Nuclear South West is a partnership of industry, academia and government organisations that champion the South West nuclear industry, coordinating activities to support the existing nuclear clusters across the South West and promoting activities that will lead to new investments in nuclear projects and advanced technologies.
CONNECT – SHOWCASE – LEAD
The South West is the premier destination in the UK for nuclear investment, innovation and growth, with opportunities and academic capacity across:
- Nuclear New Build (NNB) Power – the region hosts the only current new build project in the UK (the most recent in Europe) and the supply chain development that goes alongside it, creating a lasting legacy for future new nuclear
- Existing Nuclear Fleets and the operation, maintenance and life extension activities attached to operational plants
- Decommissioning – on existing licensed sites in Berkeley, Oldbury, Hinkley and Winfrith and within defence, plus associated developments to improve decommissioning, both in the UK and for export globally
- Advanced Technologies as part of the roadmap for nuclear, leading to a net-zero economy by 2050.
- Workforce Development, Skills and Vocational Training for today and tomorrow’s nuclear workforce
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
The South West has a unique combination of infrastructure, capabilities, skills and sites that can support the deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies. The region hosted the world’s first purely civil nuclear power station at Berkeley and is ideally placed to continue to be a globally significant centre of nuclear innovation, including fusion.
Hinkley Point C is the most recent nuclear power station to begin construction in Europe and it has re-established a local and national supply chain and brought together a large, diverse workforce capable of supporting further advanced nuclear projects. The region is also home to internationally leading academic institutions capable of training new entrants and upskilling the existing workforce to meet demands – these include the University of Bristol, the National College for Nuclear and two Institutes of Technology.
The South West’s companies, facilities and academic institutions are also involved in:
- New Nuclear Build (NNB) and design via the EPR Design Centre
- Fusion power and the siting of the STEP programme
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) – Gen IV fission
- Hot Robotics
- Regulation and Planning
- Defence Decommissioning
- Deep Geological Disposal
SIZE OF THE OPPORTUNITY
- £50 billion of opportunities in the nuclear industry within 75 miles of the South West region
- £200m of live contract opportunities right now
- The highest density of licensed nuclear sites in the UK
- World class expertise in nuclear research
- Centres of excellence in nuclear accredited skills programmes World leading supply chain programmes
Nuclear South West has a uniquely collaborative nature, harnessing the expertise of local clusters and sectors including aerospace & advanced manufacturing, digital & creative, defence, cyber, photonics, robotics, en-ergy and marine technologies. The Nuclear South West Industry Network connects businesses through events and other opportunities – you can register at www.nuclearsouthwest.co.uk/join for more information.
A separate, dedicated Hinkley Supply Chain team, delivered by SWMAS, Somerset Chambers of Commerce and Business West, works with EDF Energy and its main contractors to understand and support the Hinkley Point C supply chain, identify opportunities for local suppliers and make connections – www.hinkleysupplychain.co.uk
Matt Burley, Chair, Nuclear South West
“The UK finds itself at the forefront of the energy revolution and the Nuclear South West cluster is mobilised to support the delivery of the UK’s ambition to be a decarbonised economy by 2050. The South West boasts world-class advanced engineering and construction sectors in nuclear with a highly innovative workforce, uniquely positioned to adapt and develop new nuclear.”
– Matt Burley, Chair, Nuclear South West
