£2 billion vision for Cumbria's Energy Coast

26/07/2008

A £2 billion plan to make west Cumbria the world leader in energy production was officially launched in July.

John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Business, unveiled the plan during a visit to Sellafield. He said the project would make west Cumbria "a dynamic, vibrant place to live and work for decades to come".

The ambitious proposals for Britain's 'Energy Coast' could see up to 16,000 jobs created, and includes plans for a new acute hospital and improved road and rail links.

It envisages more windfarms being built across the Cumbrian countryside and more offshore turbines constructed along the coast.

If approved, the project is expected pump up to £800 million into the county's economy. It would see west Cumbria becoming the centre of the UK's revitalised nuclear industry and a leading light in the development of renewable energy such as wave and wind power

The announcement is the clearest hint yet that Sellafield will be chosen as a site for a new nuclear power station, though no decision has yet been taken.

"The masterplan is rightfully ambitious for west Cumbria. It aims to make the area a dynamic, vibrant place to live and work for decades to come," said Hutton.

He went on to say that, "West Cumbria is well placed to prosper as one of the country's most important energy industry hubs, in terms of skills and expertise. The newly established National Skills Academy for Nuclear, based in Cockermouth, is working to co-ordinate and develop training at a regional and national level. And the new North West Nuclear Academy, due for completion in February next year at Lillyhall, will be a dedicated centre of excellence and innovation, providing a range of education and training facilities."