Plans for new nuclear facility at Workington Port move a step closer

The facility would support the decommissioning of a reactor in Japan

Josh meeting with representatives of Cavendish Nuclear and the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency at the Port earlier this year
Author: Natalia AntoniwPublished 23rd Jul 2026

Plans for a new nuclear facility at the Port of Workington have moved a step closer after Cumberland Council agreed to lease land for the project.

The site, which is still subject to planning permission and regulatory approval, would be built by Cavendish Nuclear and its delivery partner Amentum.

It would be used to process sodium coolant removed from the Monju nuclear reactor in Japan as part of its decommissioning.

The construction phase is expected to be worth more than £25 million.

Around 20 jobs would be created too.

Workington MP Josh MacAlister has welcomed the plans.

He said: "This is a major vote of confidence in the Port of Workington, our world-class nuclear workforce and the strength of the West Cumbrian supply chain."

He added the project would bring "substantial construction investment, opportunities for local companies and highly skilled jobs."

The proposal is still awaiting planning and regulatory approval before work can begin.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.