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Nuclear bosses relish challenge
THE Fylde's nuclear site will be at the forefront of a power revolution headed by the Government.
Bosses at Springfields in Salwick have expressed their delight at yesterday's green light for a new generation of nuclear power stations.
And the owner of the site, Westinghouse, says its design for a new plant – the AP1000 – would be a "cost effective" alternative for the new breed of stations.
The company started production on four of the power stations in China in March and will use its Chinese experience in the UK.
Business Secretary John Hutton told MPs he was inviting energy companies to bring forward plans to build and operate new nuclear power plants.
With a third of the UK's generating capacity coming offline within the next 20 years, and increasing reliance on imported energy, it was clear that investment was needed in a range of new infrastructure, the minister said.
Mike Tynan, managing director of Springfields, said: "Springfields must continue to maintain its excellent safety, environmental and production standards to ensure we are well placed to take advantage of any possible orders to fuel the new generation of reactors in the UK.
Renewal
"As nuclear energy also enters a renaissance worldwide, our fuel manufacturing facilities at Springfields could provide a viable long-term facility for Westinghouse to manufacture pressurised water reactor fuel for the European market."
David Powell, vice-president of Westinghouse, said: "Any new nuclear plants built here will be funded by the private sector – without Government subsidy.
"They will be cost effective, as they will be based on standard international reactor designs from elsewhere in the world.
"Westinghouse looks forward to playing a part in a renewal of Britain's nuclear energy fleet, bringing affordable, low carbon electricity safely and reliably to the UK."
Fylde MP Michael Jack added: "I am delighted now that it looks like there is a good chance that new forms of nuclear power are being drafted in by the Government.
"I hope that the Fylde will play its part in some of the new generation."
The long-awaited but expected announcement was criticised by environmental campaigners, who are threatening legal action over the Government's consultation about nuclear power.
Springfields employs more than 1,400 people at its south Fylde base from across Lancashire.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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