NuclearCONNECT Edition 7

NuclearCONNECT Cover Section Ed7

16/9/11

12:20

Page 1

NuclearCONNECT

BABCOCK THE UK’S LEADING NUCLEAR ENGINEERING COMPANY

NuclearCONNECT CONNECTING THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY

FOR NUCLEAR MANAGEMENT & PROCUREMENT WWW.NUCLEARCONNECT.CO.UK

SELLAFIELD CLEAN UP FUTURE CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES?

Issue 7 October 2011

You can trust the UK’s largest and most experienced team of nuclear engineers, scientists and technicians to deliver the most complex and critical nuclear projects safely, on-time and within budget.

BABCOCK – THE UK’S LEADING NUCLEAR ENGINEERING COMPANY.

ISSUE 7 October 2011 £9.50

CONFERENCE HERALDS NEW BUILD PROGRESS CONNECTING THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY

Contact Liz Pulford, Head of Communications – Nuclear, Tel: +44 (0) 116 201 5346 or email liz.pulford@babcock.co.uk

www.babcock.co.uk/nuclear | Airports | Communications | Defence | Education | Emergency Services | Energy | International | Nuclear | Property | Rail | Security | Training |

SIZEWELL HOME TO 3 GENERATIONS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS?

REMOTE HANDLING TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS DECOMMISSIONING SOLUTIONS

NuclearCONNECT Cover Section Ed7

16/9/11

12:21

Page 2

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 1

Introduction

Issue 07 1st October - 31st December 2011 MANAGING DIRECTOR Dan Connew T: 01937 580400

Welcome to the seventh edition of NuclearCONNECT, a publication available on-line

SALES DIRECTOR David Wightman T: 01937 580408 E: david.wightman@theconnectseries.co.uk

at www.nuclearconnect.co.uk and in print format.

During the production of this latest edition, NuclearCONNECT launched an online

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Finn Langley T: 01937 580421 E: finn.langley@theconnectseries.co.uk PRODUCTION MANAGER Tracey Bramall T: 01937 580406 E: tracey.bramall@theconnectseries.co.uk

survey to find out a bit more about what you think of the magazine and what you would like to see included in future editions. The results provided some very helpful ideas and also useful statistics, which in the main, showed that we are heading in the right direction. A few of these can be seen on page 14. You can still complete the survey online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LWZCWQ8. We are continually taking your comments on board and we aim to include more of the topics you want

STUDIO MANAGER Andy Bickerdike T: 01937 580407 E: andy.bickerdike@theconnectseries.co.uk

to read about. Please get in touch if you have any suggestions, editorials or photos.

In this issue NuclearCONNECT investigates the future Nuclear lifeline for Cumbria.

We take a closer look at Sizewell, Robotics in Decommissioning and give an update on UK new build timelines. We also take time to speak with Dr Janet Wilson, for many years a nuclear regulator, now with Atkins in the private sector.

Published by

NuclearCONNECT is always looking to improve communication within the nuclear energy industry. We have included a directory to give a handy up to date reference Group Information Services Ltd,

section covering the range of companies, products and services available within this

2 Highcliffe Court, Greenfold Lane, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS22 6RG.

growing industry. If your company isn’t currently listed, please refer to our Inclusion

Tel: (01937) 580400

form on page 108.

Fax: (01937) 580499 Email: office@gisltd.co.uk

For more information on supplying editorial contribution please visit:

Web: www.gisltd.co.uk

www.nuclearconnect.co.uk/contact-us

The design and layout of this directory remains the property of Group Information Services Ltd, it must

I look forward to hearing from you.

not be reproduced or transmitted to a third party without prior written consent. Š April 2010. All of the articles in this publication have been supplied to the

Andy Bickerdike Editor

publisher by external sources. The publisher can not accept responsibility for the accuracy of the content, or for any errors, omissions or mis-statements, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for the copy supplied by the advertisers. The publisher shall not be liable for any direct or indirect or consequential loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of relying on any statement in or omission from these articles.

Opinions expressed in these articles are not the opinions of the publishers.

Visit the NuclearCONNECT Website now at www.nuclearconnect.co.uk

STAND OUT FROM THE REST Contact Sales on 01937 580477 Showcase your company in front of over 3000 key

buyers and decision makers with an Enhanced Directory Listing NuclearCONNECT

1

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 2

Introduction

Industry News 10 First Successful Modules Move Will Drive Quality and Future Delivery

13

11 SME Award Caps an impressive Year for ASL 13 Nukem Technologies An Old Friend A New Arrival

19

14 Survey in Numbers

6

ONET combines French and British nuclear decommissioning technology and experience Bernard Rottner and David Bradbury discuss the similarities between decommissioning in France and the UK.

