Project overview

In 2024, on behalf of Midlands Nuclear, the Midlands Net Zero Hub commissioned a study to explore the potential for nuclear energy siting across the Midlands. This was alongside another study on the current and future nuclear-aligned skills base in the region.

This supports Midlands Nuclear’s ambition to identify opportunities for nuclear generation both now and in the future. This work also aligns with the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which sets out a pathway to a fully clean power system by 2030, aiming to secure energy supply, drive regional investment, and tackle climate change.

This study evaluates where and how nuclear energy could be deployed to supply low-carbon electricity, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels for industry, transport, and homes across the Midlands. It is accompanied by a visually engaging brochure that highlights the region’s potential.

Nuclear siting study summary

This study examined whether, how, and where new nuclear technologies – particularly small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors – could be deployed across the Midlands to support clean growth, energy security, and regional decarbonisation. The study aimed to build a robust evidence base to guide future engagement with government, developers, investors, and local authorities. It explored siting opportunities, regulatory pathways, economic benefits, and strategic considerations to prepare the region for potential nuclear deployment. In particular, it looked at:

• Regional energy context and policy alignment: How nuclear could complement the Midlands’ industrial needs, Net Zero strategies, national siting policy, and wider government initiatives such as hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, and industrial decarbonisation strategies.
• Assessment of potential nuclear sites: Using the ETI Power Plant Siting Study dataset, 84 Midlands locations were evaluated against exclusionary and discretionary criteria (e.g., flood risk, cooling water availability, demographics, access, environmental designations), resulting in a shortlist of 21 candidate sites.
• Detailed appraisal of two priority sites: In‑depth analysis of land availability, cooling water, transport links, grid connection potential, planning constraints, flood protection needs, ground conditions, and proximity to industry.
• Regulatory and siting requirements: Examination of the UK’s nuclear regulatory roadmap – GDA, environmental permitting, nuclear site licensing, DCO planning – and how these influence site selection and developer readiness.
• Deployment potential and use cases: Exploration of how Midlands nuclear could supply baseload electricity, industrial heat, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, support data centres, and decarbonise major assets such as East Midlands Airport and Freeport.
• Economic and supply chain impacts: Review of jobs, skills, manufacturing opportunities and SME participation, drawing on lessons from Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.

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