Nuclear holds the key to energy security

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Nuclear holds the key to energy security

New Prime Minister Liz Truss set out three early priorities for her first months in office: the economy, energy, and the NHS. She pledged to ‘deal with energy bills and to secure our future energy supply’.

Just last Friday (23 September), the new Chancellor and previous Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng delivered his ‘mini-budget’ to the House. The Growth Plan sets out planning reform via a Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

As part of this, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C are listed as projects which will be accelerated through the development process.

The UK Government working with LEPs, Local Authorities and others has already made significant investment in infrastructure to support nuclear energy in our region over many decades. We seek continued investment in local communities and infrastructure support as we move into a new era for nuclear. The Chancellor’s policy document flagged Hinkley and Sizewell as key projects to support its growth ambitions. We welcome the focus on policies to accelerate development and construction.

The South West has a strong track record of delivering green and reliable energy supply. Over 46 years, Hinkley Point B contributed approximately 3% of the UK’s energy needs producing 311TWh – enough to meet the needs of every home in the UK for almost three years. The key to energy security is nuclear: the only technology that is clean, reliable, and British.

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News

'Huge demand for SMRs’ - so what are the key challenges?

The interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) means that building the industrial capacity to produce the numbers required is just one of the challenges for companies as they turn their visions into reality, World Nuclear Symposium heard.

Seven Ways AI Will Change Nuclear Science and Technology

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved rapidly, becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable of solving ever more complex problems. AI is deployed in sectors as diverse as manufacturing, transportation, finance, education and healthcare. In a similar vein, it has the potential to advance the development of nuclear applications, science and technology. Harnessing its capabilities in the nuclear field can positively contribute to addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges, from food security to climate change.

Jacobs to support refurb of UK nuclear research facilities

Jacobs has been selected as full lifecycle delivery partner to support infrastructure renewal projects at various facilities run by the UK's government-owned, operationally-independent, National Nuclear Laboratory.

£3.3 million boost for next generation nuclear technology

Cutting-edge nuclear technology projects across the UK, announced on Friday 2 September, have received government backing to help develop the next generation of nuclear reactors. The funding will support the early-stage innovation for 6 winning projects, helping attract private investment and supporting the creation of new, highly-skilled green jobs.

Suffolk businesses invited to ‘Meet the Buyer’ and put social value at the heart of their pitch

Sizewell C sent out a clear LOCAL message to over 250 people, from some of the region’s biggest businesses, during its recent Supply Chain Engagement event in Suffolk.

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Upcoming Events

POSTPONED - Nuclear Week in Parliament

w/c 12 September 2022

Top nuclear industry leaders, experts and executives will come together in London, UK, to Owing to the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, events on Nuclear Week in Parliament, including our own collaboration event ‘Unlocking the potential of our nuclear regions, as part of NIA’s Nuclear in Parliament Week’, were postponed. These events hope to be rescheduled for the new year. Once confirmed, we will publish details of new dates via our newsletter and social media.

Nuclear Recruitment Fair 2022

11 October 2022, 9am – 5pm

Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH

This one-off event is being organised jointly by the Nuclear Institute and NSAN in association with Working Smart Limited who specialise in recruitment for the oil and gas industry. The event is being arranged to help our members find the types of skills and approaches they need now, in addition to our key role of meeting the skills needs of the future.

Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design

11 October 2022, Manchester

The IMechE warmly invites Nuclear South West contacts to the next seminar in this series showcasing the latest developments in advanced, modular, and novel reactor design, with input from EDF Energy, Westinghouse, GE Hitachi, Rolls-Royce, Atkins and others. Supporting Organisation rate available, book online or contact eventenquiries@imeche.org and mention Nuclear South West.

FUSION22 conference: The world of fusion is coming to London’s Science Museum

18 October 2022

A new international conference at London’s Science Museum will showcase the goals and vision of the global fusion community. FUSION22 will explore the exciting developments in fusion that could lead to near limitless and low carbon energy in the future. It will also address the challenges the industry is facing to help accelerate the pace of development.

DIT: UK-France Civil Nuclear Forum

7th November, Paris

Following the success of previous editions, the British Embassy in Paris and Egis are hosting the UK-France Civil Nuclear Forum on 7 November 2022 at the British Ambassador’s Residence. Companies that are interested in working collaboratively with French Companies are invited to register to attend.

Nuclear Lifting 2022

16 November 2022, Manchester

The IMechE warmly invites you to Nuclear Lifting 2022, addressing the challenges of carrying out high-risk lifting projects across the nuclear sector. Discount for Nuclear South West contacts; book at the Supporting Organisation rate online or email eventenquiries@imeche.org and mention Nuclear South West.

Nuclear Industry Association Annual Dinner 2022 (with the Nuclear Institute)

1 December 2022

The Annual Dinner is the premier event for the nuclear industry in the UK, bringing together key players from across the industry, political scene, and academia.

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

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