This month the South West Nuclear Hub were thrilled to host colleagues from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in Bristol after being approached to learn more about the capabilities of the Hub, our network and the South West in delivering SMRs. The afternoon took place in the new Bristol Digital Futures Institute, which is a space dedicated to collaborative working.
As advocates for nuclear in the South West, the Hub is committed to demonstrating the strategic benefits and technical capabilities the region has to offer. As part of the meeting, key academics from the University of Bristol’s Schools of Physics and Earth Sciences, as well as Ian Bond - Pro-Vice Chancellor for Science and Engineering – were in attendance. We facilitated an engaging discussion into key research strengths and demonstrated how industrial-academic collaborations drive excellent research and outcomes.
Another part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the skills gap. We were able to share concerns and potential solutions regarding the need for skills provisions and training for subject matter experts in nuclear. With a growing nuclear presence resulting from the acquisition of the Oldbury and Berkley sites and ongoing work at HPC, it is vital that resources are properly allocated to the South West. Investment and support are also needed to ensure the future of key postgraduate programmes, such as nuclear-specific master’s courses, across the UK.
Plus it was only fair to take a tour of the fascinating facilities at the BDFI! We were able to explore the Reality Emulator and Experimental Studio, and immerse ourselves in the cutting edge Smart Cinema! All these resources provide really innovative ways of working, and have some really exciting potential applications in nuclear too! Thanks for such an interesting tour ⚛️
It was great to meet with the team at DESNZ and talk so enthusiastically about Bristol’s research, the South West Nuclear Hub and its network of members, and the future of SMRs in the UK. We are looking forward to continuing these conversations with DESNZ, and propelling positive outcomes for skills provisions and new nuclear in the South West.
Thanks to our academics Claire Corkhill, Ross Springell and Tomas L. Martin, and all of our attendees for such an interesting meeting!
