The area has an established and growing cluster of industrial expertise in clean energy and energy innovation.

Cheshire and Warrington is one of the UK’s leading centres for clean energy, nuclear innovation and advanced engineering. At the heart of this ecosystem is Birchwood Park, home to major industry players including National Nuclear Laboratory, Wood, Rolls-Royce SMR and Sellafield Ltd. Together, these organisations are shaping the next generation of nuclear power while supporting the safe decommissioning of existing facilities in the UK and internationally.

Nearby at Capenhurst, Urenco produces around a third of the world’s enriched uranium and plays a major role in nuclear fuel and decommissioning operations. Birchwood also hosts a specialist high-temperature testing facility, established by Wood with UK Government backing, supporting research into advanced nuclear reactors, fusion technologies and next-generation energy systems.

The region is also driving innovation in low-carbon transport and smart energy networks. Projects such as My Electric Avenue and Electric Nation, led by EA Technology, are helping the UK prepare electricity networks for the rapid growth of electric vehicles.

At Thornton Science Park, cutting-edge research continues through the UK’s Energy Security and Observation System for the Sub-Surface (ESIOS), advancing understanding of energy infrastructure and underground resources.

Meanwhile, Protos is emerging as a major strategic energy hub focused on low-carbon and circular economy technologies, with the potential to attract £1.5 billion in investment and create up to 13,000 jobs. The region’s unique industrial heritage and geology also make it ideally placed for hydrogen production, fuel cell technologies, geothermal heat networks and large-scale energy storage.

Cheshire is already home to some of the UK’s largest underground gas storage facilities, including the Stublach Gas Storage Facility, operated by Storengy — the UK’s largest onshore gas storage site and a key part of the country’s future energy resilience.

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