East Midlands ambitions move forward as govt leans-in to nuclear
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has backed government energy plans, which she says could generate millions of pounds of investment into the region.
This week, minister for nuclear, Patrick Vallance, unveiled the government’s Advanced Nuclear Framework, plans to speed up building of pioneering nuclear technology which it says will power the data centres and factories of the future.
The government has drawn up a “pipeline” of credible nuclear projects that it believes could be fast-tracked for private investment, backed by a “concierge-style” service which it says will help developers understand UK planning, regulation and fuel.
Central to government plans is the former coal‑fired power station at Cottam in Nottinghamshire, which is planned to be converted into a hub for advanced data centres powered by Small Modular Reactors – a project it says is worth £11bn.
The site forms part of the Trent Supercluster, a trio of former former coal-fired power station sites at West Burton, High Marnham, and Cottam which are earmarked for conversion into a combined centre for clean energy and digital technology.
“By positioning our region as a global leader in clean energy, we’re creating a stronger local economy and making sure the benefits are felt right across the East Midlands,” said Ward.
“Through the Trent Supercluster programme, we’re turning our industrial heritage into a catalyst for green growth. These projects mean thousands of skilled jobs for local people, new apprenticeships and training opportunities for our young people, and long-term investment in communities that have powered the country for generations.”
Developers of next-generation nuclear projects, such as Advanced Modular Reactors, can apply to join the government pipeline from March, with the government poised to provide cash support to help get projects off the ground.
Developers are aiming for their first AMRs to be operational in the UK by the mid-2030s.
Jane Bowie, SMR Development Director at EDF, said the firm welcomed the government’s advanced nuclear framework, which it said would help develop a new generation of nuclear power projects.
“EDF is working with US company Holtec on an exciting opportunity to develop their small modular reactor technology at the Cottam site in Nottinghamshire,” she said.
“Government recognition and support for projects like these – alongside the UK-US nuclear partnership and reforms proposed in the recent Fingleton review on nuclear regulation – will help attract finance and increase the prospects of these projects moving forward.”
