Jill Mortimer has led on a joint letter calling for new nuclear build on Teesside, alongside the existing Hartlepool Power Station.
The letter, which was sent to Andrew Bowie MP, Minister for Nuclear and Renewables in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has been signed by key stakeholders from across the area, showing the strength of support regionally.
Hartlepool has been home to a nuclear power plant for over 40 years, having been host to two nuclear reactors since 1983 which power homes and businesses across the town. Nuclear has hugely benefitted the region bringing British energy, jobs and investment, however, the current plant's life expectancy only stretches to 2026.
The collective are specifically calling for Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR) to be built at the Hartlepool site.
This new nuclear technology is seen to be an ideal fit for the area, as it brings benefits which could help to decarbonise the nearby Freeport, would create significant job opportunities and could be built on the existing nuclear approved site.
The letter was signed by Joanne Fryett, Interim Chief Executive Officer, North East England Process Industry Cluster, Julie Gilhespie, CEO Tees Valley Combined Authority, The Lord Houchen of High Leven, Tees Valley Mayor, Denise McGuckin, MD, Hartlepool Borough Council, Darren Hankey, Principal, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Cllr Mike Young, Leader, Hartlepool Borough Council, alongside Nuclear specialists and industry leaders.
Jill Mortimer MP said:
“I am holding ongoing conversations with the Minister in Westminster, and so this letter is valuable in demonstrating the strong backing at home.
“There are industry leaders ready and waiting for the go-ahead to develop Hartlepool’s AMR, and I am hopeful that Hartlepool can continue to be at the forefront of British nuclear.
“As a group we will jointly continue to push for the delivery of new nuclear at Hartlepool and the benefits and opportunities this will bring to the town and the wider region.”