Thursday, 3 July 2025
The siting study was commissioned and funded by Midlands Net Zero Hub on behalf of Midlands Nuclear – a collaborative initiative established to ensure that the Midlands is well positioned to potentially benefit from future nuclear developments. The Midlands Net Zero Hub is in turn funded by the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The study was delivered by nuclear strategic and technical consultancy and project development company Equilibrion, with input from Portinscale Consulting and Ennuvo.
The study aimed to assess where and how nuclear energy could supply low-carbon electricity, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels for industry, transport, and homes.
From the 84 sites reviewed, the study identified 21 shortlisted sites across the Midlands – 9 brownfield and 12 greenfield – with an estimated generating capacity exceeding 20 GWe, pending comprehensive impact assessment and appropriate regulatory review and approvals. Each site was assessed based on the nationally recognised Power Plant Siting Study, which considers criteria based on technical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.
Following a detailed comparative appraisal, two sites were selected as the Midlands’ most strategic nuclear deployment opportunities. These sites underwent detailed appraisal and offer significant advantages: brownfield status, proximity to existing and future industrial demand hubs, potential for transmission grid access, reliable cooling water sources, and potential for near-term readiness to support advanced nuclear development programmes. The study says their identification “reflects not only technical suitability, but also strategic location and alignment with regional economic development priorities”. In addition to siting appraisal, the study examines the wider economic and supply chain benefits associated with new nuclear deployment.
According to Midlands Nuclear, the siting study demonstrates that sites in the Midlands could pass the siting criteria including on population density, proximity to military activities and access to essential cooling water.
It says nuclear applications could support the region by delivering consistent, reliable power for data centres, hydrogen for transport and industrial use, and heat for manufacturing and networks. Nuclear, it says, is an excellent match for these and other needs as it can produce energy on-demand and overcomes many of the challenges faced by the energy system as deployment of variable renewables increases.
The Midlands is already home to nuclear facilities, including the Rolls-Royce Submarines nuclear licensed operations at its site at Raynesway, Derby, and possesses a workforce already involved in delivering and supporting nuclear projects.
Midlands Nuclear brings together 25 partners with regional strengths in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and nuclear innovation, along with specialists in research and development, to support the introduction of both large-scale and small modular reactor technologies.
Lord Ravensdale, Chair of Midlands Nuclear said: “This study represents a pivotal step toward future expansion of clean, secure energy capacity in the Midlands through consideration of siting options for nuclear power in the region. Coming alongside a more flexible siting policy for new nuclear from the government, it is an exciting opportunity for the region to capitalise on the revival of nuclear energy across the UK.”
The current National Policy Statement for Nuclear, EN-6, identifies eight sites in England and Wales that the government considers potentially suitable for building new nuclear power plants up to 2025. The proposed new EN-7 document updates the government’s position and enables developers to identify and propose nuclear new build in locations additional to the eight, subject to ultimate approval by the Secretary of State.
“The Midlands Nuclear Siting Study enables regional authorities, Midlands Nuclear, and other stakeholders to proactively engage with UK Government, developers and investors, presenting credible, evidence-based nuclear investment opportunities at a critical time for national energy transition planning,” the study says.
