The measures, aimed at the Yorkshire and the North West areas, will support a low carbon economy according to Lord Mandleson.

Speaking at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield today (December 3) he said: “We know we have to make the transition to a low carbon future.

“And the Government is determined to ensure British businesses get the support they need to seize the business opportunities that transition creates.

“The civil nuclear sector is one of the key low carbon industries where the UK has the potential for job creation, economic growth and engineering and manufacturing excellence.

“Today’s announcement is about investing in our future – a greener, smarter, more skilled, more balanced British economy.”

Among the announcements were an additional £8m to upgrade the nuclear laboratories at Manchester University’s Dalton Nuclear Institute.

Creating a Nuclear Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) in the North West and Yorkshire, led by North West Development Agency in collaboration with Yorkshire Forward.

Rolls Royce will also base its planned new civil nuclear factory in the region as part of an investment programme announced in July which included £45m of Government investment.

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe