Power provision and infrastructure in South Lincolnshire is under huge pressure and mini-nuclear reactors are being talked about.
Members of the county council have warned that Lincolnshire will need far more energy than it can provide within a decade.
The shortage will have a direct effect on power-hungry businesses and developments such as the Food Enterprise Zone could be directly hit.
Large-scale plans are being drawn-up to create a strategy for the future and early ‘mapping exercises’ are being conducted into the possibility of nuclear Small Modular Reactors in the East Midlands as a potential energy source.
“Energy capacity is a major issue in the county. Demand forecast far outstrips capacity by around 2032. This could be a major constraint to growth,” said Mandy Ramm, the council’s funding and investment manager.
“Agricultural, advanced manufacturing and defence are telling us they’re constrained by energy opportunities.
“Businesses could be forced to relocate or lose inward investment.”
The regional strategies are being drawn up by the National Energy Systems Operator which was created last year and is a public body.
The county’s electricity sub stations are often at, or close to, capacity which means significant developments have already been stalled or are unviable, said a report which went before members of the Growth Unity Committee on Tuesday (September 9).
“The energy agenda is complex, multi-faceted and fast-moving both from a technical delivery perspective and a government policy standpoint. It is also an emotive topic nationally and locally for consumers in terms of energy affordability and supply resilience,” said the report to members.
“We heard politicians campaigning against nuclear in Lincolnshire, and some rail against solar and wind farms.
“It’s easy to say no when someone proposes it, but the reality check is we need cheaper energy to achieve growth. Compromises might have to be made,” said Coun Phil Dilks.
Small modular reactors which are built in a factory and generally create under 300 megawatts of power, are capable of powering several hundred thousand homes.
