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Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prime Minister unlocks land for new nuclear development in West Cumbria
PRIME Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to unlock land at Moorside for new nuclear power generation following a year-long campaign by MP Josh MacAlister. Writing exclusively for this paper, the Prime Minister revealed that land at Moorside will be freed up to be leased and marketed by a local development corporation to pave the way for a new nuclear power plant. This 'Pioneer Park' will seek to attract Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the energy intensive industry they could power. The news formed part of a broader announcement by the Prime Minister giving the go-ahead to other major new nuclear projects across the country ahead of the Spending Review. These decisions are also expected to benefit Cumbria through investment in the nuclear supply chain. Campaigners say unlocking land at Moorside has been the biggest barrier to securing new nuclear power generation in West Cumbria since the collapse of the NuGen deal in 2018. Josh MacAlister MP with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband during discussions about future nuclear use of the land at Moorside (Image: Submitted) Cumberland's four MPs, the leader of Cumberland Council and the leaders of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd set up the Cumberland Nuclear Future Board last year. Multiple meetings have been held with Ministers to try to resolve the issues with use of and access to the land. Agreement has now been reached and work is underway to make the land available. A market engagement process with nuclear and other clean energy developers will be launched this summer. Writing for The Whitehaven News, the Prime Minister said: "Cumbria has always been at the heart of Britain's energy story. From Calder Hall to Sellafield, this region has powered the nation with world-class expertise and a proud industrial heritage. "And with this government, Cumbria will be at the front and centre of our plans, this time building a clean, secure energy future. We're doing things differently. No more dithering or delay. We're backing builders, not blockers – cutting through red tape and making bold decisions to get Britain moving. "That means backing our nuclear industry not just in Sizewell or through Small Modular Reactors, but right here in Cumbria. It's why we're taking decisive action to unlock the Moorside site for a new clean energy development. "Whether it becomes home to a fleet of SMRs or another major clean energy project, it will be led by a local development corporation – working with industry, unions, and the community to deliver jobs, growth, and energy security. "This is more than a policy. It's a drive to restore pride, create high-quality jobs, and rebuild Britain's industrial base. Nuclear power, alongside renewables, is central to our plan to decarbonise the grid and end our reliance on volatile fossil fuels. "All of this shows that this government is serious about developing clean energy projects. We're ready to get Britain building again – with steel, with confidence, and with communities like Cumbria central to that." Josh MacAlister MP on land at Moorside (Image: Submitted) Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: 'I made a promise at the General Election to do everything possible to unlock land at Moorside for new nuclear. Some people thought it was a dead-end or a cynical promise that would be broken after the election. It hasn't been easy, but we've done it. 'Having the Prime Minister's backing is a real vote of confidence in West Cumbria and our people and I know we will rise to the challenge. 'Now we have the government behind us and an agreement on use of the land we can motor ahead to deliver Pioneer Park at pace. I can't promise we will get new nuclear, but unlocking this land gives us our best chance since the collapse of NuGen. 'What I can promise is I will do everything in my power to secure our nuclear future. We deserve nothing less. 'I'd also like to put on record my thanks to my fellow MPs, Cumberland Council, the NDA and Sellafield for working together so constructively to get this over the line. When Cumbrians are united, there's nothing we can't do." Markus Campbell-Savours MP, Michelle Scrogham MP, Julie Minns MP, Josh MacAlister MP and Cumberland Council leader Cllr Mark Fryer following a meeting of the Cumberland Nuclear Future Board with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (Image: Submitted) Cllr Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: 'A clean energy development at Moorside is great news for Cumberland and West Cumbria in particular as it would help grow and diversify our future economy. 'The main driver for me is generating enough power at Moorside, by whatever means, to attract industry and technology to Cumberland that will sustain our economy and create jobs for west Cumbrians long after the inevitable downturn in decommissioning at Sellafield. 'While I am open to all clean energy developments that benefit our community, new nuclear build, in the form of Small Modular Reactors, would unquestionably provide us with the most power capacity for the size of land being made available and give us our best chance of achieving our ultimate goal of attracting industry, technology and jobs into our community. 'The council is fully committed to working with the NDA to understand how we can deliver maximum value and benefit from the land at Moorside for the local community.' Cllr Joseph Ghayouba, who represents Bransty on Cumberland Council, said: "This announcement is welcome news after years of jam tomorrow promised by Tory governments. This puts us in control of our own destiny for that site and I will be working with the MP and within the council to bang the drum for jobs and investment." The plan also has the backing of Cumberland's other MPs. In a joint statement, Julie Minns MP, Markus Campbell-Savours MP and Michelle Scrogham MP said: 'We've all been part of the Cumberland Nuclear Future Board from the beginning because of the benefit that would be felt right across the area from new nuclear development in West Cumbria. 'We stand fully behind the plan to unlock land at Moorside and welcome the Prime Minister's backing to drive this forward at pace. 'We'll be working through the board to ensure Pioneer Park is a success and delivers real and lasting benefits from Carlisle to Barrow.' Mr MacAlister is hosting a public meeting to discuss his plan for new nuclear in West Cumbria on Thursday, June 26 at 6pm in Whitehaven. Anyone wishing to attend can sign up at or by calling his office on 01946 458023 and leaving your full name and address. Venue details will be provided following registration.
