Plans for the future of Kent’s only nuclear power station are moving forward, the government’s nuclear minister has said.

Andrew Bowie MP confirmed that discussions over a possible future use for Dungeness B Power Station are ongoing at a government level.

The administration’s first ever minister for nuclear and networks made the comments while visiting the station on the coast of Romney Marsh yesterday.

Having ceased energy production in 2021 following technical issues, the power station is currently in the process of defueling – a procedure to remove all nuclear fuel that is expected to take around five years.

However, discussions have been taking place over the possibility of utilising the site for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a new type of nuclear reactor.

Documents from a Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) cabinet meeting in April tell of how the councils have already discussed with SMR provider Rolls Royce and Advanced Modular Reactor providers EDF, Natural England and the Nuclear Industry Authority (NIA) to this end.

During his trip to Dungeness B, Mr Bowie visited several parts of the plant, including the reactors – and commented that plans for the SMRs was “proceeding”.

“It has been a fascinating morning, and so great to see such overwhelming support for the site here at Dungeness,” he added.

“I have been really impressed by such an engaged, enthused and upbeat workforce, and an entire community that is so focused on what comes next here. This is a moment that we need to grasp.

“For the first time in about 30 or 40 years nuclear energy is seen as a net positive. Plans for SMRs are proceeding and we will be announcing more details soon.”

This visit followed discussions with representatives of Kent County Council (KCC), FHDC, EDF and Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins.

Gavin Lancaster, Station Director at Dungeness B, said: “For the past few years Dungeness B’s focus has been to do everything we could to prepare ourselves for defueling this power station.

“Within weeks of starting our defueling operations we have been visited by the UK’s first ever nuclear minister on his first ever visit to a defueling nuclear power station. I’m sure he’ll have been impressed by our team’s determination to deliver this job quickly, efficiently, and effectively.”

KCC Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Derek Murphy, said “Dungeness has a long and proud heritage of nuclear power generation and an impeccable track record.

“As such, KCC believes Dungeness is a perfect location for one, or more, of the new breed of SMRs and could safely produce green, low carbon energy, while also retaining high-quality jobs and skills in the area, helping to power local growth.

“We will continue to work closely with Folkestone & Hythe District Council, EDF, and Central Government, assembling evidence to support and shape the campaign for the siting of SMRs at Dungeness.”

Councillor Jim Martin, leader of FHDC, said: "We will explore any new technology initiative that has the potential to ensure that a significant number of well-paid jobs are created in the Romney Marsh area which will grow the local economy and provide new career opportunities for young people”.