ROLLS-ROYCE have said that there is strong interest in opening a new nuclear using their small modular reactors in West Cumbria.

Representatives from Rolls-Royce SMR recently toured the Sellafield Site with Trudy Harrison, Copeland's MP.

Their visit was part of their plans to identify opportunities for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plants – which are capable of producing 470MW of electricity.

Alastair Evans, Rolls-Royce SMR’s director of corporate and government affairs, said in their statement: “There are several reasons why building Rolls-Royce SMRs in West Cumbria – Britain’s nuclear heartland – makes sense.

"These include the ability to power the grid with affordable low-carbon electricity and feed energy intensive industrial processes, potentially including those at the nearby Sellafield site.

“It was fascinating to visit the site and spend time with Trudy Harrison MP, who has limitless enthusiasm for bringing new nuclear back to West Cumbria and sees the opportunity that Rolls-Royce SMRs can bring to the region.”

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng, recently met with Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Tom Samson who confirmed his commitment to West Cumbria as a possible site for the reactors.

Trudy Harrison MP said: “I am committed to the roll-out of SMRs and nowhere stands a better chance of success in hosting the first reactors than Copeland"

“It is one of a handful of suitable sites, with supportive neighbours at Sellafield and a qualified, experienced workforce across our local supply chain. 

"Additionally, no other council has as much planning experience, over many decades, as Copeland Borough Council and never have we needed UK energy security more than today.”

READ MORE: Copeland Council and Cumbria LEP to pitch for STEP fusion reactor at Moorside