Nuclear Crafters
Every industry in the nation has been impacted by the energy crisis brought on by the Ukraine-Russia conflict, but not all of them have the resources to sustain through such trying times. The traditional crafts industries have been struck the hardest. Companies like Rolls Royce have announced plans to roll out SNRs (small modular nuclear reactors) in West Cumbria to aid the country’s battle against the energy crisis and the path to net zero.
The Lake District in Cumbria is home to 21 traditional craft industries and 6% of Ambleside’s population is made up of craftsmen in such industries. Rising costs of energy bills have affected every industry but these soaring costs could threaten the loss of centuries old skills.
“It takes energy, lots of it, to turn sand into glass, barley into beer, clay into tiles and pots, wood into wheels and metal into castings. For such enterprises there is no escape from escalating energy costs.” (Financial Times, 2022) Energy intensive traditional crafts such as ceramics, metalwork and glassware could hugely benefit from clean, cost effective energy to sustain their small businesses and pass on such intricate skills to the future generations.
“As well as creating employment, they support skills, cultural identity and international image.” (Financial Times, 2022) These recent developments could be a great opportunity to adapt and make the next generation of makers more mindful about their energy consumption. This proposal looks at building a platform powered by energy from a small modular nuclear reactor for Lake District's artisans to teach, sell and practise their traditional crafts.
