There have been further calls for new nuclear at Heysham as the UK and USA prepare to sign a landmark deal during Donald Trump's visit.
As the government announced plans for a new UK-USA agreement this week, there was no specific mention of a possible 'Heysham 3'.
But they said the new deal would "turbocharge the build-out of new nuclear power stations" and "will make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries".
Heysham has previously been named as one of eight designated sites which could house a new reactor.
A spokesperson for EDF, who own Heysham Power Stations, said this week that their site was "well suited" for SMRs (small modular reactors) and AMRs (advanced modular reactors).
"Not only do we have available land, grid and rail connections and a supportive community, but we also have a highly skilled workforce, the largest of any generating nuclear site in the UK, which could support the operation of any future nuclear development," said an EDF spokesperson this week.
"We would welcome developer interest and Government direction on how the site should be developed to allow a timely transfer of skills and expertise to new nuclear."
Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said the UK-US deal was "a great step forward for nuclear both locally and nationally because it opens up private sector investment in new nuclear across the country".
Below, Ms Collinge at Heysham Power Stations with former nuclear minister Lord Hunt.
“This is important not only for our energy security and climate change goals but also for jobs in areas like Morecambe and Lunesdale," said Ms Collinge.
"The nuclear industry already supports 1700 jobs in Morecambe and Lunesdale and I am excited to see this deal to continue these jobs into the future.
“One of my priorities is to push for new nuclear in Heysham which is a brilliant site, not least because of the skilled staff, the transport links and the supportive community.
“I have regular meetings with all parts for the nuclear industry to discuss how we can move forward at Heysham and work with colleagues in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nuclear, where we have successfully pushed for major Government commitments such as this deal and the SMR deal with Rolls Royce.
“This month I am holding a round table in Heysham to with key stakeholders in the industry, including nuclear energy companies, unions, and Government bodies to discuss the regulatory review and how we can push forward with securing Heysham’s long term future. I am really looking forward to this, especially welcoming people who have not visited Heysham before.”
David Morris, former MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale (below), also spoke about the issue this week.
"Today’s UK-US trade deal announcement on new nuclear does not include or mention a new nuclear power station for the Heysham site but does mention new areas to be developed which is disappointing as I secured Heysham as a designated nuclear site over a decade ago in Parliament," said Mr Morris, who was MP from 2010-24, in a post on his Facebook page on Monday.
He called for "an announcement and clear commitment soon for our aging Heysham site."
In a statement on Monday, the government said:
"The deal clears the way for a major expansion of new nuclear projects in the UK, a sector which has already seen 11,000 new jobs this year following government-led investment, according to new statistics from the Nuclear Industry Association.
"The expansion of nuclear power is central to the UK government’s clean energy superpower mission, as part of the UK’s drive to build more clean homegrown power to ensure energy security."
They said new deals to be announced this week included X-Energy and Centrica plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool; Holtec, EDF and Tritax plans to develop advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire; and Last Energy and DP World plans to establish one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear power plants to unlock a clean power supply for the expansion of DP World’s London Gateway port and business parl.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "This landmark UK-US nuclear partnership is not just about powering our homes, it’s about powering our economy, our communities, and our ambition.
"These major commitments set us well on course to a golden age of nuclear that will drive down household bills in the long run, while delivering thousands of good jobs in the short term.
"Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear that puts both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment."
Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF in the UK said: "Investing in nuclear power brings energy security and high quality jobs to the UK. Having restarted the UK’s new nuclear programme at Hinkley Point C (in Somerset), EDF is excited to see further projects coming forward and looks forward to bringing its skills and expertise to bear in support of the country’s nuclear ambitions."
Mr Trump is due to visit the UK this week.
It was announced earlier this month, that Heysham 1 nuclear power station will stay online for a further year than previously intended.
The station was due to end energy generation in March 2027, but this has been extended to March 2028.
Heysham 2 was not considered as part of a review, having received a two-year extension to March 2030 last year.
Both stations began energy production during the 1980s.
Read more: Heysham 1 gets one year life extension - Beyond Radio
Heysham named as designated site in government's future nuclear power strategy - Beyond Radio
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