New lab approved as part of 拢2bn regeneration plan for West Cumbria
The government has given the go-ahead to a National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) as part of its strategy to push ahead with new nuclear development in the UK.
The body will be an 鈥渋nternational centre of excellence鈥� in nuclear research and play a 鈥渧ital role鈥� in decommissioning and new build, it said.
Business secretary John Hutton made the announcement during a speech at Sellafield to launch the West Cumbria Masterplan, a 拢2bn project that aims to turn the area into an 鈥渆nergy coast鈥�, creating 16,000 jobs and boosting the economy.
As well as the nuclear centre, the regeneration will include more money for schools, an acute hospital and a transport upgrade.
Hutton said: 鈥淚t is now clear nuclear power will need to continue to play a crucial role in our low-carbon future. The creation of the NNL will safeguard the UK's high-tech nuclear expertise, facilities and skills.
鈥淭o secure our future energy needs, we will need thousands of skilled men and women across the UK to take advantage of the 100,000 jobs new nuclear could bring to the UK.鈥�
The organisation will be formed from research company Nexia Solutions and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) facilities, including the Sellafield Technology Centre.
The government said it will appoint a commercial operator to run the organisation by next spring.
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