University partners with Sizewell C

The University of Liverpool has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sizewell C and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRA), committing to work together to help boost sustainability, skills and economic growth across the region.

Sizewell C is a new nuclear power station currently being built in Suffolk, which will generate low-carbon electricity for around six million homes. Sizewell C has committed to investing £2.5bn in the North of England as part of its ambition to benefit the whole of the UK.

Around nine million tonnes of carbon emissions will be saved for each of the 60 years that Sizewell is generating electricity, helping to achieve Net Zero Targets and provide greater energy security for the UK.

The University of Liverpool has significant research excellence and facilities in nuclear physics, radiation protection, sustainability, supply chain development, risk & resilience, infrastructure, safety, transportation of materials/structure and planning policy.

The MoU will provide a launch pad to expand interactions between the two organisations and deepen relevant research, innovation and education ties including Sizewell C’s support for PhD studentships.

Under the agreement, the University’s Department of Physics will provide skills, workforce development and training in nuclear safety to Sizewell C in addition to identifying further opportunities across the University for collaborative projects, centres and programmes.

The MOU was signed at a celebratory event with the Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotherham, Sizewell C Director of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and Radiation Strategy, Dr Pete Bryant, Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Jones and Professor Laura Harkness.

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool, said: “Signing this important agreement with Sizewell C reflects our commitment as a university to have a positive impact on people, our place and our planet.

“This partnership allows us to utilise and build upon our existing research excellence and facilities in nuclear physics to help the city region achieve its Net Zero ambitions. I look forward to working with Sizewell and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on our shared commitment to sustainability.”

Professor Laura Harkness, Associate pro-Vice Chancellor for Research & Impact for Science & Engineering said: “Partnering with Sizewell C and the LCRA is a great opportunity for the University to strengthen our contribution to addressing the nuclear skills gap, which is crucial for the UK’s economic growth and energy security.  The partnership will enable researchers from across the University to drive innovation and enhance sustainability for Sizewell C."

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “This is a really positive collaboration and a significant step towards achieving our shared goal of a sustainable future.

“By fostering innovation and creating skilled jobs in cutting-edge sectors like nuclear energy, we can help the region meet our ambition of becoming net carbon zero by 2035, whilst continuing to boost economic growth.

“I’m proud that one of our local universities is lending its expertise to this and leading the way in tackling the climate challenges of tomorrow.”

Two PhD students, funded through the partnership, began courses this academic year. The students, funded through Sizewell C and the UKRI SATURN fund, will be delivering research projects within the Physics department, with research focusing on decommissioning pressure water reactors and platinum self-powered neutron detectors.

Professor Pete Bryant, Director of ESG & Radiation Strategy for Sizewell C, said: “The opportunity Sizewell C provides for Britain reaches far beyond clean energy, with the potential to create thousands of jobs and provide economic benefits across the UK. This agreement with the University of Liverpool is the start of our ambition of working with the North of the UK, investing up to £2.5bn with businesses, and creating a high skilled workforce equipped to tackle the UK’s nuclear ambitions.”

A British project, majority owned by the government, Sizewell C will support thousands of jobs across the UK, creating 1,500 apprenticeships, and will deliver over 70% of its construction value to British suppliers. The Sizewell C Consortium, a group of more than 200 UK companies supporting the build, have previously agreed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the North, alongside Wales, and the East of England.

Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, said: “This is an exciting collaboration for Sizewell C and a perfect example of the kind of legacy we want this project to leave here in the UK. Working closely with the University, building on our existing commitments to the north of England, we can help develop the region as a key centre of nuclear skills, expertise, and opportunities.”

[caption id="attachment_123385" align="alignnone" width="600"] Sizewell C, CGI Arial view[/caption]

Lead photo caption:

L to R: Professor Pete Bryant, Director of ESG & Radiation Strategy for Sizewell C, Professor Tim Jones Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, Steve Rotherham, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Professor Laura Harkness, Associate pro-Vice Chancellor for Research & Impact for Science & Engineering