About NSW and Nuclear in the South West
Capabilities in the region
Hinkley Point C (HPC) remains the cornerstone of the UK’s nuclear renaissance, with its two EPR reactors set to deliver 7% of the nation’s electricity. Beyond its national significance, HPC has transformed the Southwest into a powerhouse of nuclear expertise, generating over £4 billion in regional GVA and supporting thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships. The ripple effects are tangible, from new training campuses and infrastructure upgrades to a thriving ecosystem of SMEs and Tier 1 suppliers embedded across Somerset and the wider region.
Looking ahead, the Southwest is poised to play a central role in the UK’s advanced nuclear programme. Oldbury, once earmarked for a large-scale reactor, is now under active consideration for small modular reactors (SMRs), with Rolls-Royce SMR identified for deployment. Adjacent Berkeley is evolving into a hub for nuclear safety, skills, and innovation, leveraging its legacy assets and proximity to UTC Berkeley Green. These sites, alongside other licensed locations in the region, offer ideal conditions for hosting next-generation technologies, from microreactors to advanced modular systems, with strong local support and infrastructure already in place.
This momentum is backed by national investment and policy alignment, with over £30 billion committed to nuclear development in the 2025 Spending Review. The Southwest stands to benefit disproportionately, not only through direct project funding but also via export opportunities, supply chain growth, and talent development. As the UK positions itself as a global leader in nuclear innovation, the region’s blend of legacy expertise, modern infrastructure, and collaborative spirit makes it a natural launchpad for the next wave of clean energy solutions.
The South West has a large number of assets that have been set up to specifically support and grow the sector:
- The South West Nuclear Hub (a partnership between Bristol and Oxford Universities) is at the cutting edge of nuclear research and development and works with both primes and SME’s find innovative solutions to industrial challenges.
- Complex technical projects require high levels of collaboration, and this is catered for with the EPR Design Centre based in Avonmouth, and the Somerset Energy & Innovation Centre in Bridgwater.
- Ensuring that there is a nuclear competent workforce across the whole nuclear life cycle is the role of the National College for Nuclear (SW Hub) and a range of highly specialised technical training facilities including the Welding, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Centres of Excellence.
- Exceptional facilities for realistic working environments are delivered at University Centre Somerset College Groups’ Construction Skills Innovation Centre and this compliments their Energy Skills Centre and advanced engineering facilities.
- Young people are able to access vocational training leading to highly specialised apprenticeships via the Berkeley Green University Technical College.
Our Mission and Aims
Nuclear South West is a public-private partnership of industry, academic and public sector, established to champion the South West nuclear industry as the premier destination for investment, innovation and growth.
We can support your business, whether you are already in the region and looking to maximise opportunities in the nuclear supply chain, or you are looking to establish an operation here in South West England. Nuclear South West can help by connecting you to opportunities and support programmes, signposting information and offering practical help through events, connection and activities.
Nuclear South West is supported by:
