The Duke of York met leaders of the nuclear industry today on a visit to Amec Foster Wheeler’s laboratories based at Birchwood Park.
His Royal Highness took part in a roundtable discussion with senior industry executives including David Peattie, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Clive White, President of Amec Foster Wheeler’s Clean Energy business said: “The Duke of York is a great advocate for British business, entrepreneurship and skills, so this was a very welcome opportunity for leaders in the nuclear industry to share some of the challenges and opportunities that we currently face.
“We hope this update on UK nuclear will be useful to His Royal Highness in his important role to promote and raise awareness of British science, technology and engineering expertise.”
The Duke of York, who served in the Royal Navy for 22 years as a minesweeper commander and helicopter pilot, toured the Hydrogen Lab 3, an Amec Foster Wheeler laboratory which simulates the conditions inside the nuclear reactors that power the UK’s submarine flotilla.
During the visit to Birchwood Park His Royal Highness also saw the work of the High Temperature Facility, a new laboratory hosted by Amec Foster Wheeler which carries out materials testing on components for the nuclear power reactors of the future.
Commenting on the visit, Martin O’Rourke, Commercial Director at Birchwood Park, said: “Birchwood has long been at the heart of the UK’s nuclear industry, home to the world’s leading nuclear and energy supply chain businesses. You only need look at a list of the nuclear businesses on site here at Birchwood Park to get a feel for the collaboration, innovation and expertise we have on our doorstep.
“We’re extremely proud of the thriving nuclear cluster here, which continues to grow, and are delighted to be able to welcome The Duke of York to Birchwood Park to see some of the pioneering work in action.”
