Cumbria's Future Power House: Nuclear Fusion
Infrastructure Space Atelier’s brief of designing a transport hub inspired me to create a project for the near future, taking the approach of energy distribution and generation on-site. Cumbria’s nuclear recent past and history of leading UK’s energy supplies, especially in the atomic energy sector, inspired deeper research into the fusion nuclear field. The soon-to-be released fusion reactor that promises a future of clean, limitless and safe way of manufacturing energy, is at the heart of this project that explores how architecture can be utilized and should be updated to accommodate to new technology.
Recent policies, such as “Levelling Up!”, “Northern Powerhouse” and more, underline the need for reduction of carbon emissions, regional development (improving industrial strategies), and providing a secure energy security, and as such provide a conductive environment for a fusion nuclear power station. Utilising Cleator Moor’s geological stability, access to cooling water and grid connectivity, shaped the site to be the ideal position for the purposes.
Through an adaptation of existing power stations, the programme was modified to fit the concept of energy being accessible and safe by providing two main zones: power station and visitor centre, with an option of direct sightseeing inside the power plant. Apart from focusing on the innovative technology, the project aims to educate and further inspire prospectus academics, investment and employment in the field through the various visitor experiences integrated in the programme.
In addition, this project is directed towards achieving a synthesis between the surrounding nature and environment, and the predisposed idea of a nuclear energy source by incorporating it into the landscape and creating a more transparent connection between consumer and energy supplier.
