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What does new nuclear mean for Lancashire?

25 Nov 2009 02:25 PM

Residents of Lancashire are this weekend being asked to have their say on proposals to a build a new nuclear power station in the area. Heysham, near Lancaster, has been confirmed in by the Government as a potential site for a new nuclear power station.

The move is part of the Government’s efforts to encourage more energy sources that don’t harm that planet, but also boost Britain’s own energy security.

Lancashire residents will have their chance to find out more about the proposed site at an exhibition held this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ People can also take part in a public discussion event, which will be held on Saturday morning.

Energy and climate change minister, Lord Hunt said:

“As we head towards a global agreement to tackle climate change the UK needs to transform its energy sector, replacing old infrastructure with high tech, low carbon energy sources.

“Nuclear power provides reliable , cost-effective and low carbon energy and will play a vital role, alongside renewable and clean coal in a secure energy mix for the UK.

“Heysham has been supplying the UK with nuclear energy for over a quarter of a century but Heysham 1 reactor is due to close in 2014 and Heysham 2 is due to close in 2023. A new power station could provide as many as 9,000 jobs in the area during construction.”

The announcement on new nuclear sites was made as part of a planning overhaul for big energy projects and ten potential new sites for nuclear energy were named in the draft Nuclear National Policy Statement. These sites are Bradwell, Braystones, Hartlepool, Heysham, Hinkley Point, Kirksanton, Oldbury, Sellafield, Sizewell and Wylfa. Heysham was nominated by EDF.

Following the nomination of the sites the Department of Energy and Climate Change is conducting a 15 week consultation to hear people’s views about the proposals.

The new Infrastructure Planning Commission will use the National Policy Statement when considering planning applications for new nuclear power stations. This consultation is an opportunity for local people to influence what the IPC should take into account when considering whether to grant consent or not.

Notes for Editors
  1. The Energy National Policy Statements will be subject to an extensive 15 week consultation between the 9th November and the 22nd February with the opportunity for the public to influence and comment on the draft NPSs at a national and local level. Parliamentary scrutiny will follow the conclusion of this consultation.
  2. The Infrastructure Planning Commission is an independent body which makes decisions on applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects. These are the large scale facilities that support the economy and vital public services. This includes railways, large wind farms, power stations, reservoirs, harbours, airports and sewage treatment works
    Please visit http://infrastructure.independent.gov.ukexternal Link/
  3. The IPC will use the NPS when considering planning applications for new nuclear power stations. This consultation is an opportunity for local people to influence what the IPC should take into account when considering whether to grant consent or not
  4. EDF Energy is consulting on its specific proposals for a nuclear power station at Heysham in advance of its planning application to the IPC, and associated development.
  5. For more information on the draft energy NPSs and its associated consultation programme please visit the consultation website: www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk
  6. A map of potential sites for new nuclear is availabe on the 9 November press release (pn130)
  7. Exhibition takes place at Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ:
    Thursday 25th November 8am to 8pm
    Friday 26th November 8am to 8pm
    Saturday 27th November 9am to 4pm
  8. The Public discussion takes place at the same venue Saturday 27th November from 10am to 12 pm. To register to attend the public discussion visit the website www.nuclear-nps-events.info or ring 0845 0048841.
  9. The Department of Energy and Climate Change is central to the UK Government’s leadership on climate change. We are pushing hard for an ambitious global deal in Copenhagen in December to avert the most dangerous impacts. Through our UK Low Carbon Transition Plan we are giving householders and businesses the incentives and advice they need to cut their emissions, we are enabling the energy sector’s shift to the trinity of renewables, new nuclear and clean coal, and we are stepping up the fight against fuel poverty.