On behalf of 21,000 specialists in nuclear decommissioning and energy supply, Prospect national secretary Gill Wood said: “These plans deserve a warm welcome from consumers, business and staff alike as they bring NuGen’s proposed £15bn plant at Moorside a step closer.

“It is a clear sign that the company is committed to building three new nuclear reactors with the potential to supply 7% of the UK’s future electricity.

“Not only does this meet the national aim of sustainable, reliable and affordable energy for UK consumers, but it reinforces West Cumbria’s position as a centre of nuclear excellence, with the promise of an additional 6,000 jobs during the construction stage and more than 1,000 highly-skilled operational jobs for the region during the lifetime of the new plant.”