe, clean and reliable source of energy.

The strategy outlines that a new nuclear delivery body will supercharge delivery and a commitment for up to eight new nuclear reactors by 2030 – with Moorside listed as one of the eight designated sites – which all provides a great opportunity for new nuclear deployment here in Cumbria.

A new government body, Great British Nuclear, will also be set up immediately to bring forward new projects, backed by substantial funding, and the Government will launch the £120 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund this month.

It is particularly welcome to note in the strategy that small modular reactors (SMRs) will form a key part of the nuclear project pipeline.

I have campaigned for five years for the introduction of SMRs, and to have them located in Copeland.

It was announced in November 2021 that Rolls Royce SMR will invest £195 million of private funding into the project to develop SMRs, with a further £210 million pledged from the Government.

Last month, Rolls Royce SMR’s power plant design entered the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process with its regulators.

And this endorsement in the Energy Strategy is further good news in this regard.

Our community knows more about nuclear power than anywhere else in Europe, and we have a deep talent pool with a track record of safety and deliverability, and Copeland should be at the forefront of the impending acceleration of the industry.