Consultancy to explore nuclear energy potential in the Midlands
Equilibrion has been appointed by the Midlands Net Zero Hub and Midlands Nuclear to explore the potential for nuclear energy production in the Midlands.
The Northampton-based consultancy will conduct a siting study to identify suitable locations for nuclear development in the near term.
Dr Philip Rogers, project director at Equilibrion said: “The Midlands has historically been a major centre of energy generation for the country but the closure of multiple coal-fired assets in the region has eroded its national contribution. This project is another step on the journey to consider how the Midlands could return to being a major energy-producing region using nuclear energy.
“We are delighted to have been awarded this groundbreaking and timely project that aligns with the most up-to-date indications of the Government’s drive for new nuclear.
“At Equilibrion, we are committed to applying our expertise to support the UK in taking tangible steps to realise a sustainable low-carbon future including in regions new to nuclear energy and to supporting the growth of the industry through the stable supply of electricity, hydrogen, heat and sustainable fuels.”
The Midlands Nuclear Siting Project, set to report in Spring/Summer 2025, will assess the region’s nuclear energy opportunities, which include electricity production, hydrogen, sustainable fuel and direct heat.
By identifying potential sites for developers, the study aims to attract investment and strengthen the region’s low-carbon energy supply for homes and industries.
The project will focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), smaller and more flexible nuclear technologies.
Jack Hayhoe, head of net zero programmes at Midlands Net Zero Hub said: “We are delighted to support Midlands Nuclear with the skills and siting studies. Understanding the landscape is vital to making meaningful and strategic progress projects in the Midlands. There is a huge potential for nuclear energy generation in the Midlands and a large appetite from local specialist companies.
“With long development times for projects, we need to get started on these projects now to meet the Government’s ambition to quadruple nuclear delivery by 2050. We will be using the findings from the study to inform the approach to nuclear projects in the Midlands, as well as demonstrating the regional need to our funders at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.”
It comes after the UK government’s recent changes to planning rules, which could make it easier to build new nuclear power plants across the country.
The updates to national policy (EN-7) hope to open up more sites for consideration, potentially attracting new investment, creating thousands of skilled jobs and providing cleaner, more affordable energy for local communities.
