Sheffield Forgemasters, the exclusive supplier of ultra-large, nuclear-grade forgings in the UK, has welcomed the findings of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) report on the future of nuclear energy in the United Kingdom.
The APPG report underscores Sheffield Forgemasters’ distinguished 70+ years of manufacturing cast and forged components for nuclear applications. It emphasizes the crucial importance of establishing a UK-first supply chain for the next generation of nuclear power plants, positioning the UK at the forefront of nuclear advancements, surpassing any European nation.
As the sole supplier of ultra-large, nuclear-grade forgings, Sheffield Forgemasters has played a pivotal role in developing some of the world’s most advanced technologies for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The report suggests that Sheffield Forgemasters, along with other UK companies, could contribute to a renaissance in British nuclear energy, potentially adding £20 billion to the UK economy.
Dominic Ashmore, Head of Strategy and Business Development – Clean Energy at Sheffield Forgemasters, commented on the significance of the “Pathway to a Nuclear Renaissance Report.” He highlighted the potential £20 billion value to the UK economy and emphasized the need to capitalize on UK manufacturing capabilities.
With a specific focus on SMR technologies, the report envisions the UK quickly becoming a global leader in the manufacturing and implementation of these reactors. Sheffield Forgemasters, with its existing skills and technology, is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in this ambitious plan.
Ashmore highlighted the company’s ongoing investments in site recapitalization, including the construction of a larger, 13,000-tonne forging press and plans for a state-of-the-art machining facility. These developments build upon Sheffield Forgemasters’ remarkable track record in nuclear manufacturing.
The launch of Great British Nuclear (GBN) in July 2023 aims to initiate the next generation of nuclear deployment in the UK. The APPG report suggests that a Nuclear Roadmap should establish key targets to achieve this goal, outlining a program to create 24 GW of nuclear power.
Targets include the delivery of large-scale nuclear power plants and defining sites for Small Modular Reactors to meet UK requirements and facilitate the manufacturing of these smaller units for export markets.
With Rolls-Royce SMR, based in the UK, already registered as one of six down-selected reactor designers for the UK, the production for both domestic and export markets could commence relatively swiftly, potentially creating around 250,000 skilled jobs.
Dominic Ashmore acknowledged the challenge of training and delivering a skilled workforce and highlighted Sheffield Forgemasters’ commitment to addressing this challenge through its apprenticeships program, constituting ten percent of the workforce at any given time and demonstrating a strategic approach to preserving and developing essential skills.