One year on from the launch of the East Midlands Vision for Growth, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is reflecting on how the Trent Supercluster is becoming the UK’s most important programme for clean energy.
The Trent Supercluster is transforming three former power station sites in north Nottinghamshire – West Burton, Cottam, and High Marnham. The industrial legacy of these sites is the catalyst for the area becoming a globally significant in fusion, hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and high-tech industries.
Together, the developments in the Trent Supercluster could deliver:
At the heart of the Trent Supercluster is the £1.3 billion STEP Fusion programme at West Burton. This nationally significant project aims to deliver the UK’s first prototype power plant.
STEP Fusion represents one of the most important investments into clean energy infrastructure in the country, and will kickstart growth in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and clean energy technologies across the region and beyond.
Over the past year, the programme has moved from vision to delivery with the government appointing a construction partner to begin redevelopment work at the site. Community events have also been successful, giving local people the opportunity to shape plans for the site.
The wider Trent Supercluster programme is also gaining pace.
At High Marnham, plans for a major hydrogen pipeline will link Nottinghamshire to the Humber, marking a step forward for HyMarnham Power’s green hydrogen production facility.
Meanwhile, at Cottam, one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in the UK has been announced. The former power station site is set to become the UK’s first nuclear-powered data centre campus thanks to £11bn of investment. The project, led by Holtec International, EDF, and Tritax, will support the country’s growing demand for secure and sustainable data capacity.
The Trent Supercluster programme is an exemplar partnership initiative with more than 10 organisations across the public sector, private sector, and academia working together to realise the ambition.
While the three sites are located in Nottinghamshire, the East Midlands Combined County Authority is working closely with Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to ensure the benefits are felt in the surrounding regions.
The Trent Supercluster is positioning the East Midlands at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy future and demonstrating how we can lead a new era of industrial innovation.