23 February 2010
University of Manchester to lead new £16 million Centre for
Nuclear Energy Technology
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is to invest
£4.4 million towards the establishment of a £16 million centre that
will support the growth of the region’s nuclear energy industry and
position the Northwest as a region of global nuclear
capability.
The investment was announced today by Business Secretary Lord
Mandelson at a major press conference in Westminster, which focused
on the economic changes brought about across the English regions by
the New Industry, New Jobs agenda and the Regional Development
Agencies.
The Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology (C-NET) at the
University of Manchester, which is also investing £3.5 million in
the scheme, aims to increase the capability of the university
sector to collaborate with industry. It will also support
industrial Research &Development in the nuclear sector’s
reactor technology market through collaborative international
research, education and skills development.
Once C-NET has been established, the long-term aim is to secure
additional private sector investment to grow the centre to £25
million. An additional £2.61 million will be invested by the
private sector with further private sector investment being
sought. The establishment of C-NET is conservatively
estimated to contribute £20 million to the Northwest economy over
10 years, excluding firm productivity benefits, as well as creating
22 new jobs.
Robert Hough, Chairman of the NWDA, said:
“Estimated to generate over £20 billion worth of new business
opportunities, the Government’s announcement of a UK nuclear new
build programme has the potential to create a wealth of new
opportunities for the sector’s growth in the Northwest.
However, there is fierce competition across the UK to secure
major proportions of this programme and it is vital that we ensure
the Northwest is in the strongest position possible to benefit.
Our investment in C-NET, which supports the delivery of the
Northwest Science Strategy, will help to ensure that the region is
equipped with the research and development capability, technology
and skills needed to capitalise on this key growth sector.”
Professor Colin Bailey, Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of
Engineering & Physical Sciences at The University of
Manchester, said:
“The University of Manchester is delighted that the NWDA is
joining us in investing in the Centre for Nuclear Energy
Technology, reinforcing our commitment to deliver research and
development, education, and knowledge transfer in the nuclear
sector. The combined resources of the University and the NWDA in
supporting this major project will benefit the Northwest region
considerably and add greatly to its economic growth.”
Welcoming the announcement, Phil Woolas, Minister for the North
West, said:
"Nuclear power provides reliable, cost-effective and low carbon
energy and will play a vital role, alongside renewable and clean
coal, in a secure energy mix for the future. Four out of the
ten sites identified by the Government as potentially suitable for
new nuclear energy plants are in the North West so it is vital that
our region has the best skills and technology available to ensure
that we make the most of this once in a generation opportunity. The
development of the new Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology at
Manchester University will help us do just that."
The C-NET vision is to be recognised as a leading centre for
reactor technology in the UK, contributing to the global
renaissance in nuclear energy. It will focus on providing
industrial R&D support and contribute to academic thinking in
four key market areas:
• New nuclear build: supporting the deployment and
operational performance of UK new nuclear build systems
• Naval propulsion: supporting the R&D requirements of
next generation systems
• Support to existing reactors: providing R&D support to
extend the life time of existing plants
• International advanced reactor development: collaborative
international research future reactor systems
ends
Notes to editors:
This investment will complement a range of other key initiatives
to ensure the region is in a strong position to capitalise on
opportunities in the nuclear sector including:
Low Carbon Economic Area for Nuclear – Lord Mandelson announced in
December 2009 that England’s Northwest has been chosen as a Low
Carbon Economic Area for Nuclear based on the region’s unique
assets and capabilities within the field of nuclear energy. The
NWDA is leading on this as part of the UK’s Low Carbon Industrial
Strategy, which was launched in July 2009 to bring together
knowledge, skills and investment within the sector.
Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC): 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.
For further information please contact Sarah Moston, Press Officer
on 01925 400552 or 07810 528 471 or Sarah.Moston@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view all press releases visit us
at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the
economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
