New report highlights case for 'unique opportunity' to develop multi-billion pound new nuclear reactor plant in Hartlepool

X-energy UK wants to develop a 12-reactor plant next to the existing EDF Nuclear Power Station to be ready by the early 2030s.

It would use X-Energy’s small modular Xe-100 reactors to produce high-temperature “clean steam” (565°c) that can be used to replace fossil-fuel-generated heat in process industries like chemicals, or to produce hydrogen or clean jet fuels.

In a new report from nuclear heat applications specialist Equilibrion, X-Energy chiefs set out how they intend to deliver up to 10 four-reactor power plants across the UK, starting with a multi-billion-pound investment in Hartlepool.

They say the site is a “natural choice” due to its location within the Teesside industrial cluster, existing nuclear history and skilled workforce.

Carol Tansley, vice president of x-Engery’s UK new build projects, said: “This is a huge opportunity for Teesside and the country as a whole.

“There is a skilled nuclear workforce already in place at Hartlepool Power Station which would be reaching the end of its life just as our project entered development and construction.

“We can provide high quality local jobs and a low carbon future for the area’s industrial base, and then use that experience to benefit similar regions across the UK. "

Hartlepool Power Station, which began operating in 1983, is due to retire in 2026 after being granted multiple extensions.

Town MP Jill Mortimer offered her “complete support” for any investment into Hartlepool’s nuclear industry.

She said: “Home-grown, British Nuclear energy can power our homes and businesses with low-carbon electricity to meet the Government’s net-zero targets by 2050, and Teesside is a fitting hub of this innovative energy infrastructure.

“As the report highlights, the region’s industry has a high demand for high temperature heat and steam.

"We have a unique site opportunity in Hartlepool where we have nuclear designated land beside an industrial cluster, which has led to me lobbying the Government for an Advanced Modular Reactor on the existing Nuclear Power Station’s site.

“I will continue to push on this issue, to speak for the local people employed in the nuclear industry and for those using our reliable British nuclear energy to power their homes.”

Councillor Mike Young, the leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, added: "I have personally attended stakeholder briefings by X-energy over the last year or so and I understand the benefits that this technology could have on our nuclear power industry.

"Hartlepool has a high-skilled talent pool of local people equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to meet future developments in the nuclear industry and would welcome any company selected by the Government to bring investment into Hartlepool’s nuclear power industry.’’

The report states Teesside is one of the UK’s six highest polluting industrial clusters, but is also a strong advocate of decarbonisation, with a target of being the first net zero cluster by 2040.

Dr Philip Rogers, director at Equilibrion, said: “The opportunities on Teesside are clear, and with another five large industrial clusters around England and Wales, the potential national socio-economic benefits are huge, enabling long-term, economy-wide decarbonisation of transport and industry.”

X-energy will next develop and set out a series of policy asks and recommendations for the Government to study.