Hi Dubai
09-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Strengthens Global Leadership in Peaceful Nuclear Energy Development
The UAE is solidifying its position as a global leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, setting an international benchmark through strategic partnerships, regulatory transparency, and a commitment to clean energy innovation. As the world accelerates its shift toward climate neutrality, the UAE's nuclear programme—led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)—has emerged as a model for how nations can integrate nuclear power safely and effectively into a sustainable energy mix. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, said the programme's success lies in the UAE's clear roadmap, visionary leadership, and deep-rooted international cooperation. Major collaborations with the Republic of Korea and the United States have driven the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and opened doors for global ventures, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). At COP28, the UAE played a pivotal role in rallying more than 30 countries behind a pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. Nearly 120 companies and financial institutions have committed to supporting this goal, underscoring nuclear energy's role in the future energy landscape. The UAE's partnerships extend across the globe—from cooperation agreements with Romania and regulatory collaboration with Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to research and development efforts with US institutions such as Idaho National Laboratory, TerraPower, and General Atomics. Domestically, nuclear energy is also being aligned with next-generation technologies. Al Hammadi highlighted its role in powering projects like 'Stargate UAE,' which aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global AI revolution. Through robust international cooperation and a steadfast focus on innovation, the UAE is not only meeting its own energy goals but also shaping the global dialogue on the future of nuclear energy. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt considering amendments to Atomic Energy Act, nuclear liability law
Government is considering amendments to the laws governing the nuclear power domain, including the sectoral regulator, to allow participation of private sector as India eyes to produce 100 GW atomic energy by 2047. Government sources said amendments were being considered to the Atomic Energy Act to allow private sector participation and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to limit the liability on suppliers of equipment to build atomic energy plants. The government is also considering regulatory reforms and is evaluating the model of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (INSPACe) which acts as the promoter and regulator for the space sector that was opened up for private participation in 2020. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced opening up of the nuclear power sector which has been restricted to public sector companies. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited operates atomic power plants across the country that contribute 8.7 GWe to the country's energy mix. Sitharaman also announced the Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore and to operationalise five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033. The Department of Atomic Energy officials has recently said that the Nuclear Energy Mission aims to leverage private sector participation, streamline regulatory frameworks, and scale up nuclear power production to meet India's increasing energy demands. Foreign nuclear power firms had evinced interest in setting up atomic power plants in India after it secured a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group to engage in global nuclear trade. The NSG waiver came after the landmark India-US civil nuclear deal of 2008. However, the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 proved to be an impediment for private sector participation. The private sector termed certain provisions of the law were unacceptable and contradicted the international Convention for Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC). The government expects the private sector to pitch in with investments to achieve the target of producing 100 GWe nuclear power by 2047. The officials said that around 50 per cent of the 100 GW target is expected to come from Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). A parliamentary panel has also recommended establishing a robust financial model that includes government incentives, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), and sovereign guarantees to attract both domestic and foreign investments. The Committee had suggested that expediting legislative amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to encourage private investment in nuclear power generation. India plans to set up private sector SMRs of 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) for captive use. NPCIL had recently invited Request for Proposals from Indian industries for setting up 220 MW BSRs for captive use.
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Govt considering amendments to Atomic Energy Act, nuclear liability law
NEW DELHI: Government is considering amendments to the laws governing the nuclear power domain, including the sectoral regulator, to allow participation of private sector as India eyes to produce 100 GW atomic energy by 2047. Government sources said amendments were being considered to the Atomic Energy Act to allow private sector participation and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to limit the liability on suppliers of equipment to build atomic energy plants. The government is also considering regulatory reforms and is evaluating the model of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (INSPACe) which acts as the promoter and regulator for the space sector that was opened up for private participation in 2020. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced opening up of the nuclear power sector which has been restricted to public sector companies. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited operates atomic power plants across the country that contribute 8.7 GWe to the country's energy mix. Sitharaman also announced the Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore and to operationalise five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt considering amendments to Atomic Energy Act, nuclear liability law
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Government is considering amendments to the laws governing the nuclear power domain, including the sectoral regulator, to allow participation of private sector as India eyes to produce 100 GW atomic energy by 2047. Government sources said amendments were being considered to the Atomic Energy Act to allow private sector participation and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to limit the liability on suppliers of equipment to build atomic energy government is also considering regulatory reforms and is evaluating the model of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (INSPACe) which acts as the promoter and regulator for the space sector that was opened up for private participation in Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced opening up of the nuclear power sector which has been restricted to public sector companies. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited operates atomic power plants across the country that contribute 8.7 GWe to the country's energy also announced the Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore and to operationalise five indigenously developed SMRs by Department of Atomic Energy officials has recently said that the Nuclear Energy Mission aims to leverage private sector participation, streamline regulatory frameworks, and scale up nuclear power production to meet India's increasing energy nuclear power firms had evinced interest in setting up atomic power plants in India after it secured a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group to engage in global nuclear trade. The NSG waiver came after the landmark India-US civil nuclear deal of the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 proved to be an impediment for private sector participation. The private sector termed certain provisions of the law were unacceptable and contradicted the international Convention for Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC).The government expects the private sector to pitch in with investments to achieve the target of producing 100 GWe nuclear power by officials said that around 50 per cent of the 100 GW target is expected to come from Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).A parliamentary panel has also recommended establishing a robust financial model that includes government incentives, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), and sovereign guarantees to attract both domestic and foreign Committee had suggested that expediting legislative amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to encourage private investment in nuclear power plans to set up private sector SMRs of 220 MW Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) for captive use. NPCIL had recently invited Request for Proposals from Indian industries for setting up 220 MW BSRs for captive use.
