Research predicts “massive” economic benefits from nuclear UK new-build programme

A nuclear new-build programme could give the UK economy a £30bn boost, according to research from US engineer Westinghouse.

The firm, one of the three shortlisted to provide reactor designs for new plants in Britain, said that a nuclear renaissance would provide “massive opportunities” for communities across the country.

Westinghouse said its AP1000 reactor could help bring more than £30bn to the economy through construction, operating and servicing of the new plants.

David Power, Westinghouse's UK vice-president, told a fringe meeting at the Labour Party conference that generations of Britons could benefit from the building of new stations.

It is thought that up to 10,000 skilled engineering jobs could be created through the government's proposed nuclear new-build programme.

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