A multi-million package of investment intended to kickstart the next generation of nuclear technologies in the UK has been hailed as positive news for Cumbria.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has announced a £40m package of nuclear investments.

A total of £30m will support three Advanced Modular Reactor projects in Oxfordshire, Cheshire and Lancashire.

AMRs can be used at remote locations because they are much smaller than traditional nuclear energy power plants.

Around £5m of the funding is intended to support British companies and start-ups with smaller research, design and manufacturing projects.

One company to benefit is Createc, in Whitehaven, which specialises in remote computer imaging technology.

It received £314,595 of funding as part of the package.

John Grainger, executive director of the Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster said: “The programme of work focuses on future reactor technologies, including fusion, as well as innovations in modular manufacturing.

“In the global energy technology market, first mover advantage is critical, just look at the Danes who invested in wind technology very early on and are now a market leader exporting their technology around the world.

“The UK with its significant nuclear heritage can do the same in nuclear, creating the massive amounts of baseload energy the world needs, not just electricity but new synthetic fuels for aeroplanes and hydrogen for heating and transportation.

“The future, and green collar jobs potential is really exciting, Cumbria with its plans for a clean energy technology hub is well positioned to be a home for first movers and innovators.”

Ivan Baldwin, chair of BEC business cluster, added: “We have been working hard with partners in the public and private sector in lobbying strongly for a range of clean energy investment announcements.

“This would mean less dependency in the future on the important remediation and decommissioning business at Sellafield, and offer a diverse range of opportunities for our existing members in the supply chain.”