The United Kingdom has launched a new effort to strengthen its defense and civil nuclear industry.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged a $963 million investment to build a skilled workforce to fill 40,000 new jobs in the nuclear sector by 2030. The government is working with industry leaders such as Babcock, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and EDF Energy to create education opportunities and increase the number of science and nuclear fission specialists.
The government leader also unveiled the Barrow Transformation Fund, which aims to develop the Cumbrian town of Barrow-in-Furness – central to the U.K.’s submarine production – to become a more attractive place to live and work. Sunak committed an immediate $25 million in funding and an additional $25 million a year over the next decade to transform Barrow.
“Safeguarding the future of our nuclear deterrent and nuclear energy industry is a critical national endeavor,” Sunak said. “In a more dangerous and contested world, the U.K.’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent is more vital than ever.”
“And nuclear delivers cheaper, cleaner home-grown energy for consumers,” he added.
