Great Northern Conference: STEP programme is 'game-changer' for North
The transformation of a former coal-fired power station into a hub for the delivery of clean energy provides a “game-changing” opportunity for the North of England, GNC delegates were told.
The STEP programme is creating the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant in North Nottinghamshire.
The wider economic role of the former power station site at West Burton, which is being turned into a hub for energy and skills, came under the spotlight at a plenary session which analysed how the North could thrive through innovation.
Ben Bradley, head of communications and engagement at STEP Fusion, said devolution in the North provided an ability to invest in skills and infrastructure to build globally significant hubs for growth and innovation.
“As an example, we sit in the middle of an energy super cluster that includes fusion technology and small modular reactor technology and clean hydrogen.
“That’s game-changing. That’s a whole eco-system that’s built around clean energy development.”
Mr Bradley, who is a former MP, leads the strategic development and delivery of all internal and external communications at STEP Fusion. His connection to the STEP programme dates from 2021, when he led the campaign to bring STEP Fusion to West Burton as leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.
Mr Bradley said we needed to make sure that businesses in this region form part of that supply chain and growth opportunity “to be able to get into this sector that is very exciting for the future”.
“It makes the North a very exciting place to live and work.”
Mr Bradley added: “We sit right on the border of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. We’ve got to help people get into the fusion industry or wider manufacturing and engineering related to it.”
Andrew McPhillips, chief economist of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, highlighted the importance of the continued growth of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), which had required long-term commitment to make it a success.
Sian Booth, head of policy and partnerships at Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, said the North of England had plenty of tenacious, audacious entrepreneurs.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to try to replicate what is done elsewhere in the world. There is a uniqueness to Yorkshire.”
Prof Russell Goodall, deputy director University of Sheffield, said: “One of the many things in the region we do truly world-leading work on is in advanced forging of metal; a process which is done at scale.”