Fusion plant could bring thousands of new jobs

ANEW generation nuclear power plant could support ‘thousands’ of highly skilled jobs in Gloucestershire, county councillors have heard.

Pitched for Berkeley and Oldbury, the plant would also put the county at the forefront of decarbonised energy production and establish it as a leader in tackling climate change.

The plant secured vital support from Gloucestershire County Council at the authority’s meeting last week.

A bid by Severn Edge for the Berkeley and Oldbury sites has been shortlisted as one of five possible places the reactor could be built in the UK. Others are in Nottinghamshire, Ayrshire, Yorkshire and Cumbria.

Councillors say the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production programme aims to support the country’s transformation to a low carbon economy.

If successful, the Severn Edge nomination could be given the go-ahead by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy by the end of 2022, and it is planned to have it in operation around 2040.

Councillors say the county-wide job creation potential inherent in the plant represents a massive boost to economic regeneration.

They say it would also put Gloucestershire at the forefront of decarbonised energy production and establish the county as a leader in tackling climate change.

Environment and planning cabinet member David Gray (Con, Winchcombe and Woodmancote) said the shortlisting reflected both the fine work being carried out by council officers and the county’s credentials.

“We need a greener Gloucestershire, a greener UK and, most importantly, a greener world, as we all share one environment,” he added. “This opportunity is a possible step change in our fight against climate change.”

Councillor Philip Robinson (Con, Mitcheldean), pictured, explained the theory behind nuclear fusion and said the prototype reactor would benefit the county’s economy. “Within five years we would see thousands of highly skilled jobs being created,” he said. “Fusion offers limitless green energy, it offers sustained economic growth and this county needs it as a major part of its post-pandemic economic reset.” The council voted to fully commit to working with Western Gateway partners to deliver the project in Gloucestershire.

A total of 48 councillors voted in support.

The motion was backed by the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour and one Green Party councillor. Three other Green councillors abstained.