Decision approaches over potential £1.3bn Carlisle investment
Kingmoor Park is one of the four finalists in Holtec Britain’s competition
At the start of 2024 Kingmoor Park declared an interst in hosting the small modular reactor factory.
Out of 13 businesses, the site managed to be shortlisted to the final four.
A decision on that final shortlist is expected to be announced in Autumn.
If successful, Kingmoor Park will benefit from an initial investment of £1.3 billion, reflecting Holtec’s budget for construction. The development and operation of the 20-hectare site is anticipated to directly generate thousands of jobs over the next 15 years.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency small modular reactors are "can be sited on locations not suitable for larger nuclear power plants. Prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured and then shipped and installed on site, making them more affordable to build than large power reactors, which are often custom designed for a particular location, sometimes leading to construction delays."
Cumbria has a long history with the nuclear industry, and this project would further strengthen the region’s nuclear expertise and infrastructure, providing substantial benefits to the local community and enhancing its role in the UK’s nuclear future.
Commenting on the news back in May, Neil McIntyre, Managing Director at KPPL, said:
"Being shortlisted for Holtec Britain’s competition is a significant milestone for Kingmoor Park and for Cumbria. It promises substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased local investment, while enhancing our reputation as a key growth hub. Hosting the SMR production site would drive infrastructure development, support global efforts for cleaner energy, and position both Kingmoor Park and the local region for future growth in the nuclear and energy sectors.”