Trudy's Whitehaven News column from November 30, 2022:
It was with tremendous excitement that I hosted the launch of a company formed to bring new nuclear power to Copeland earlier this month.
Solway Community Power Company Ltd has been created with one goal; to bring Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to land adjacent to the Sellafield site.
The creation of Solway - chaired by former Sellafield Ltd Chief Executive Paul Foster and with its office in Copeland - is a highly significant milestone.
A suitable site, the world-class Rolls-Royce SMR technology and the need for new nuclear power have all been identified, and I believe that in Solway, we now have the vehicle and the vision to bring all these pieces of the jigsaw together.
Nuclear is a clean, proven and reliable source of energy, and new nuclear power stations need to be on the bars with some urgency.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR will be factory-built and capable of generating 470MW of electricity from a sustainable source, each generating enough clean energy to power a million homes for 60 years. We’re hopeful of securing two reactors, meaning almost 1GW of power.
I have always maintained that there is no better site in the UK – perhaps in the world – for Rolls-Royce SMR to locate their reactors than right here. We have the site, skills, experience and supply chain ready-made.
Now the job of the new development company is to ensure that we continue the legacy of world-class skills and opportunity in our area. I have absolute confidence that this will be achieved and will continue to support every step of the way.
In further exciting news for Copeland, both Millom and Cleator Moor are celebrating having their full Town Deal funding confirmed, which will bring a staggering £70.2m into our communities.
The announcement of Government funding of £22.5m and £20.6m for Cleator Moor and Millom respectively – in addition to the £27.1m match-funding pledged – will be transformational for Copeland.
Eight exciting projects across both towns will now become a reality, bringing about significant benefits in employment, regeneration, highways, health, leisure and tourism – both now and for generations to come.
This is Levelling Up in action, and I would like to pay tribute to both Town Deal Boards and their Chairs, Copeland Borough Council and all those who have played a part in achieving this incredible outcome.
