The South West Energy Cluster

Earlier this year, the Government outlined the eight locations deemed suitable for new power stations by 2025. The South West will be the only part of the country to host two new power plants – Hinkley Point and Oldbury in South Gloucestershire.

The development of these two power plants is expected to cost up to £20 billion and will provide a significant opportunity for businesses in Somerset and the South West.

The aim of the South West Energy Cluster is to capitalise on these two nuclear projects by establishing a nationally recognised cluster of businesses and jobs in the nuclear energy sector which enhances the competitiveness and sustainability of the South West and UK economies.  With its heart in Somerset, the cluster will drive economic transformation through facilitating innovation, enterprise and other high value added skills and activities. 

Somerset and the broader South West region have many of the required ingredients to support the development of a successful nuclear cluster. The presence of major nuclear partners (including EDF Energy, Horizon, Areva, Westinghouse and Magnox) provide the large firm impetus.  In addition, the region is a world leader in aerospace and defence with firms such as BAE Systems, Babcock and Rolls Royce, which is backed by a strong supply chain.

There is a growing regional expertise in nuclear skills training and in nuclear research through the Nuclear Research Centre at the University of Bristol and the establishment of the Nuclear Skills Academy at Bridgwater College which provides a strong geographical focus for the cluster. 

The South West Energy Cluster aims to bring together businesses, specialised suppliers, the growing regional expertise in nuclear skills training and research and associated institutions with the aim of enhancing the position of Somerset and the South West as the most diversely capable and competitive nuclear supply chain area in the UK.