X-energy and Centrica outline next steps to bring £12bn UK’s first advance modular nuclear reactor to Hartlepool
X-energy and Centrica outline next steps to bring £12bn UK’s first advance modular nuclear reactor to Hartlepool.
A “game-changing” new nuclear power station in Hartlepool is expected to be operating within the next decade.
On Thursday, project leaders for the UK’s first Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) power station briefed local key stakeholders at Hartlepool College of Further Education on the next stages in making their ambitions a reality.
It comes after American company X-energy and Centrica, a major UK energy provider and investor, announced a Joint Development Agreement in September to spearhead new nuclear plans in Britain.
The land near to Hartlepool’s EDF nuclear power station has been chosen as the first location outside the United States to host cutting-edge AMR technology. Construction is expected to begin in 2030 and be operational around 2035/36.
According to project leaders, the facility, which is anticipated to cost £12 billion over its lifetime, will provide enough renewable energy to power 1.5 million households and create thousands of decent employment for future generations.
Approximately 2,500 people would work on-site, as well as support hundreds of jobs throughout construction and throughout the supply chain.
Its development overlaps with the conclusion of Hartlepool Power Station’s life, which is currently scheduled for 2028.
Leon Flexman, X-energy’s UK corporate affairs director, told the Mail: “What we want to do is write the next chapter in the history of nuclear power generation at Hartlepool, providing not just continuity of employment working with local companies but to grow that expertise and base with a new advanced modular reactor power station here in Hartlepool.”
He said the town “ticks a lot of boxes” with land designated for a new nuclear power station, existing expertise, and the ability to provide Teesside industries with high temperature steam as a greener alternative to fossil fuels.
Centrica Power’s development director, Denis O’Sullivan, added: “Delivering this new power station will not only secure a stable, clean energy source, but will also create thousands of high-quality, skilled jobs for decades to come.”
We look forward to working together with EDF, local partners, and others to ensure that this initiative benefits the community to the greatest extent possible.” Thursday’s gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter of stakeholder and community involvement.
Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool, praised the project as a “game changer” for the area, saying everyone has a role to play.
“This is the biggest deal in Hartlepool’s history and a pivotal moment for Britain’s clean energy future,” he told reporters.
Denise McGuckin, managing director of Hartlepool Borough Council, stated that Thursday’s ceremony was the result of years of preparation behind the scenes. She stated, “This is a major milestone for me.
I’ve been advocating for this for years and am overjoyed now. “This is the beginning.” “Hartlepool will set the standard for future nuclear technology.”
Gary Riches, vice principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education, stated that the college was prepared to play a key role in shaping the future workforce.
The next steps will include assessing the Hartlepool site, negotiating with the government, finding additional investors, and obtaining the appropriate regulatory approval and planning permissions.
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