280. A growing nuclear industry can make a significant contribution to UK jobs and growth, but rapid expansion of nuclear power could lead to some bottlenecks in supply chains and skills pools. Many responses to the Review highlighted how the existing industry supports UK jobs and growth, across a variety of skill sets, from construction to decommissioning. However, they also highlighted that to match government's ambitions, UK supply chains and skills pools will need to grow significantly to meet demand over the coming years. In particular in relation to skills, industry representatives agreed that cross-sectoral collaboration rather than competition would be beneficial, requiring some government involvement and potentially taking a wider view than just the nuclear industry.
281. The responses to the Review also highlighted the need for more to be done to develop domestic fuel enrichment capability, including the potential for UK processing facilities for uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) used in advanced reactors to reduce supply chain risks. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for further government support for businesses exploring export opportunities.
282. Based on the nuclear roadmap referred to above, Government, Great British Nuclear and industry should identify potential bottlenecks and issues as relates to supply chain and skills and agree actions to address these. They should also consider appropriate commitments to boost the resilience of the UK supply chain.