A nuclear fusion energy station could be built in Scotland as the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority looks to develop low carbon forms of power. The UK Government will select one of five potential locations to build the prototype fusion power plant, including a site at Ardeer, near Stevenston, on the Ayrshire coast. Other sites in contention include Goole in Yorkshire, Moorside in Cumbria, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire and Severn Edge in Gloucestershire. Technical inspectors will make a final visit to Ardeer next week before making a site recommendation to the UK Government’s Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy in the spring.
Independent 21st Jan 2022 read more »
Scottish government resistance to nuclear energy could be relaxed in order to support a proposed fusion energy plant for the west coast of Scotland. The Ardeer peninsula, Scotland’s biggest brownfield site, is one of five locations across the UK being considered for the multi-billion pound project that would create clean carbon-free energy and a ‘signficant’ number of jobs. Catriona McAuley, head of economic development and regeneration at North Ayrshire Council, told a webinar presentation that the bid team had briefed the government on its proposal for the 100 hectare site. Responding to questions from Daily Business about Scottish Government support for the project, she said: “They are going to review their energy policy and I would like to think the conversations we are having now will certainly be informing that refresh of Scottish government energy policy. “They are obviously very interested in the work we are doing and want to be kept informed.” Joe Cullinane, Labour leader of North Ayrshire Council, added that discussions were taking place with members of other local authorities. “Some of these are SNP council leaders which I think is a significant point in terms of cross-party political support,” he said.
Daily Business 21st Jan 2022 read more »