It was today confirmed that Japanese firm Toshiba and France's GDF Suez have finalised a deal to take forward the nuclear new build project at Moorside in Cumbria.
The project will become the UK’s largest new nuclear output from a single site, providing 7% of the UK's future electricity requirement.
Three AP1000 reactors are to be built on land to the north and west of the Sellafield site in West Cumbria, becoming the largest private investment in the area and Europe’s largest new nuclear construction plan.
When fully operational, the three Moorside reactors will deliver enough low-carbon electricity to power six million homes. The first reactor is targeted to come online in 2024 with full commercial operation of 3.4GW targeted to be delivered by 2026.
Nuclear Institute President Tim Chittenden commented: "This is great news for the delivery of safe sustainable power for the UK and for the regeneration of the UK nuclear industry. The project will create thousands of jobs across the sector and result in a real boost to the development of skilled workers to replace those currently nearing retirement age. It is also great news for West Cumbria providing a vibrant future prospect to the dedicated workforce currently engaged in decommissioning Calder Hall, Windscale and Sellafield facilities."
