Nuclear Research Centre Faces Closure ThreatNuclear Research Centre Faces Closure Threat An MP has expressed concern over planned redundancies at a nuclear research center at the University of Sheffield, warning that they could lead to the site’s closure. The university has submitted redundancy applications for approximately 100 specialist technical jobs at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) due to a reorganization. University’s Response The university has initiated a 90-day consultation period to review the proposals and consider future options. Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts stated that the AMRC’s structure needs to be modified to align with clean energy research and innovation priorities. Despite the redundancies, the university emphasized that core manufacturing research and development activities will remain in place. MP’s Concerns Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, expressed fears that the redundancies could lead to the site’s disappearance. He pointed out that the AMRC plays a vital role in the UK’s research capability and is essential for achieving net zero targets. Betts plans to request assistance from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, highlighting the significant public funding already invested in the center. Importance of Nuclear Energy Betts stressed the importance of nuclear energy as a base load for a low-carbon electricity system. He emphasized that renewable energy sources, such as onshore wind, are significant contributors to net zero targets, but nuclear energy remains crucial for a secure and reliable supply. University’s Commitment Professor Lamberts assured that the university is dedicated to reducing the need for redundancies and supporting staff through the transition. The university cited the AMRC’s involvement in designing and manufacturing Small Module Reactors (SMRs) as a promising area for growth and opportunities in the South Yorkshire region. Background Established in 2011, the Nuclear AMRC aids UK companies in securing contracts in the nuclear sector through research and innovation. Its website indicates activity in various aspects of nuclear power plant operations and low-carbon production sectors.
An MP has warned that planned redundancies at a nuclear research centre at the University of Sheffield could lead to the site being closed.
The university has submitted redundancy applications for its staff due to a reorganisation at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), which will see around 100 specialist technical jobs at risk.
The university said it has launched a 90-day consultation period to review the proposals and explore future options.
Clive Betts, the Labour MP for Sheffield South East, said he was concerned the site itself would disappear.
However, the university indicated that key research and development activities in manufacturing would continue.
Mr Betts said: “The university must urgently reconsider its decision as it will not only result in the loss of 100 highly skilled jobs but will also damage the UK’s research capability in this area.”
He said he would ask Energy Secretary Ed Miliband “to step in and help, given that so much public funding has already been spent on the centre”.
“Renewable energy sources, particularly onshore wind, are identified as an important contributor to net zero targets,” he said.
“But we also know that nuclear energy must be the base load for any electricity system that is less carbon-intensive.”
‘Important opportunities’
Professor Koen Lamberts, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sheffield, said the structure of the Nuclear AMRC needed to be changed to enable priorities around clean energy research and innovation to be realised.
“The plans mean that the Nuclear AMRC’s core manufacturing research and development activities will be retained by the University of Sheffield,” he said.
“The proposed changes reflect the University’s core strength in nuclear manufacturing research and development.
“Our work supporting the design and manufacture of Small Module Reactors (SMRs) will continue to grow and provide significant opportunities for the South Yorkshire region.”
The Nuclear AMRC, founded in 2011, helps UK companies win contracts in the nuclear sector through research and innovation.
The company’s website states that it is active in “the construction, operation, decommissioning and technological development of nuclear power plants, and in other high-value low-carbon production sectors”.
The university said it was working hard to reduce the need for redundancies and that staff were being supported through the changes.
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter)And InstagramSend your story ideas to [email protected].
More BBC stories
Related Internet Links
