INFINITY is developing the 200-acre park, where the Rolls-Royce Nuclear Skills Academy already operates, to bring prototyping, digital engineering, testing and training onto one site. Rolls-Royce estimates the wider project will create 17,500 skilled jobs in the East Midlands.
The partners plan to develop facilities for hot isostatic pressing, power beam welding and additive manufacturing. INFINITY wants manufacturers and specialist suppliers to use the site to develop components for regulated industries, with the aim of increasing output while cutting material use and unit costs.
Lee Warren, engineering and technology director at Rolls-Royce Submarines, said the company needed to explore new manufacturing methods as it increased output and prepared to supply reactors to Australia under AUKUS. Rolls-Royce supplies reactor equipment and components for the UK’s Astute and Dreadnought submarine programmes.
“The INFINITY technology park means we can focus on delivery at our Raynesway site in Derby, while continuing to lead the way in advanced manufacturing techniques for the next generation of nuclear power from purpose-built facilities,” Warren said. “It further enhances Derby’s reputation as a hub for nuclear expertise.”
“The role for INFINITY is to provide new capabilities for advanced manufacturing scale-up to support UK Defence,” said Professor Gary Jones, INFINITY’s chief executive. “I am very proud to announce our partnership and look forward to working with Rolls-Royce Submarines.”
The park is also intended to serve the fusion, fission and aerospace sectors. UK Fusion Energy has separately partnered with INFINITY to help shape the facilities around the needs of STEP Fusion, the UK programme to develop a prototype fusion power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire.
