Hartlepool nuclear deal may create 2,500 jobs

TOWN WILL ‘STAND AT THE FOREFRONT’ OF BRITAIN'S NUCLEAR FUTURE

- By GRAEME WHITFIELD Business and Agenda Editor

A new generation of nuclear power reactors are to be developed on the site of Hartlepool power station, bringing hundreds of jobs and a significant economic boost to the area.

Power firms Centrica and X-energy have signed an agreement to deploy the UK’s first advanced modular reactors on Teesside when the current nuclear reactor there is decommissioned in the next few years.

The companies said the new reactors could develop enough energy to power 1.5m homes, safeguarding jobs on the site and putting millions into the local economy. The development would be the first deployment in the UK of smaller, modular reactors which are quicker to build than conventional nuclear plants.

The plans would see the new reactors developed at a site adjacent to Hartlepool’s existing nuclear power station, which is currently scheduled to cease generating electricity in 2028. British firm Centrica will provide initial funding for the project and is working with American company X-energy on the project.