Plans are in the works that could put Copeland “at the top of the tree” in nuclear innovation.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership has completed its deliberations on which of the counties locations could house a UK-first nuclear fusion reactor prototype.

The Moorside Clean Energy Hub came out on top in the mini competition. Cumbria LEP will now work with Copeland Borough Council in a bid to bring the cutting edge technology to Copeland.

If successful, a prototype of the fusion reactor, which Professor Stephen Hawking has called “the key to the future” could be housed at Moorside; along with the Small Modular Reactors that are already in the works.

“This is right at the cutting edge of green energy” said deputy chairman of Copeland Borough Council David Moore.

“Instead of splitting the atom you grow the atom. There’s an opportunity here to be the world first. Copeland had also decided it fit with the nuclear prospectus.”

The process to find a site that will demonstrate the power of the nuclear fusion reactor is being led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Wherever the reactor prototype ends up, it is expected to create 300 jobs directly.

“The site is required to be 100 hectares which would support the reactor site and its infrastructure.”

Plans have been in the works for a number of years to bring Small Modular Reactors to the Moorside site which neighbours Sellafield. Moorside has received interest from EDF Energy and Rolls Royce as well as the right assurances from Government that it will support new build as part of its zero net carbon strategy.

Those involved with the Moorside project hope that it will put Copeland on the map.

“The argument we’re putting forward is that this is the home of UK nuclear, we feel this is right place for the first fusion reactor to be built. It also fits with our partners. The fact that we’re putting it forward for the fusion reactor site wouldn’t preclude the other things we had plan.” Coun Moore said: “We’ve had clear support from EDF that the two are compatible.

“We’ve also got NDA (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority) support because they’re still the owners of the land they’ve put forward.”