9

Croft, a British company at the forefront of packaging and containment

4

4

Conference Heralds New Build Progress Penny Lees reviews the NNB2011

NuclearCONNECT survey summary.

Industry News

Feature

15 Nuclear Enterprise Innovative solutions for growth in the nuclear sector.

17 Tesella - Preserving Digital Information Pete Roberts explores the challenges of preserving long-term digital records.

conference and looks at the progress made and future new build plans.

20 NuGen - the Future Nuclear Lifeline for Cumbria?

Penny Lees discusses plans by a high powered consortium to bring nuclear power back to Cumbria.

22 Sellafield Clean Up - Future Contract Opportunities?

Penny Lees comments on the NDA

19 URS - a key Tier 1 organisation in the UK nuclear industry

11

2010/11 report and the plans in place for decommissioning and clean up.

20

THE CONNECT TEAM

Andy Bickerdike Studio Manager

2

NuclearCONNECT

Nichole Birtwhistle Sales Database Manager

Liz Boyle Financial Controller

Jo Brotheridge Data Executive

Tracey Bramall Production Manager

Dan Connew Managing Director

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 3

Introduction

Directory 37 Category Listings Search for companies you need by their category of services.

37 Consulting 53 Engineering, Plant & Equipment

22

28

75 Industry Bodies 77 Infrastructure

Feature 24 Remote Handling Technology delivers Decommissioning Solutions

Diary of Events 26 Diary of events Essential events to attend in the forthcoming months.

Penny Lees takes a look at recent innovative solutions and the technologies behind them.

28 Sizewell, Home to 3 Generations of Nuclear Power Plants?

Penny Lees takes a closer look at Sizewell and 3 generations of nuclear power plants.

24

Julia Dingwall Account Manager

91 Personnel Services & Training Search for companies you need by their name.

32 Global Nuclear Power Generation - Market and Milestones Gareth Davies comments on progressing nuclear new build overseas.

Website For all the latest vacancies Visit the NuclearCONNECT Website now at

Training

www.nuclearconnect.co.uk

34 Handling Conflict

30

Angela Johnson Media Sales

87 Office Management

95 Alphabetical Supplier Listings

Law

30 Under The Skin - Dr Janet Wilson Penny Lees takes time to speak with Dr Janet Wilson, for many years a nuclear regulator, now with Atkins.

85 Nuclear Sites

Finn Langley R & D Manager

32

Oliver Lee Media Sales

James Parnham Media Sales

David Wightman Sales Director

NuclearCONNECT

3

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 4

Feature

Words: Penny Lees Images: NIA

CONFERENCE HERALDS NEW BUILD PROGRESS The NNB2011 event delivered a comprehensive update on progress towards new build, with Government driving further steps forward over the summer.

he Nuclear New Build 2011 [NNB 2011] conference in early July looked long and hard at progress to enable new build and welcomed updates from companies planning to deliver vital UK energy and supply chain investment.

‘We are on the brink of the biggest nuclear renaissance since the 1950s.

The 16GW of new nuclear generation planned by industry equates to investment of around £50billion, delivering at least 5,000 jobs at each of the eight sites listed as suitable for development.’

Horizon chief operating officer Alan

Keynote speaker, Minister for Energy and Climate Change Charles Hendry, emphasised Government commitment to new nuclear, saying ‘We will be a darker, less prosperous nation without it’. His speech also included a number of upbeat statements on the way ahead:

a pre-planning application early in 2012,

‘We want a message around the world that the UK is open for business for new nuclear investment.’

Speaking at the NIA/NI/IMeche organised event the three consortia seeking to develop new nuclear reactors across the country said they are progressing with their plans while awaiting final market reform announcements from the Government.

EDF Energy, Horizon NP and NuGeneration presented their updated plans and answered questions from delegates.

Each thanked Government and the Office for Nuclear Regulation for a strong and pragmatic national response to the Fukushima accident.

‘Over the next decade up to £110billion is needed to replace old nuclear and coal fired power stations and upgrade the grid.

That’s twice the rate of investment of the last decade.’

Vincent de Rivaz confirmed that EDF continues to work on its plans for Hinkley C to be followed by Sizewell and would announce revised dates for delivering the new developments in the Autumn.

Energy and Iberdrola consortium would

T

‘Nuclear is vital for our energy security.

We don’t want to see one reactor built, we want to see a whole fleet by 2050.’

4

NuclearCONNECT

Raymant said that its shareholders remain committed to developing new nuclear stations at Wylfa in Anglesey and Oldbury in South Gloucestershire.

Mr Raymant explained that the Horizon current timetable would be to submit followed by a stage 2 application early in 2013, before applying for the development consent order from the Infrastructure Planning Commission in the second half of 2013.

