New Nuclear Facility Planned for Port of Workington
A new nuclear treatment facility worth more than £25 million is planned for the Port of Workington.
Cavendish Nuclear and its delivery partner Amentum want to build the facility on land at the port. It would support the decommissioning of a former nuclear reactor in Japan.
The project remains subject to planning permission and other regulatory approvals. If approved, it is expected to create skilled jobs and opportunities for businesses across West Cumbria.
What Will the New Facility Do?
The proposed development would be a sodium treatment plant. It would not generate electricity or operate as a nuclear power station.
Its role would be to treat sodium coolant removed from the Monju Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. The former reactor is in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.
Liquid sodium was used to transfer heat away from the reactor during its operation. This material now needs to be safely treated as part of the long-term decommissioning process.
At Workington, the sodium would be processed into sodium hydroxide. This is also known as caustic soda and can be used for a range of industrial purposes.
The plant would be operated by a joint venture between Cavendish Nuclear and Amentum. Both companies already have extensive experience in the nuclear and engineering sectors.
Why Is the Work Taking Place in Cumbria?
West Cumbria has a large and highly experienced nuclear workforce. The area is home to Sellafield and many specialist engineering, manufacturing and decommissioning businesses.
This gives the region the skills and supply chain needed to support a complex international project.
The Port of Workington also provides access to sea, road and rail transport. These links could help with the movement of materials and equipment required by the development.
Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister described the proposal as a major vote of confidence in the area’s nuclear expertise.
How Many Jobs Could Be Created?
The construction stage is expected to attract more than £25 million of investment.
Local building firms, engineering companies and other suppliers could benefit during this phase. The project may also create work for businesses providing transport, maintenance and professional services.
Once operational, the facility is expected to need a workforce of around 20 people. It could remain in operation for approximately seven years.
While the number of permanent roles is relatively small, many are expected to be highly skilled positions. Further jobs could also be supported indirectly through the local supply chain.
Wider Benefits for Workington and Cumbria
Supporters believe the development could bring several benefits to the area, including:
- More than £25 million of construction investment
- Around 20 operational jobs over approximately seven years
- Contracts and supply opportunities for Cumbrian businesses
- Further use of West Cumbria’s specialist nuclear skills
- Additional activity at the Port of Workington
- Greater interest from other industrial investors
- Support for the regeneration of the Oldside area
The international nature of the project could also strengthen West Cumbria’s reputation within the global nuclear sector.
A successful development may show other investors that Workington can host major industrial and clean energy projects.
Work Already Underway at the Port
Land has recently been cleared at the port and neighbouring Oldside area. Thomas Armstrong Construction is carrying out the work for Cumberland Council, which owns and operates the port.
Around £4.5 million of government funding from the Workington Town Deal is supporting the clearance work.
This preparation is part of a wider regeneration programme. It includes the Workington Gateway project and plans to improve transport connections with the town centre.
Long-term plans aim to establish Oldside and the port as a hub for clean energy, manufacturing and freight transport.
Council Welcomes Proposed Investment
Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, welcomed the announcement.
He said the development could bring good-quality jobs to Workington while supporting local businesses and the wider economy.
Cavendish Nuclear and Amentum also said they were committed to delivering social value in West Cumbria. The companies believe the project can support the regeneration of the port and contribute to the local economy.
However, construction cannot begin until the necessary planning and regulatory permissions have been secured. More information about the design, operation and safeguards is expected to become available as the proposal moves through those processes.
