The Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA) and our Park have reaffirmed a commitment to driving leadership, innovation, and economic growth in the UK’s nuclear sector, with a new briefing paper highlighting the North West’s critical role in shaping the future of clean energy. The figures in the NNA paper were recently quoted by local Warrington MP Charlotte Nichols in interview remarks about the importance of nuclear energy to the area.
With the highest concentration of nuclear expertise in the UK, it is the only region in the UK that includes all aspects of Nuclear; Defence, R&D, new build, generation, decommissioning and waste – with unprecedented opportunities for expansion. The sector’s employment in the region is forecast to increase by 49% by 2030, supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions while creating thousands of highly skilled roles across engineering, science, and manufacturing.
The industry currently delivers £5bn in direct spend and £4.9bn in GVA, with projections showing the potential to triple to £15bn by 2030.
Warrington, home to Birchwood Park, is already a key driver of nuclear innovation, housing over 6,000 specialists from more than 30 organisations. The park is a hub for cutting-edge research, advanced reactor development and skills training, reinforcing its status as a world-class centre for nuclear excellence.
Rachel O’Donnell, Chair of the NNA commented: “The North West is at the forefront of nuclear growth, and the figures speak for themselves. With the sector set to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and deliver billions in economic value, collaboration has never been more important. Birchwood Park plays a crucial role in fostering the partnerships that will drive this next era of nuclear development.”
With 178 nuclear-focused businesses based in the North West, including leading names such as Amentum, Rolls-Royce, Cavendish Nuclear, UKNNL, and Nuvia, the region continues to be the backbone of the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
Our Park’s collaborative approach with NNA, government policymakers, and industry leaders ensures the North West remains a key hub for nuclear R&D, skills development, and technology deployment.
Martin O’Rourke, Commercial Director here at Birchwood Park, added: “Nuclear is one of the fastest-growing industries in the North West, and Warrington is right at the heart of this progress. Evolved from the early days of the UK’s nuclear industry, when the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) had many of its leading scientists and engineers based at Risley, Birchwood Park has long been the UK’s leading hub for nuclear research and development, and our collaboration with NNA strengthens the region’s ability to drive forward new technologies, skills, and investment.”
The government’s recent commitment to removing barriers to nuclear expansion, including streamlining planning regulations for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), is set to further accelerate growth in the sector. These changes will allow for greater flexibility in site selection, supporting Birchwood Park’s occupiers in bringing forward new nuclear technologies that will contribute to the UK’s wider energy security and economic resilience.
For more information on the Northern Nuclear Alliance or our wider nuclear sector, visit: https://www.birchwoodpark.co.uk/about-the-park/nuclear-sector-at-birchwood-park/ OR https://www.nuclearalliance.uk/.
