Birchwood Park has welcomed the UK government’s decision to pioneer small modular reactors, which will significantly boost the North West’s nuclear industry.
The government announced that the reactors, which will be located in Wylfa, Anglesey, are to be constructed by Rolls-Royce SMR who are based at Birchwood Park.
The reactors are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes as part of the government’s clean energy superpower mission.
Commenting on the news, Martin O’Rourke, Commercial Director at Birchwood Park, said: “This announcement from the government will have a significant, positive impact for the North West’s economy as we play our part in the UK’s clean energy strategy.
“Our region is home to the UK’s leading nuclear engineering, innovation, and testing facilities, as well as the country’s largest concentration of nuclear jobs – with over 6,000 nuclear specialists and 30+ organisations located on the Park alone.
“The economic potential of the North Wales site expands well beyond its borders – helping to unlock exponential growth for the North West, which will only accelerate as the role of nuclear expands. At Birchwood, we will ensure we are ready to work with our occupiers to harness this potential.”
Birchwood Park forms a key site in the Cheshire Science Corridor and is one of the UK’s largest hubs for the nuclear services industry. The site contains over 500,000 sq. ft of development land with outlined planning consent.
It is home to the Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA), which also has welcomed the UK government’s decision to pioneer small modular nuclear reactors.
NNA Chair, Rachel O’Donnell commented: “The announcement signals a bold step from Government in revitalising Britain’s nuclear industry, recognising the indispensable role nuclear will play in our energy strategy.
“The NNA and our 60-plus member organisations across the North West are ready to support the small modular reactor rollout, by bringing our world-class supply chain, manufacturing heritage and operational expertise. Together we will ensure the UK not only meets domestic energy needs, but competes globally in nuclear innovation, job creation and industrial growth.
“We look forward to working with government, the selected small modular reactor technology providers and supply-chain stakeholders across the UK to maximise regional benefit, and to realise a sustainable, high-skills future for the North West.”
To learn more about Birchwood Park, visit: www.birchwoodpark.co.uk