NuGen chief operating officer Olivier Carret announced that the consortium had contracted Arup as its lead planning consultants and will launch details of a supply chain register towards the end of 2011. He added that the GDF Suez, Scottish & Southern take a final decision on investment in nuclear plants in 2015 and would then expect to start work at its proposed site in Sellafield.

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 5

Feature

Time is fast approaching when the nuclear supply chain, long awaiting the benefit of new build work programmes in the UK, can move ahead at full throttle to deliver.

Together these announcements have given a solid platform for the consortia seeking to invest in new nuclear to proceed further with development plans.

WYLFA PROGRESS PLANS ■

Competition for delivery consortia involving ‘Nuclear Power Delivery UK’ Westinghouse, Shaw Group and Laing O’Rourke; ‘Areva NP’- Areva, Balfour Beatty-Vinci and Siemens ongoing.

Final Selection of this delivery team awaits the final Weightman Report.

■

Site works element of a 6 month intermediate ground investigation project completed in July.

■

Registration for companies interested in doing business through Horizon encouraged via suppliers@horizonpower.com

■

Formal planning application for new reactors expected winter 2011, initially for Wylfa followed later for Oldbury, to deliver up to 6MW by 2025.

DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES FOR HINKLEY C ■

July 28: West Somerset District Council issued approvals for site preparation work to get underway.

The preparatory excavations will create up to 500 jobs, the majority open to the local workforce.

■

The Construction phase is expected to inject £100m per year into the local economy, with £25m worth of measures to mitigate the impact of the new build project.

■

July 29: Applications for the Nuclear Site Licence via the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environmental Permits to the Environment Agency submitted by NNB Generation Company Ltd, the subsidiary of EDF Energy with partner Centrica which will operate the plant.

■

Horizon announce that for transparency the Nuclear Site Licence and Environmental Permit documents are available via www.edfenergyconsultation .info /nslandepa.

■

August 15: Key contract signed with Areva to begin the forging process of major elements of the UK EPR components which require long lead time.

In the weeks following the conference Government continued to move forward necessary legislation in support of its aims for nuclear energy development: ■

which could have resulted in undue delay. Under the NPS system, the principle of fast-tracking projects of national significance, including power stations, is to remain with the establishment of an independent successor body later in 2011.

On July 12 publication of the White Paper on Electricity Market Reform outlined four measures to incentivise investment in low carbon electricity generation, including nuclear. For industry this is a crucial prerequisite for nuclear new build, given the long time-scales.

■

■

On July 18, prior to the summer recess, Parliament ratified the National Policy for Nuclear published at the end of June which approved eight nuclear sites for potential development.

■

Government also announced that National Policy Statements will be used to govern the procedures for new nuclear stations to obtain the necessary consents. This confirms the intention to abolish the Infrastructure Planning Commission, set up by the previous government to create a planning framework for projects of national strategic importance, but

In mid July the ONR and Environment Agency announced the completion of initial safety case assessments for the proposed reactor designs, Areva EPR and Westinghouse AP1000. A list of remaining outstanding issues for both reactor designs was published, alongside vendors plans to potentially solve them. The only unresolved GDA issue is response to the final Weightman report findings, resulting in a delay of about 6 months. Initial design acceptance certificates for the EPR and AP1000 are expected by the end of the year, alongside a clear timetable for reactor companies to address any remaining issues.

NuclearCONNECT

5

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 6

IndustryNews

ONET combines French and British nuclear decommissioning technology and experience Words: Bernard Rottner, Technical Director, ONET Technologies UK & David Bradbury, Director, ONET Technologies UK

rance has a large number of complex nuclear facilities dating back to the beginning of the nuclear era and many of these facilities (such as the UNGG gas cooled reactors, research facilities and reprocessing plants) present rather similar challenges in decommissioning to those faced in the UK. ONET Technologies has been a major force in undertaking decommissioning projects in France and has established considerable experience and capability from doing this. ONET Technologies has now entered the UK nuclear decommissioning market and has acquired two British companies in the field, Gravatom (which has a long history of nuclear design and manufacture) and Bradtec Decon Technologies Ltd (which provides special and innovative technology particularly relevant to decommissioning the UK legacy).

This combination provides a uniquely skilled and experienced resource for tackling decommissioning projects in the UK.

