A cluster of new energy and utility projects, including nuclear, wind and solar power schemes, as well as water networks and alternative heating systems for terraced homes, are either underway or in the pipeline across Lancashire. These initiatives, which aim to reduce emissions and foster scientific and technological innovation while bringing jobs and developing local economies, have been a hot topic of discussion locally.
Just last week, it was revealed that will continue to generate electricity longer than initially planned. This decision by energy company EDF and the 海角视频 government aims to maintain electricity supplies as the country transitions from fossil fuels like gas to cleaner technologies and strives to meet 'net zero' carbon emission targets by 2030.
EDF, part of the EDF Group, touts itself as the world's largest electricity generator, boasting over 170,000 employees and 40 million customers. The French state-owned firm, whose full name is Électricité de France, has several developments in the 海角视频, including nuclear power stations at Heysham, wind farms and battery storage sites.
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Meanwhile, Rossendale is currently the centre of attention due to new £200 million plans to . Cubico Sustainable Investments, a firm associated with Canadian pension funds, is spearheading this project, with more details yet to be unveiled.
Rossendale councillors have had numerous discussions over the years about wind farms, with some suggesting that previous opposition to a different Scout Moor extension plan in 2015 resulted in the borough missing out on an estimated £26million of potential income from land rents paid by turbine operators. In other news, United Utilities, which boasts multiple global shareholders, is planning the massive new £1.75billion Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) - a new water tunnel - from the Lake District through Lancashire to Manchester, reports .
The main contract announcement is expected in 2025. HARP has recently been a topic of discussion at Ribble Valley Council, with concerns raised about the potential impact of construction works on local businesses.
On a national level, the new Labour government has inherited several major energy and utilities projects initiated by previous governments.
In terms of nuclear energy, several old power stations have reached or exceeded their original lifespans, but replacements have been delayed. Moreover, cracks discovered at one plant in Scotland led to a safety review of all nuclear power stations and additional investment.
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New small and advanced modular nuclear reactors are currently under development. The smaller versions resemble existing nuclear reactors but can be mass-produced and transported to sites, as opposed to being uniquely constructed on location.
Advanced reactors utilise innovative cooling systems or fuels for various purposes, such as generating heat for industry, hydrogen production or managing nuclear waste. The new government has also proposed its own initiatives, including Great British Energy, a publicly-owned company aimed at promoting clean energy projects.
In Lancashire, local renewable schemes are gaining traction, with projects in Lancaster and Rossendale. Lancaster University operates solar and wind farms and is constructing a new Net Zero Energy Centre to provide heating through alternative technologies to gas boilers.
Additionally, Lancaster City Council recently secured planning permission for a solar farm. Elsewhere, Thrive Renewables operates a wind farm at Caton.
Rossendale boasts wind turbines at Scout Moor, initially built by the Peel Group in 2007, with Cubico now planning additional turbines. Rossendale is also home to Valley Energy, a community-owned group with projects that include developing new heating systems for terraced streets.
During a visit to the two power stations at Heysham, Lord Hunt, a government minister, highlighted the new extended lifespans of the facilities and outlined the 海角视频's significant plans for investment in diverse energy schemes. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service alongside Morecambe MP Lizzi Collinge, Lord Hunt remarked: "From the government's point of view, we are seeing some massive investments in renewable energy schemes across the 海角视频 such as offshore developments, carbon capture and solar energy. We have got a huge programme ahead with great opportunities for the 海角视频 supply chain.
"International investment is part of the current arrangements, so we are importing some elements. That's how things are. But there is a big, big place for localities too in the government's work.
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"There will be many economic benefits ahead. Activity at Sizewell will see 70 per cent of contracting value going to the 海角视频. The Rolls Royce group has an important presence in the British nuclear industry. There are a lot of good stories about British supply chains and jobs, We will also need 40,000 more people in the 海角视频 nuclear industry by 2030, both defence and civil sectors.
"There are great opportunities here at Heysham power station, and it plays a major role in the local economy with suppliers and the workforce. There are good opportunities for young people too and apprentices. Young people can join a four-year programme, including time spent at a college in Bridgewater and time working here in Heysham.
"Also, the Great British Energy bill is working its way through parliament and part of that will look to encourage local energy plans that work really well in their areas. We do believe in local energy and I know local authorities will respond."
Morecambe MP Lizzi Collinge highlighted that local energy schemes guided by local communities can be developed alongside large national projects, such as nuclear power. She cited a renewables system at Salt Ayre leisure centre in Lancaster, rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems as examples, along with energy efficiency improvements to local buildings and homes.
She stated: "There have been some wonderful strides forward in technology like battery storage. And it's really important that we keep innovating. But ultimately if we want to get off our reliance on gas, nuclear power has to be part of the mix.. Also, nuclear energy can now be generated in smaller spaces than traditional big power stations. So the impact on land and construction requirements are much smaller.
"There are huge opportunities for Heysham and the wider Lancaster district to become a hub of activity in changing to a low carbon future. I'm agnostic about technologies and companies. I think people see the value of mixed technology.
"Almost everybody agrees the climate situation is happening and we need to change. I understand people don't like pylons built in their area. But we need to use this new technology. Out beautiful countryside won't be beautiful if we don't get to grips with the climate crisis."
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