Net Zero North West (NZNW) is pleased to announce that Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA) and Offshore Energy Alliance (OEA) cluster are the latest organisations to join the industrial cluster as affiliate members.

The announcement is a further boost to NZNW’s focus on building a fully geographic and sector representative partnership to drive a Whole System approach to delivery of the cluster.

Nuclear power is poised to play a key role in the drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions, both as a consistent and dependable supply of electricity that is essential for maintaining grid stability and as a competitive energy source from which to produce affordable, low-carbon hydrogen on a large scale.

The North West has the highest concentration of nuclear expertise in the UK, with more than 29,000 highly skilled, direct jobs in the sector and 140,000 roles supported indirectly through the supply chain. In 2024, the nuclear sector contributed £5bn in direct spending and £4.9bn in gross value added to the North West’s economy. With a projected annual growth rate of 8.34%, the industry has the potential to deliver more than £15bn to the regional economy by 2030 along with a 49% increase in employment.

“Working with NZNW will be key to championing the wealth of nuclear capability, capacity and expertise in our region. The importance of the nuclear sector is not just as an economic powerhouse; it is a cornerstone of the UK’s net zero ambitions and a beacon of hope for a sustainable future,” commented Rachel O’Donnell, chair of NNA.

“If Silicon Valley is synonymous with technology, the North West is its nuclear equivalent. The Birchwood Nuclear Hub in Warrington brings together more than 6,000 nuclear specialists from more than 30 organisations. Much of the work to design the world’s first nuclear reactor was done here in the 1950s and today it stands as the UK’s leading centre for nuclear engineering and innovation, driving advancements that will shape the global energy landscape,” she added.

Meanwhile, OEA is an offshore and energy supply chain cluster for North Wales and the North West of England. It is a collective of public and private partners including the Welsh government, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Enterprising Cumbria. Menai Science Park (M-SParc) on Anglesey is the cluster’s secretariat, while active offshore wind and tidal developers also support the cluster’s activities. OEA partners work together to promote wider involvement in offshore wind, tidal and other low-carbon energy sectors.



Although made up of the three sub-regions of North Wales, Merseyside and Cumbria, the OEA’s free and inclusive approach ensures that engagement across a range of both technologies and locations is welcomed. The cluster is linked directly to commitments made between UK government and industry in 2019 and was established as part of the UK’s offshore wind sector deal.

Helen K Thomas of RWE and Stuart Barnes of EnBW, co-chairs of the OEA cluster, jointly commented: “We’re pleased to announce this strategic partnership between the OEA and NZNW. This marks a significant step in aligning our collective efforts to drive industrial decarbonisation across North Wales and the North West of England.

“By working together, we can accelerate progress on shared priorities, whether that’s championing policies that unlock low carbon innovation, developing the required skills and future workforce needs for the energy transition, or unlocking investment in critical infrastructure. Our regions are rich in opportunity and capability - through this collaboration, we can ensure our local industries, supply chains and communities can play a key role in delivering the UK’s net zero future,” they continued.

Affiliate membership of NZNW is designed to deliver a framework of greater collaboration between the organisation and like-minded sector and project alliances and cluster bodies by focusing on shared goals and outputs around industrial decarbonisation.

As the North West moves increasingly into a delivery phase, members have the unique opportunity to shape the ways in which the region meets its low-carbon targets by contributing to the collective efforts of the other institutions working within the cluster.

Jane Gaston, CEO of NZNW, said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome NNA and OEA to our organisation. Nuclear power is something that will enable so many of our members to meet their net zero goals, while OEA’s work in expanding offshore renewable energy access will also significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“Both organisations will be assets to NZNW and our members, as we collaborate and share knowledge to drive innovation in clean technologies and decarbonise industry in our region,” she added.