R&D centre to grow UK nuclear's modular manufacturing expertise

Based at Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead site, the facility will be used to develop a host of off-site assembly and manufacturing techniques to support the UK’s nuclear new build program.

Modular techniques are already widely used in shipbuilding, aerospace and other safety-critical industries and are thought to hold great promise for the nuclear sector, where they could reduce construction risk and help deliver new power stations to schedule and cost.

With over 1,000m² of workshop space, the new facility will host specialised machining, joining and assembly equipment to develop and prove modular manufacturing techniques for nuclear applications. Work will address modular manufacturing for new reactors of all sizes, as well as the challenges of decommissioning and waste management.

Andrew Storer, managing director of the Nuclear AMRC, said: “Our new Birkenhead facility extends our capabilities into an area of huge interest and importance to the nuclear industry. Modularisation reduces risk in manufacturing and construction, and will help developers build new power stations on schedule and on budget, meeting our national targets for secure, cost-effective, low-carbon electricity generation.