The government has today announced changes to planning regulations as part of a strategy to accelerate nuclear development across England and Wales.
X-energy, which aims to develop a 12-reactor power plant next to the existing Nuclear Power Station in Hartlepool by the early 2030s, sees the move as a significant step towards accelerating investment and growth in the sector.
Alistair Black, Senior Director, UK at X-energy, said: “Opening up new siting opportunities for a fleet of advanced reactors will help unlock tens of billions of pounds of investment and growth across the country, bringing clean secure electricity and heat for industry.
“We welcome this step today, and the intent to streamline assessment processes whilst ensuring robust regulatory standards continue to be met. We look forward to reviewing this in detail and responding to the consultation.”
The new scheme includes the removal of restrictions limiting new nuclear sites to a set list of eight locations, allowing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to be included in planning rules for the first time.
The reforms aim to create thousands of highly skilled jobs while delivering cleaner, more affordable, and secure energy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. We’ve been let down, and left behind.
“Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims.
“I’m putting an end to it – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.”
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Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Build, build, build – that is what Britain’s clean energy mission is all about.
“The British people have been left vulnerable to global energy markets for too long – and the only way out is to build our way to a new era of clean electricity.
“Nuclear power creating thousands of skilled jobs. That is what this government will deliver.”
In response to these developments, unions have urged local communities, particularly in Hartlepool, to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes regarding new nuclear projects.
Gary Smith, GMB general secretary, said: “It is vital that the voices of workers and their communities in Sellafield, Wylfa, Hartlepool and beyond are at the heart of decisions on the future of these key national sites.”
