Insights into Clean Energy technologies and processes
Low-Cost Nuclear technologies and assessment of the potential for the UK Market
WECD was commissioned to undertake market research related to nuclear energy technologies – Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The research explored the global market for SMRs and produced estimates of the global market share of a UK SMR design (utilising International Energy Agency and NESO Future Energy Scenarios). Assessment of the market for SMR technologies was based on scenario modelling (including sensitivity analysis informed by discussions with the industry), estimating both the global and the UK markets for nuclear generated capacity (including new build capacity). Applying speed of market penetration and market share assumptions on these estimates provided an assessment of the market for SMR capacity. Market share assumptions for UK SMR in the wider SMR market were then used to estimate the potential market value of UK SMR exports.
A high-level assessment of economic benefits was also produced (in terms of Gross Value Added, jobs and exports) arising for the UK economy from various alternatives to develop SMRs for deployment in the UK. Options development was based on information provided by UKRI and DESNZ (the client group) and consultations with the key industrial and academic partners of the project. This information included estimates of the cost of SMR (design and development work), and the number of units that could be deployed following the completion of the design work.
The market and economic assessments also drew on systematic literature review, desk-based research into clean energy and nuclear investments in Canada, France, Russia, South Korea and the United States and in-depth interviews with scientists, academics, sector experts (e.g. NIRO and NIRAB) and industry (e.g. Rolls Royce).
Low Carbon Vehicles
The University of Bath commissioned WECD to undertake background research and analysis (market and economic impact assessment) to inform University decisions to invest (and seek additional external investment) of a world-class Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) at the University of Bath.
The IAAPS would build on the achievements of the University’s Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre (PVRC) to deliver transformational R&D for future generations of low carbon vehicles (such as electric, hybrid and alternatively fuelled cars). Facilities would be used by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and supply chains, including other research centres and higher education institutions.
Consultations with researchers and industry and our team’s knowledge enables us to map out technologies and processes in the automotive sector that could be affected by the research undertaken by the Institute. We used this mapping to build a bespoke economic model to establish the potential impacts (market, economic and environmental) arising from this research on the automotive sector, the UK and local economy.
To further support the economic and business case for public funding our team also benchmarked the Institute’s potential positioning among similar research centres in the UK.
