Carlisle Among Potential Locations for Advanced Nuclear Facility
US nuclear energy leader Holtec is exploring various locations across the UK, including Carlisle, for a potential £1.3 billion Small Modular Reactor (SMR) manufacturing plant. Kingmoor Park in Carlisle, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, and the West Midlands have all been shortlisted as potential sites.
High-Level Visit to Assess Kingmoor Park
On Monday, Professor Dame Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Gareth Davies, Director of Holtec GB, and Tom Lees, Managing Director of Bradshaw Advisory, visited Kingmoor Park. The visit aimed to evaluate the site’s suitability, which promises a significant boost to the local economy, potentially creating around 3,600 construction jobs and up to 400 manufacturing positions.
Significant Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Lord Inglewood expressed optimism, stating, “It is excellent news that Kingmoor Park is one of the shortlisted sites and confirms that Cumbria is recognised as one of the most serious players for both clean energy and advanced manufacturing capabilities.” Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, clarified that no nuclear material would be present at the proposed site, with the factory aiming to produce two to four reactors per year, each valued at £1-2 billion, for deployment across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
Professor Dame Julia King, Holtec’s Senior Adviser in the UK, highlighted the region’s robust history in nuclear work, reinforcing confidence in the ongoing assessment of shortlisted bids, with a final decision to be made in due course.
