Agenda item

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

It was RESOLVED that the submission of the expression of interest for the Ratcliffe on Soar site as one of several sites being put forward in the East Midlands to the STEP programme be endorsed.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough Wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson, presented the report of the Chief Executive seeking endorsement for the expression of interest for the Ratcliffe-on-Soar site to be considered as a site for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) power station.

Councillor Robinson provided a brief overview of the timeline for the proposal, details of which were highlighted in the report.  Councillor Robinson confirmed that Rushcliffe Borough Council had been asked to support an expression of interest for the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, which was due to be decommissioned in 2025.  Cabinet noted how the basic principles of fusion power worked, together with the many environmental benefits of fusion power, details of which were highlighted in the report.  The controversial nature of the subject had to be acknowledged and it was noted that opinions varied widely on this issue; however, everyone appreciated that new sources of energy had to be found.  The issue of safety was of utmost importance, and it was acknowledged that nothing was 100% safe, although the majority of experts were of the opinion that this technology was very safe.  The report highlighted some of the requirements for a STEP site, and it was noted that the site at Ratcliffe-on-Soar fulfilled those.  Cabinet was advised that the expression of interest would be led by the County Council and the landowner and supported by the Local Enterprise Partnership.  In conclusion, Councillor Robinson stated that this process was still at a very early stage, and although the Council had been asked to support the proposal, it was not in the Council’s gift to lodge that expression of interest.  Finally, Cabinet noted that this would be a non-binding expression of interest, and once submitted, the Government would undertake detailed site assessments to check all the sites, details of those procedures were highlighted in the report.  

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis reiterated the importance of looking at new ways to produce greener energy and noted that the report was looking at the early stages of the concept and Rushcliffe’s possible involvement going forward, which would be very timely, given the proposed date for the decommissioning of the power station.  Councillor Inglis confirmed that the site scored highly in all the aspects of the STEP requirements that would be considered by the Secretary of State.  Councillor Inglis referred to the considerable potential employment opportunities that this project could bring to the area, together with economic growth and global environmental benefits.  

Councillor Brennan stated that this was a difficult and controversial subject, and there was continued debate regarding the changes in behaviour required to face the challenges of climate change, and it was acknowledged that without innovation into new technology, carbon reduction targets would not be met.  In noting that this was only the first stage in the process, Councillor Brennan referred to the importance of being involved at an early stage and was happy to support the recommendation.

Councillor Moore referred to previous new technology, which had now become more mainstream and noted that fusion power was still unproven technology; however, with work being undertaken throughout the world to try and make the process work, if that was successful, it would change the future of energy generation.  Councillor Moore welcomed the possibility of changing the current site into an environmentally friendly, green technology site, using state of the art technology.

Councillor Robinson reiterated that this was the start of a long process and advised that it was important not to underestimate the other potential benefits that this proposal could bring to the area, including research opportunities, job creation, particularly highly skilled employment and investment to the Borough.  Councillor Robinson referred to the work of the Development Corporation and welcomed the news in the Budget last week that a Freeport has been granted for the area.  Cabinet was advised that the STEP project would take up about a third of the current site, and it was noted that this was just one of the many options currently being considered for the site.

Councillor Upton agreed that the world needed to look for alternative sources of power and reinforced the green credentials of the STEP programme and welcomed the opportunity to support the expression of interest.

In conclusion, Councillor Robinson referred to the question raised earlier by Councillor Gray and advised that if the expression of interest did go ahead, given the sensitivity and controversial nature of the proposal, there would be an extensive programme of communication, with the Council’s partners to explain the proposal going forward. 

It was RESOLVED that the submission of the expression of interest for the Ratcliffe-on-Soar site as one of several sites being put forward in the East Midlands to the STEP programme be endorsed.