The Midlands has the expertise, industrial capabilities and research excellence to play a major role in delivering the UK’s nuclear ambitions, according to leading figures from government, industry and academia who gathered at a high-level policy roundtable in Westminster.

The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) convened the roundtable, Powering Britain’s Nuclear Future: How the Midlands Can Deliver the UK’s Fission and Fusion Ambitions, as part of Back Nuclear Energy Week in Westminster on 13 October 2026.

Sponsored by Lord Rooker and chaired by Jacob Vivian, Head of Net Zero at the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and lead for Midlands Nuclear, the event brought together senior representatives from across the nuclear sector to explore how the region can build on its existing strengths and accelerate delivery of the UK’s nuclear ambitions.

The roundtable brought together representatives from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Rolls-Royce Nuclear, EDF, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Ansaldo Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis, Equilibrion, NSG Environmental, the Trent Supercluster, the Universities of Nottingham and Derby, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), Midlands Nuclear and the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA).

Building on the Midlands’ nuclear strengths

The Midlands is already home to an exceptional concentration of nuclear expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, world-class research and strategically important projects.

These include the UK’s pioneering STEP fusion programme at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, Rolls-Royce’s nuclear engineering expertise in Derby, established nuclear supply chains and internationally recognised university research across fission, fusion, materials science and advanced engineering.

The region also benefits from extensive manufacturing expertise in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, rail and defence, providing significant opportunities for businesses to diversify into nuclear and contribute to major national programmes.

A Midlands Nuclear Supply Chain Study, commissioned by Midlands Nuclear and the Midlands Net Zero Hub, has identified more than 2,000 businesses across the region with capabilities potentially relevant to the nuclear industry, highlighting the scale of the opportunity.

Participants recognised the substantial progress already made in developing the partnerships, infrastructure and expertise needed to support nuclear growth. The challenge now is to build on this momentum, helping businesses access new opportunities and ensuring that the region’s capabilities translate into investment, innovation and skilled employment.

Accelerating nuclear investment and delivery

A central theme of the roundtable was the importance of turning the UK’s nuclear ambitions into practical opportunities for businesses, researchers and the wider economy.

Several key themes emerged from the discussion, including the need for greater visibility of future nuclear projects and procurement opportunities, giving businesses the confidence to invest in facilities, technologies and workforce development.

Participants also explored how the Midlands’ considerable manufacturing and engineering expertise could be harnessed more effectively to strengthen nuclear supply chains, alongside the importance of building on existing skills initiatives to meet growing demand for specialist workers.

The role of universities and research organisations in accelerating technological innovation, addressing industrial challenges and developing the next generation of nuclear expertise was another important focus.

There was also strong recognition of the value of closer collaboration between government, industry, universities and regional organisations, building on the foundations already established through initiatives such as Midlands Nuclear to accelerate delivery and maximise economic benefits.

A major opportunity for the Midlands

Nick King, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Energy Research Accelerator, said:

“The Midlands has enormous potential to play a leading role in Britain’s nuclear future. We have an outstanding combination of world-class universities, advanced manufacturing expertise, innovative businesses and major nuclear developments, including the STEP fusion programme at West Burton. Importantly, we’re not starting from scratch – there’s already a huge amount of expertise, investment and collaboration taking place across the region.

“The opportunity now is to build on these achievements, strengthen collaboration and accelerate delivery. With the right support and coordination, the Midlands can make a major contribution to the UK’s energy security, while attracting significant investment, creating highly skilled jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for the region.”

Turning ambition into action

The roundtable highlighted the Midlands’ growing importance to the UK’s nuclear future and the opportunities to build on existing regional strengths to support national energy security, economic growth and the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

ERA is now drawing together the insights from the discussion to inform a policy briefing exploring how the region can strengthen its contribution to the UK’s nuclear ambitions, including opportunities around supply chains, skills, research, innovation and regional collaboration.

Through its partnership of eight Midlands universities and the British Geological Survey, ERA will continue to work with government, industry and regional organisations to connect expertise, strengthen partnerships and support the development of the UK’s nuclear sector.