Hello

The nuclear industry stands together

The world has watched events in Ukraine in trepidation and horror over the past few weeks.

We are distressed to see the crises and destruction that has unfolded, and our thoughts and prayers go to everyone who is suffering.

As an industry, we can take heart in standing with our colleagues in Europe, to address immediate, pressing, and future challenges.

Drawing on the expertise of our industry, members of the South West nuclear sector are advising the UK government and supporting the crisis response around supply chain issues and the safety and security framework for European nuclear facilities. Professor Tom Scott, a nuclear expert at the University of Bristol, who has worked at the Chernobyl power plant, has been briefing the media as to the measures that are in place to protect the reactors.

This has also been a stark reminder of Britain’s reliance on fossil fuels from abroad to meet its energy needs. Nuclear power has a crucial role to play as a low carbon and reliable energy source to bolster Britain’s independence from fossil fuels. News of an independence plan with key stakeholders in the nuclear industry and Downing Street is welcome as nuclear boasts the only technology that is clean and reliable.

We have always been conscious of the opportunities that this industry offers. Not just in the reliability of this energy source, but in its ability to create high-quality, skilled jobs within local SMEs who are winning significant contracts on the Hinkley Point C project. We have been heartened by the news that the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership has announced an extension to the Hinkley Point Supply Chain Service to cover the next 12 months, supporting a bright future for nuclear in our region.

Finally, we are proud to support the work of nuclear education in the region, with the National College for Nuclear and new Magnox Apprentices in areas of expertise that helps to alleviate a national skills shortage. We look forward to bringing you further news about these plans in next month’s newsletter.

-----------------------------