03 December 2009
Nuclear power’s chain reaction for England’s Northwest
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson and Chancellor Alistair
Darling have today outlined a package of announcements outlining
how the Northwest is helping British businesses seize the
opportunities that civil nuclear power represents for the UK
economy.
England’s Northwest has been chosen as a Low Carbon Economic
Area for Nuclear (LCEA), based on the region’s unique assets and
capabilities within the field of nuclear energy.
As part of the UK’s Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, which was
launched in July 2009, the LCEA will be led by the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to bring together knowledge,
skills and investment within the sector, delivering benefits for
the economy.
Working in partnership with Sheffield University, The University
of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute will play a significant
role in the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
in South Yorkshire. Manchester will provide research capability to
innovate, demonstrate and disseminate manufacturing technology for
components for nuclear power generation and will help supply chain
companies compete in the civil nuclear sector.
The package will also include an upgrade of the nuclear research
laboratories at the University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear
Institute. Up to £8 million will be invested in the facility to
directly support the activity of the Nuclear AMRC and ensure the UK
civil nuclear industry is able to develop world leading
manufacturing techniques and products.
There will also be support for the Dalton Cumbria Educational
Facility for nuclear research, higher learning and continual
professional development.
The NWDA will provide the coordinating function for England’s
Regional Development Agencies (RDA), by encouraging best practice
and providing the framework for the development of innovation and
skills within the sector. The NWDA will also lead the Manufacturing
Advisory Service (MAS) for nuclear, offering support and advice to
RDAs and UK manufacturers.
England’s Northwest is a world pioneer of nuclear energy and
home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of nuclear
facilities and expertise. Over 25,000 skilled professionals are
employed in 300 companies across the region, resulting in a
combined turnover of approximately £3 billion each year.
Robert Hough, Chairman, NWDA said:
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that England’s Northwest has
a real commitment to a low carbon future, especially within the
nuclear industry. There is an exceptional business opportunity for
the region, including an increase in job opportunities and skills,
leading to innovation and economic growth.
“Working alongside our colleagues at Manchester University,
Yorkshire Forward, and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
in Sheffield, the Low Carbon Economic Area agreement for Nuclear
will ensure the Northwest can provide regional and national
leadership within the sector, engaging directly with businesses to
maximise opportunities.”
Lord Mandelson, Business Secretary said:
“We know that we have to make the transition to a low carbon
future, and the Government is determined to ensure that British
businesses get the support they need to seize the business
opportunities that transition creates. The civil nuclear sector is
one of the key low carbon industries where the UK has the potential
for job creation, economic growth and engineering and manufacturing
excellence. Today’s announcement is about investing in our future.
A greener, smarter, more skilled, more balanced British
economy.”
Chancellor, Alistair Darling MP said:
“It is essential that the UK economy continues to build upon its
strengths in the high tech and knowledge based industries so that
as we come out of the recession these industries drive forward
sustainable growth within the UK and our ability to compete in
global markets.”
Business Minister Lord Drayson said:
“Low Carbon Economic Areas will help us focus investment, skills
and infrastructure regionally to boost the UK’s national capacity.
This nuclear low carbon economic area will combine the advantages
of nuclear infrastructure in the North West and advanced
manufacturing in Yorkshire, the advanced manufacturing base in the
region and the excellent skills and research bases in Manchester
and Sheffield universities. By drawing together our activity
regionally we can accelerate our capability nationally.”
Professor Alan Gilbert, President and Vice Chancellor, The
University of Manchester said:
“The University of Manchester fully supports the drive towards a
low carbon future and is committed to mobilising its leading
nuclear research capability through the Dalton Nuclear Institute to
make a substantial contribution to the LCEA agenda through the
Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.”
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Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press
Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925
400259.
For further information and to view previous press releases
visit us at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The Northwest Regional Development Agency works to deliver
economic success in England’s Northwest by building the
competitiveness of its businesses, people and places. Utilising our
technical expertise and strategic influence, we help the region’s
250,000+ businesses to develop and grow, as well as supporting
international trade and encouraging inward investment.