popular articles

Socio-Economic Assessment of the Hartlepool Nuclear Reactor Project

Teesside University will lead a socio-economic assessment for the Xe-100 (320MWe) nuclear reactor project at Hartlepool, in collaboration with X-energy and Cavendish Nuclear.
Projet nucléaire au Royaume-Uni.

Please share:

Teesside University, in partnership with X-energy and Cavendish Nuclear, has launched a socio-economic assessment for the project to build a new-generation nuclear reactor at Hartlepool. The project, which involves the installation of twelve Xe-100 reactors, is a key initiative to strengthen energy security and achieve the UK ‘s decarbonization objectives. The assessment, led by Professor Matthew Cotton of Teesside University, will draw on the expertise of the university’s business, social sciences and law schools. The Xe-100 reactor project, designed to operate as a 320MWe power plant or in 80MWe units, represents a significant investment in energy infrastructure. Xe-100 reactors are based on decades of research and development in high-temperature reactors (HTGR), and are suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications thanks to their ability to deliver high thermal power.

Economic and environmental impact

The socio-economic assessment aims to examine the project’s impact on employment, skills, supply chain contracts and investment in the Tees Valley region. Initial estimates indicate that construction of the plant will employ thousands of workers, with hundreds of permanent jobs once the reactors are operational. The project is part-funded by the UK government via the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund, which allocated £3.34 million in April 2023, matched by an equal investment from X-energy. Carol Tansley, Vice President of X-energy and market leader in the UK, emphasized the importance of this project for the local economy and energy security: “Our nuclear power plant project represents a fantastic economic and employment opportunity, as well as making a vital contribution to energy security and decarbonization.”

Assessment and Future Prospects

The assessment method involves analysis of available socio-economic data and consultation with local stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders and sector experts. Professor Cotton said: “It is essential to understand the impact this project will have on the Tees Valley region. By analyzing the socio-economic considerations, we can determine the best actions to maximize the benefits and mitigate the impacts.” In addition to the immediate benefits, the Hartlepool nuclear reactor project is designed to bring long-term benefits in terms of productivity and regional economic growth. Mick Gornall, Managing Director of Cavendish Nuclear, added: “A project of this scale can boost the regional economy by creating local supply chains and infrastructure. We estimate that a national fleet of 40 Xe-100 reactors could bring around £20 billion of investment to the UK.”

