The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has announced today
it's investing £1 million of funding to develop the masterplan
for a clean energy development on land adjacent to Sellafield,
known as Pioneer Park.
The funding will enable local development company BEC to produce
a detailed masterplan, setting out how clean energy technologies
and AI and data centre infrastructure could come together to
drive long-term economic growth and jobs, taking into account
Sellafield's existing requirements.
This announcement follows months of co-ordinated work through the
Cumberland Nuclear Futures Board, chaired by MP, and involving the NDA,
Cumberland Council, Sellafield Ltd., and the Department for
Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
David Peattie, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning
Authority, said:
The NDA is proud to support this next stage of work at Pioneer
Park.
The project builds on West Cumbria's unrivalled nuclear expertise
while looking firmly to the future - creating opportunities for
new technologies, skills and investment that will benefit the
local community for generations.
Whitehaven & Workington MP, , said:
This is a significant milestone in the plan to bring new nuclear
to West Cumbria. The masterplan will give us a clear route to
deliver clean energy, new technology and long-term jobs for our
community.
West Cumbria led the world in nuclear innovation once before -
and with this next step, we're getting closer to doing it again.
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:
This announcement shows that momentum is building behind Pioneer
Park. The council has worked hard alongside BEC and our partners
to make the case for new nuclear and AI investment, and today's
funding gives us the resources to set out a detailed, ambitious
plan for the site.
It's a big step forward for our area and for the future of clean
growth in West Cumbria.
Michael Pemberton, Chief Executive of BEC, said:
We are delighted to be leading the Pioneer Park development on
behalf of the NDA, Council and MP. The funding being provided by
the NDA for the masterplan will allow us to make early tangible
progress.
The Pioneer Park nuclear development coupled with AI and
technology led growth will ultimately be transformational for
West Cumbria and will be key to the diversification of our
economy, providing a wide range of jobs in our community for many
decades to come. BEC will be working tirelessly to make this a
reality.
The NDA is responsible for safely and securely decommissioning
the UK's earliest nuclear sites, freeing up land for other uses
to deliver benefits to the local community and wider economy.
Each year it invests around £15 million in socio-economic
projects in the communities near its sites, to deliver positive,
long-lasting change.
