Feature Article

New Nuclear Power

The Culcheth population has a history of employment in the atomic energy industry so there may be interest in the government's announcement on 15 September 2016 giving the go-ahead to Hinckley Point C, the start of a series of new nuclear power stations. Britain was a world pioneer in building commercial nuclear power but the industry was allowed to decline and we haven't built any nuclear power stations in the last 20 years. We lost our lead and are now relying on France and China to provide the expertise and investment but we still have nuclear based companies in Birchwood that will benefit from this development. Many people would prefer our power to be generated from solar or wind energy but those sources are intermittent and it is clear that we need a reliable, non CO2 polluting, source to provide the continuous 'base load'. Nuclear is high cost but not having it could be even higher cost.

Many Culcheth people played an important part in the early development of nuclear power, producing the world's first full-scale nuclear power station. Culcheth was the home for many engineers and scientists who worked for the Atomic Energy Authority based in Birchwood and for the Safety & Reliability Directorate in Culcheth until 1995. Birchwood Science Park now has a diverse range of businesses but it still has a strong nuclear industry base with the National Nuclear Laboratory, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Design Engineering Centre. This has led to a strong cluster of nuclear related and supply chain businesses. There are companies based in Birchwood that have expertise in nuclear new build, plant life extension and decommissioning including Rolls-Royce Nuclear, Atkins, Amec Foster Wheeler, AREVA and AECOM. After years of no expansion nuclear power generation is due to grow again so Birchwood businesses will benefit.

There is further support and stimulus for the science, technology and engineering companies in Birchwood because it is designated part of the Cheshire Science Corridor and has been given Enterprise Zone status. The Cheshire Science Corridor links together major research facilities and science businesses across Cheshire and Warrington. It includes globally significant companies such as Astra Zeneca, Siemens and Waters Corporation and is supported by major universities in Liverpool, Manchester and Chester. In addition to Birchwood, the Science Corridor includes the following major science and business parks:

  • Capenhurst Technology Park - nuclear enrichment and other technology companies
  • Jodrell Bank - world class radio telescope and centre for space research
  • Thornton Science Park – university research and businesses involved in advanced energy systems
  • Daresbury - international science and engineering research campus
  • Alderley Park - world class life sciences research and businesses

Enterprise Zone status carries significant benefits for new or expanding companies. Businesses can get rate relief, simplified local authority planning, capital allowances and superfast broadband providing further support for expansion and employment. Perhaps we will see a new generation of scientists, engineers, etc setting up home in Culcheth.