Sizewell C set to drive long-term job creation in the North West
It's been 68 years since the world's first full-scale civil nuclear programme began, marked by the opening of Calder Hall right here in the north west - home to the UK’s traditional industrial powerhouses of Liverpool and Manchester, and the backbone of nuclear manufacturing in Cumbria.
As we move forward, accelerating the UK’s nuclear programme is believed to remain vital for securing thousands of jobs and fuelling investment in the north west.
This momentum is set to continue with Sizewell C, the proposed nuclear power station in Suffolk, which is expected to deliver thousands of long-term jobs across the nuclear supply chain.
A project with potential
New research* by the Sizewell C Consortium, representing over 250 UK-based nuclear supply chain companies, highlights this potential.
A striking 85% of businesses foresee job growth as a direct result of the project, with 65% anticipating the creation of new roles within the first year following a Final Investment Decision.
Additionally, 75% of respondents predict these jobs will provide stable employment for over four years, paving the way for economic stability and long-lasting career opportunities in the industry.
Contributing to the UK's future
In Whitehaven and across the region, engineering giant AtkinsRéalis is helping to shape the UK's nuclear future. Its digital teams are currently crafting cutting-edge digital design and technology solutions for new nuclear builds, crucial decommissioning, and nuclear waste management operations.
The north west's rich nuclear heritage is set to play a pivotal role in the design and construction of Sizewell C. The successful delivery of the project will reinforce the region’s industrial potential while ensuring that skilled jobs remain within reach of the local workforce.
Chris Conboy, managing director of nuclear and power at AtkinsRéalis, which has over 1,300 employees within the north west including its Westlakes offices, emphasised: "Sizewell C is a fantastic opportunity to create more jobs and develop new skills in the region.
"Building on the success of Hinkley Point C, the project will bring many benefits to the north west, helping grow local businesses and support new jobs.
"Cumbria has been at the forefront of nuclear energy for decades, and that experience and expertise is already contributing to the next generation of nuclear power plants around the UK. Sizewell C will support local talent and contribute to the long-term prosperity of our region."
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: “Given West Cumbria is home to leading nuclear supply chain companies, new nuclear projects like Sizewell C can create huge economic growth for our region, providing long-term, stable and well-paid jobs.
"West Cumbria proudly played a pivotal role in the history of nuclear energy, but it has a vital role to play in its future too.”
Sizewell C, set to secure a Final Investment Decision by spring 2025, aims to allocate 70% of its construction value to British businesses, a significant portion of which are located right here in the north west.
This article was originally published in LancsLive.
