Nuclear South West Winter Conference 2026

This year’s Nuclear South West Winter Conference brings together senior civil servants, MPs, industry leaders, investors, academia and the business community to explore how the region can position itself at the forefront of the UK’s nuclear future. Through keynote insights, case studies and panel discussions, the event will examine the capabilities already embedded in the South West, the new opportunities emerging, and the actions needed to convert regional strengths into investment, jobs and long-term growth.

Panels and discussions will be facilitated by experienced broadcasters and communicators, including Matthew Williams of SEC Newgate and Matt Burley, NSW Board Member, ensuring lively, informed and engaging debate throughout the morning.

Opening Remarks – Jay Bhart – Assystem and Chair of Nuclear South West

A welcome and strategic overview from Jay Bhart, setting the context for the day and highlighting the critical role that the South West will play in delivering the nation's nuclear ambitions, strengthening energy security, and driving economic growth.

Keynote Address – Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Nuclear

Simon will share his perspective on the UK's nuclear ambitions and the role the South West can play in delivering them. His keynote will explore the region's unique combination of energy assets, industrial capability, innovation strengths and skills base, and the opportunities this creates for investment, growth and long-term energy security.

Case Study Panel 1: Supply Chain Retooling for Future Nuclear Programmes

Repurposing HPC capability for upcoming opportunities: Corinne Matthews – Somerset Council, Andrew Cockcroft - EDF and Jason Marley - Framatome explore how the South West’s extensive HPC experience can be leveraged for Sizewell C, SMRs, AMRs and defence programmes. This session examines practical retooling, lessons learned, and how regional suppliers can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Case Study 2: Critical Minerals & Isotopes for Nuclear, Fusion and R&D

Including lithium and the wider research landscape Professor Tom Scott – South West Nuclear Hub provides a deep dive into the materials underpinning next‑generation nuclear and fusion technologies. The session highlights the UK’s research strengths, emerging industrial opportunities, and the strategic importance of securing supply chains for critical minerals and isotopes.

Nuclear Skills: Building a Workforce  

Understanding the skills mix and future capability needs with Debbie Joce - Babcock & Mark Rouse – NDA

Hydrogen South West: Strategic Update

David Eccles – Hydrogen South West outlines the region’s pivot toward e‑fuels and the role of nuclear‑enabled hydrogen. This session examines how hydrogen can unlock new industrial pathways, support decarbonisation and create investable propositions for the South West.

Case Study Panel 3: Unlocking the Severn Edge Opportunity

New nuclear build, manufacturing potential, hydrogen and wider energy systems Zoe Stollard – Browne Jacobson, Stefan Cecchini - Turnball Infrastructure & Utilities and Anna Tyler‑Revell - NRS discuss the transformative potential of Severn Edge, from new build prospects to manufacturing clusters, hydrogen integration and multi‑vector energy systems. This panel explores how the South West can shape and benefit from this nationally significant opportunity.

Investor & Developer Panel

What investors need to make decisions and what appeals about the South West. Rob Proctor DPA, Ian Hudson TerraPower and John Gane Babcock share insights on investment drivers, project risk, supply chain readiness and why the South West is increasingly attractive for nuclear‑related development.

• Understand the major opportunities emerging from the UK’s nuclear growth.
• Hear directly from industry leaders, investors and developers.
• Learn how the South West can convert capability into investment and delivery.
• Gain insight into the skills, supply chain and innovation requirements for future programmes.
• Connect with senior decision-makers shaping the next decade of nuclear deployment.

Closing Remarks – Jay Bhart : A summary of the key messages, actions and commitments needed to ensure the South West remains central to the UK’s nuclear ambitions.