Power company X-energy has submitted its Xe-100 advanced nuclear reactor to a key UK regulatory pathway to license new nuclear technologies in the UK.
Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash has described it as “a major step forward” to deliver the project to the town.
He said: “This isn’t just another investment. It will be the first Advanced Modular Reactor project anywhere outside the United States. Hartlepool isn’t following the world. Hartlepool is leading it!”
Mr Brash added he was continuing to press ministers daily to maintain momentum and make sure nothing stands in the way of the “transformational” project.
Hartlepool is the preferred first site to build a new power plant of up to 12 Advanced Modular Reactors that could power up to 1.5 million homes and bring thousands of local jobs.
Alistair Black, X-energy Vice President UK market lead, added: “We welcome the regulators’ recent steps towards a more efficient GDA process, and look forward to working collaboratively to support an efficient, thorough review. GDA submission marks an important milestone in bringing our technology to the UK on a fleet- scale, with the potential to create thousands of high-quality jobs where needs are greatest.”
Last September, X-energy and project partners Centrica signed a Joint Development Agreement at Hartlepool College of Further Education when they laid out the proposal’s intended timeline.
In March, it was announced that a new Nuclear Skills Academy to help equip future workers is to be created in the town’s former Wilko and Binns building, in town.
Author: Ian
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