New nuclear: the case for Dungeness

I’m a bit behind with this, but on Monday the Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie visited Dungeness and we had a tremendous opportunity to set out the case for it as a site to generate nuclear power through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Dungeness has produced nuclear energy for sixty years; the area has real skills and expertise, along with a culture of nuclear safety, built up over that long period. The site is currently set for closure and Dungeness B is in the long process of defuelling. However, the government’s renewed commitment to nuclear as a form of green energy, and the development of new approaches, notably SMRs, offers the prospect of generating nuclear power at Dungeness once more.

At KCC, we have been strongly committed to supporting Dungeness, both for its contribution to the UK’s energy transition, and for its importance to the life and economy of Romney Marsh. In this, we have worked closely with the local MP, Damian Collins, with Folkestone and Hythe District Council and other partners while building links with potential suppliers.

We met Minister Bowie at the conclusion of his visit to the Dungeness site and had the opportunity to set out the case for SMR generation here. The timing was especially good, given that the next day saw the launch of Great British Nuclear, the government body set up to drive nuclear energy development. A long way to go, but this was a very positive step in promoting a sustained future for energy generation and job opportunities in this part of Kent.