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United front can give South West vital Edge on fusion

By Andy Bates, Nuclear South West

The South West is on course to write a new chapter in the engineering history books after Severn Edge was among the five sites shortlisted to host the UK's prototype fusion power plant.

This represents an exciting opportunity to become a global hub for fusion energy and the South West is uniquely capable of playing a leading role in the green revolution.

It was great to hear that the Gloucestershire site will fly the flag for the South West and is now in the running to host what will hopefully be the world's first working nuclear fusion reactor.

The shortlisting of Severn Edge by the UK Atomic Energy Authority was a cause for celebration but Bridgwater Bay, nominated by Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, was not among the candidates.

We are optimistic that the South West nuclear sector has what it takes to ensure fusion power becomes a reality at Severn Edge by pulling together behind the Gloucestershire candidate.

And I know that the South West will be uniting behind Severn Edge thanks to an enthusiastic show of support from Heart of the South West LEP nuclear lead Corinne Matthews.

“Naturally, we were disappointed Bridgwater Bay didn’t make the cut because it had very strong credentials, but we are now 100 per cent behind the Severn Edge nomination,” Corinne said.

“We recognise the highly-skilled workforce and nuclear-competent supply chain that have been put in place for supporting the construction of Hinkley Point C will stand the Severn Edge nomination in good stead for the rest of the fusion selection process.”

We have an incredible scientific and engineering base here, with high temperature expertise being a particular strength. We are also a leading region in digital and digital design, which will be crucial to the success of STEP.

All in all, these are very exciting times for our region.

We know that the whole of our sector will get behind the Severn Edge team who will be up against counterparts from Ardeer in North Ayrshire, Goole in Yorkshire, Moorside in Cumbria, and Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire.

Collaboration will be the key to the success of fusion, and it is promising that it is one of the South West’s main strengths. If anyone wants to find out more about the Seven Edge nomination, email andy.bates@businesswest.co.uk.

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Sizewell C boost for South West companies

The proposed Sizewell C nuclear power plant, which is set to be a near replica of Hinkley Point C, should offer lots of opportunities to companies in the HPC supply chain.

The Daily Telegraph was first to report that ‘funding for a new nuclear power plant will be announced before the 2024 election’ as part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to reduce UK’s carbon emissions down to ‘net-zero’ by 2050. This issue will dominate the media over the next few days during COP26.

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Mini reactors show Net Zero needs nuclear

It was great to read in The Guardian that the Government is set to approve funding for a fleet of Rolls-Royce mini nuclear reactors to help the UK reach the PM’s target of zero-carbon electricity by 2035.

The Rolls-Royce-led consortium already has £210m in private backing for plans to build 16 reactors across the country and Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said it would ‘show investors that the government believes in nuclear as a green technology”.

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World stage for South West nuclear

I’m pleased to report Nuclear South West will have a team at this year’s World Nuclear Exhibition, which takes place in Paris from November 30 to December 2.

We are eager to hear from other companies that will be represented at the event which will include 680 exhibitors from 65 countries covering the whole nuclear chain, and we look forward to meeting them in person there.

In the meantime, anyone who wants to get in touch beforehand should contact sam.orchard@swmas.co.uk.

For further information about specific support for your business, please visit:

Nuclear Industry Association: https://www.niauk.org/

Hinkley Point Supply Chain Team: https://www.hinkleysupplychain.co.uk/

Government support: www.businesssupport.gov.uk

Covid-19 advice to businesses: www.gov.uk/guidance-to-employers

West of England Growth Hub: www.wearegrowth.co.uk

Heart of South West Growth Hub: www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk

Nuclear South West is powered by Business West.

Business West is the trading name of GWE Business West Ltd a limited company, registered in England no. 6399340 Registered office: Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA

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