Contribution to National Decarbonization Objectives

The Xe-100 project is part of the UK’s efforts to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2050. By providing a reliable, low-carbon source of electricity, these reactors will play a role in the country’s energy transition. What’s more, Xe-100 reactors are designed to integrate seamlessly with renewable energy systems, offering greater flexibility and reliability to the power grid. Teesside University and its partners will also examine potential industrial applications for the reactors, such as the production of hydrogen and aviation fuel, thus enhancing energy diversification and sustainability. Teesside University’s socio-economic assessment of the Xe-100 nuclear reactor project at Hartlepool is a key element in the initiative to strengthen energy security and achieve the UK’s decarbonization objectives. By mobilizing diverse expertise and collaborating with local and national players, this project promises to generate substantial economic benefits and promote innovation in the energy sector.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The European project EU-CONVERSION aims to develop new fuels to convert research reactors that currently use highly enriched uranium. This initiative, supported by scientific institutions and industry players, represents a key issue for nuclear safety and non-proliferation.
French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.
French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed Spain’s progress in nuclear and radiological safety. A review mission highlighted the improvement of the regulatory framework and the implementation of recommendations made in 2018.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed Spain’s progress in nuclear and radiological safety. A review mission highlighted the improvement of the regulatory framework and the implementation of recommendations made in 2018.
The UK government is easing restrictions on nuclear power plant construction, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). While this technology is still under development, it attracts several companies but poses technical and financial challenges.
The UK government is easing restrictions on nuclear power plant construction, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). While this technology is still under development, it attracts several companies but poses technical and financial challenges.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is expanding its energy technology siting program to include fusion, hydrogen, and battery storage. This initiative aims to attract investors and industrial players to accelerate the development and commercialization of new energy solutions in Canada.
The new Belgian government, led by Bart De Wever, plans to expand the country's nuclear capacity to 8 gigawatts, including the extension of existing reactors and the construction of new units. This decision requires a revision of the 2003 law on nuclear phase-out.
The new Belgian government, led by Bart De Wever, plans to expand the country's nuclear capacity to 8 gigawatts, including the extension of existing reactors and the construction of new units. This decision requires a revision of the 2003 law on nuclear phase-out.
The Indian government is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector involvement in civil nuclear energy. Tata Power is closely monitoring these developments, particularly regarding the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology still in the research phase.
The Indian government is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act to facilitate private sector involvement in civil nuclear energy. Tata Power is closely monitoring these developments, particularly regarding the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology still in the research phase.
A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed safety practices at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operated by Rosatom. The audit highlighted advancements in operational safety while recommending targeted improvements.
A mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed safety practices at the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant, operated by Rosatom. The audit highlighted advancements in operational safety while recommending targeted improvements.
Swedish developer Blykalla has begun construction of a pilot facility to test a prototype of an advanced modular reactor. This project aims to validate key components and safety systems, with the support of industrial partners and public funding.
Indonesia is accelerating the development of its nuclear program and could become the first country in Southeast Asia to deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) by 2030. Despite competition from renewable energy, Jakarta is betting on nuclear power to diversify its energy mix.
Indonesia is accelerating the development of its nuclear program and could become the first country in Southeast Asia to deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) by 2030. Despite competition from renewable energy, Jakarta is betting on nuclear power to diversify its energy mix.
Georgia Power plans to increase the capacity of its Hatch and Vogtle nuclear plants to address an estimated demand growth of 8200 MW by 2030. The company is focusing on uprates and exploring the addition of new nuclear capacity in the long term.
Georgia Power plans to increase the capacity of its Hatch and Vogtle nuclear plants to address an estimated demand growth of 8200 MW by 2030. The company is focusing on uprates and exploring the addition of new nuclear capacity in the long term.
GEN energija has selected Westinghouse and EDF to conduct a technical feasibility study on Slovenia's JEK2 nuclear project. KHNP, initially in the race, has decided not to submit a bid due to a strategic shift.
GEN energija has selected Westinghouse and EDF to conduct a technical feasibility study on Slovenia's JEK2 nuclear project. KHNP, initially in the race, has decided not to submit a bid due to a strategic shift.
The Sizewell C nuclear power plant project in the UK is progressing as planned, without delays or cost overruns. Project leaders presented an initial progress report to parliamentarians, highlighting significant financial and industrial advancements.
The EDF group revises upward its nuclear electricity production estimates for 2025, 2026 and 2027, incorporating the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) of Flamanville 3 despite delays and fluctuations observed in recent years.
The EDF group revises upward its nuclear electricity production estimates for 2025, 2026 and 2027, incorporating the EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) of Flamanville 3 despite delays and fluctuations observed in recent years.
The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASNR) has validated the continuation of tests on the Flamanville EPR by authorizing EDF to exceed the 25% nominal power threshold, a crucial step in the power ramp-up program.
The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASNR) has validated the continuation of tests on the Flamanville EPR by authorizing EDF to exceed the 25% nominal power threshold, a crucial step in the power ramp-up program.
The CRE (Commission of Energy Regulation) states that the new nuclear price regulation mechanism aims to protect consumers, despite the RN's political opposition.
The CRE (Commission of Energy Regulation) states that the new nuclear price regulation mechanism aims to protect consumers, despite the RN's political opposition.
EDF's project to build a technocenter for recycling low-level radioactive metal waste on the site of the former Fessenheim nuclear power plant is reigniting local tensions, between economic hopes and environmental concerns.
Standard Lithium and Equinor announced Smackover Lithium as the official name of their joint venture developing direct lithium extraction projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.
Standard Lithium and Equinor announced Smackover Lithium as the official name of their joint venture developing direct lithium extraction projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.
The release of DeepSeek’s R1 model, with reduced energy requirements, challenges the predicted energy consumption of data centers powering artificial intelligence.
The release of DeepSeek’s R1 model, with reduced energy requirements, challenges the predicted energy consumption of data centers powering artificial intelligence.
Since the startup of the Flamanville EPR reactor in May 2024, nearly 50 significant events have been reported by the ASN, with no impact on safety or the environment. These anomalies are mainly related to human factors and team coordination.
Since the startup of the Flamanville EPR reactor in May 2024, nearly 50 significant events have been reported by the ASN, with no impact on safety or the environment. These anomalies are mainly related to human factors and team coordination.
In 2024, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) handled 71 reports of irregularities in the nuclear industry, compared to 43 in 2023. This marked increase is seen as a sign of stronger oversight and better alert reporting by operators.
Bayridge Resources Corp. has received a level 2 drilling permit to explore up to 30 drilling sites at its Constellation project in the Athabasca Basin. The company plans to launch a multi-phase drilling program, with the first phase fully funded.
Bayridge Resources Corp. has received a level 2 drilling permit to explore up to 30 drilling sites at its Constellation project in the Athabasca Basin. The company plans to launch a multi-phase drilling program, with the first phase fully funded.
Nuclear Fuels Inc. has identified two new uranium mineralized zones in its Kaycee project located in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. These discoveries, made during an exploratory drilling program, pave the way for a 2025 delineation campaign.
Nuclear Fuels Inc. has identified two new uranium mineralized zones in its Kaycee project located in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. These discoveries, made during an exploratory drilling program, pave the way for a 2025 delineation campaign.
Swedish manufacturer Alleima signs a second major order with Doosan Enerbility for the supply of steam generator tubes for NuScale Power's Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Swedish manufacturer Alleima signs a second major order with Doosan Enerbility for the supply of steam generator tubes for NuScale Power's Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Advertising