The UK government has asked the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Cumberland Council to assess the potential for hosting clean energy projects on land adjacent to the Sellafield nuclear site in north-west England, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said on Tuesday.
The proposal could pave the way for private investment in nuclear, solar, or wind energy generation in the Moorside area, where part of the land is currently under public ownership and used for nuclear waste management and decommissioning activities.
“Cumbria has a fantastic nuclear legacy, and opening up this land for development will build on the region’s energy expertise,” said Energy Minister Michael Shanks. “This could lead to new jobs and economic growth in Cumbria, while boosting the nation’s energy security and protecting family finances.”
Any future development would be required to align with the needs of ongoing operations at Sellafield, including the long-term management of the UK’s plutonium stockpile and other decommissioning activities.
NDA Group Chief Executive David Peattie said the authority remains focused on its core responsibilities but is open to exploring new roles in support of the UK’s energy goals.
“We have unique expertise, resources and assets and we are committed to exploring how we can best utilise these to support wider energy security ambitions and low carbon generation,” Peattie said. “That includes looking to identify land not required for our mission, which could be freed up for other uses to deliver benefits to the local community and wider economy.”
Sellafield, one of the most complex nuclear sites in Europe, has long been a focal point of the UK’s civil nuclear infrastructure. The current proposal reflects growing interest in using legacy industrial sites to support the country’s transition to low-carbon energy.
