Plan to bring forward Midlands nuclear reactor sites by 2040

A white paper on energy security published by partnership research organisation Midlands Engine today (December 17) sets out a £20 billion plan for delivering secure, low-carbon energy and unlocking economic growth across the region, organisers say.

Over the next two years, the organisation says it will work with Government on delivering green energy generation in the region, with strategic plans for longer-term initiatives set to run up to 2050.

Schemes suggested in the roadmap set out in the white paper include wider use of community solar farm programmes, assessing more sites for onshore wind generation - and even the incorporation of new nuclear power schemes.

"With Great British Energy and Great British Nuclear, we will work together to develop a pipeline of future nuclear licensable sites that can host future Small Modular Reactor and Advanced Modular Reactor technology," said the report. 

"This could start with a testing or demonstrator site, but with scope for full implementation as needed, ideally using existing industrial locations. We will also carry out joint work to explore how the UK can maximise the opportunity for the manufacture of nuclear components (e.g., pumps, valves, vessels), much of which could be done in the Midlands, and building on the region’s manufacturing strengths."

The midlands is currently home to a quarter of the UK’s fossil fuel generation capacity, with the report adding that with a high concentration of energy-intensive industries and with England’s highest regional rate of fuel poverty, the Midlands "epitomises both the challenges and opportunities" of the clean energy transition.

The proposals are designed to highlight the importance of a Midlands perspective in national energy security policy, and the particular strengths that the Midlands brings to plans for national energy security.

It adds that 200,000 new jobs could be created by green schemes in the region by 2041.

"The Midlands is leading in smart energy solutions and decarbonising our industries," said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands. 

"With projects like Project PRIDE, we are demonstrating the power of collaboration to deliver the infrastructure needed to meet our net zero ambitions while creating high-value jobs and powering economic growth."

Lord Ravensdale, Chair of the Midlands Energy Security Taskforce added: "Through collaboration, the Midlands will drive the UK’s clean energy transformation. This White Paper is a bold step towards building a sustainable energy system that benefits businesses, communities, and future generations."

The report sets out six factors deemed "critical enablers" to implement the proposals, including factors such as workforce development and the need for planning reform to allow sites that require "accelerated planning to unlock new energy generation" to be brought forward.

"The Midlands has the ability, ambition and assets to drive the UK’s clean energy future. This White Paper showcases how our region can lead in creating secure, sustainable power while delivering economic growth and high-quality jobs. Together, we can honour the Midlands’ legacy of innovation and secure a brighter future for generations to come," said Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine.