Western Gateway responsible for new nuclear hub, says Chair of Great British Nuclear

A new Nuclear Hub likely to bring “10s of billions” to the UK economy was made possible thanks to the work of the Western Gateway according to the Chair of the Government’s Great British Nuclear. 

Speaking on the future of nuclear power in the UK, GBN Chair Simon Bowen highlighted the Western Gateway’s pivotal role in creating the conditions for new nuclear development, siting the partnership’s work on the “Severn Edge” project.  

“I think there is a massive opportunity now with us purchasing Oldbury, with the separate Berkeley project nearby, and all the work that Western Gateway has done with the Severn Edge project.” said Simon Bowen in a recent interview with the BBC. 

Western Gateway has worked in partnership with local authorities, landowners, and academic institutions to position Severn Edge as a key component of the UK’s nuclear roadmap. Starting as a bid to bring the UK’s first fusion reactor to the area, the Severn Edge low carbon energy park brings together two decommissioning nuclear power stations in Oldbury and Berkeley to create new jobs and skills opportunities building on the area’s energy legacy. 

Oldbury is now identified as a prime location by the UK Government for deploying new technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors have the potential to power up to one million homes with low-carbon electricity. 

The UK Government’s recent Civil Nuclear Roadmap sets out plans to expand nuclear energy generation up to fourfold by 2050, marking the most significant investment in the sector in decades. As part of this commitment, the government has announced a £160 million deal through Great British Nuclear to acquire land at the former Oldbury power station, opening the door for future development. 

James Cooke, Deputy Director of the Western Gateway said: “It’s great to see these remarks from the Chair of GBN, recognising the key role the Western Gateway played in paving the way for this £multi-billion investment in ensuring our area is at the forefront of developing new nuclear technology for the UK. 

“This is only the beginning. By championing nuclear innovation, our region is set to create green jobs, attract investment, and establish itself as a leader in the UK’s clean energy future.” 

“When the Chair of GBN says that he would hope that the South West could be the nuclear hub of the UK in the future, people will take note and further investment will follow”. 

“With the Berkeley Science & Technology Park on the doorstep and playing host to the Berkeley Green University Technical College we have complete package of energy generation, skills and R&D all within a 3-mile radius; but also intrinsically linked to the Hinkley Point C supply Chain and more than 12,000 nuclear sector businesses in this area”.