Equilibrion, a strategic and technical consultancy, has been appointed by the Midlands Net Zero Hub and Midlands Nuclear to identify the potential of nuclear energy production in the Midlands region. Equilibrion will lead a comprehensive siting study to consider locations and sites that have the potential to be developed in the nearer term.
On the 6th February, The UK Government announced reforms on planning rules to facilitate new nuclear build projects in the UK, including a new Nuclear National Policy Statement, EN-7, for the development of nuclear power projects beyond 2025. This new approach eases some of the restrictions on the choice of nuclear sites for deployment, which had been embedded in the previous EN-6 statement. This more flexible approach is expected to attract new nuclear developments in a wider range of locations and create thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people.
The Midlands Nuclear Siting Project, due to report in Spring/Summer 2025, will provide a deeper understanding of the opportunities nuclear provides, including the production of electricity, hydrogen, sustainable fuel and direct heat. With this greater understanding of some potential sites that could be considered by developers, the region will be able to drive inward investment and enhance regional low carbon energy supply for homes and industry. The output will also complement other activities, including academia and skills, as part of a joined-up approach to addressing new opportunities in nuclear.
With a specific focus on Small and Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs and AMRs respectively), the study seeks to maximise the opportunity that the forthcoming EN-7 provides to regions. This includes generating significant social and economic benefits and helping position the Midlands as a leader in the development of future nuclear sites under the new National Policy Statement.
The project will engage relevant bodies, evaluate supply chain opportunities, and provide insights into the regulatory landscape considering the social, economic and environmental benefits that nuclear can bring to the region.
By proactively addressing skills and site readiness, the Midlands positions itself as a leading region ready to contribute significantly to the nation’s Net Zero targets, enhancing energy security and driving prosperity through enabling the growth of new and traditional industries.
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 considering 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 realising a sustainable low-carbon future including in regions new to nuclear energy and to supporting the growth of industry through the stable supply of electricity, hydrogen, heat and sustainable fuels.”
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 make meaningful and strategic progress projects in the Midlands. There is a huge potential in 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.”
Lord Ravensdale, Chair of Midlands Nuclear, said: “Midlands Nuclear are delighted to see the potential for new nuclear in the Midlands being further explored by the project to assessing potentially suitable deployment sites. The project aligns with emergent Government thinking on new nuclear siting, making this an ideal time to build on previous work and grow understanding in this important area. The output will support a deeper understanding of how nuclear can play an important role in supporting the growth of jobs, social benefit and economic output in the region. We look forward to working with Midlands Net Zero Hub and Equilibrion through the project.”