F

As an example of ONET Technologies’ long experience with work on nuclear fuel processing plants, the company (together with AREVA) carried out the dismantling of the old dissolvers in room 55 of the first French reprocessing plant at Marcoule, in 1985. These old dissolvers had to be dismantled and removed and the premises decontaminated, so that new dissolvers could be installed. In the late 70’s ONET Technologies also performed dismantling operations in MAPu (intermediate plutonium activity) and plutonium metallurgy workshops, in the reprocessing plant of La Hague, for refurbishing purposes. Between 1983 and 1986, ONET Technologies decontaminated the ponds of the waste water treatment plant of Marcoule for refurbishing purposes also. It was one of the first times that nuclear divers were mobilised.

6

NuclearCONNECT

The FBFC fuel manufacturing plant at Pierrelatte was dismantled to IAEA “level 3” (essentially the designation for complete clearance) by ONET Technologies, in a consortium with Socatri, between 2001 and 2003. 1200 tons of contaminated scrap were produced and sorted between LLW and VLLW. 2500 m2 of concrete were decontaminated with ultra high pressure water jetting. The facility was officially declassified by ASN, the French regulator, in 2003.

AREVA has started the dismantling of UP2-400 at la Hague, the second reprocessing unit. The Dismantling of the plutonium gloveboxes (MAPu) will be carried out by ONET Technologies.

France has UNGG reactors which are in some ways similar to the British Magnox design. One feature of these designs is large heat exchangers. ONET Technologies carried out the dismantling of the 8 heat exchangers of reactors G2 and G3 (Marcoule). Each exchanger weighed 300 tons with a height of 30m.

In order to avoid the use of a huge crane able to tilt the exchangers from a vertical position to a horizontal one, ONET Technologies decided to cut the exchangers from the bottom, making them gradually descend into the work area until completey dismantled.

With regard to water reactors, a major project has been at Brennilis in Brittany.

Work to reach IAEA “level 2” started in 1995, and ended in 2004: it was contracted to a consortium including ONET Technologies, Campenon Bernard, Quille (Bouygues group) and Entrepose (Vinci group). Further decommissioning work is now continuing.

The Brennilis core is perhaps the most significant challenge. It will be the first time in France that the core of a power reactor will be dismantled. Design of the work is currently close to completion.

Research facilities are a major part of the decommissioning challenge in France, as in the UK. The nuclear facilities of the two CEA sites in Grenoble and Fontenay-aux Roses are being dismantled because the cities have grown over the years and these nuclear sites have been enclosed in the towns. Siloe is a research reactor with a thermal power of 35 MW located in Grenoble. It was shutdown in 1997 and dismantling works were begun in 1998.

The engineering was contracted to ONET Technologies, which designed all the dismantling procedures and safety cases under the control of the CEA. ONET Technologies’ contract has been progressively extended to all the nuclear facilities of the CEA site in Grenoble: waste treatment facility, hot cells and Melusine reactor. Part of the work has required treatment of sodium and NaK (sodium potassium alloy).

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 7

IndustryNews

manipulator for remote plasma cutting

synthetic view of the Brennilis reactor to be dismantled

Although ONET Technologies’ traditional operating country has been France, the company is now rapidly expanding in the international arena, including in the UK. With the acquisition of Gravatom in 2008, ONET Techologies now has an organisation in the UK market which is widely used by the main nuclear industry clients (working in the nuclear manufacturing, medical and pharmaceuticals industries). Rebranded as ONET Technologies UK (OTUK), its core business is the design and production of engineering solutions for the nuclear industry, including isolator technology, shielding, dispensing systems, transport packaging, and decommissioning equipment. It also makes equipment for radiopharmaceutical, or nuclear medicine, processes. OTUK undertakes design through to commissioning - all under one roof - and the capabilities extend to the preparation of specifications for new plant and the provision of bespoke equipment.

In April 2011 ONET Technologies acquired Bradtec Decon Technologies Ltd (Bradtec), a UK company which has been developing decontamination technologies for more than 20 years. In particular Bradtec holds operating licenses from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for EPRI DFD and DFDX (Chemical Decontamination Processes). Bradtec also has other technologies and skills particularly relevant to the UK nuclear decommissioning market, for example in graphite management and Magnox Dissolution.

The acquisition means that ONET Technologies can further enlarge its portfolio of technological solutions for decommissioning.

NuclearCONNECT

7

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

IndustryNews

8

NuclearCONNECT

12:28

Page 8

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 9

IndustryNews

Croft, a British company at the forefront of packaging and containment he transportation of radioactive materials is a specialist area requiring the highest standards of packaging and containment. Designs have to meet the most stringent requirements from the UN International Atomic Energy Agency before they will be licenced to carry radioactive materials and this requires years of research, development and testing.

materials in one location whilst others

One company at the forefront of the packaging and transportation of radioactive materials is Oxfordshirebased Croft Associates Ltd . Established over 30 years ago, Croft is one of the leading developers, not just of standard packaging designs, but also of bespoke solutions for organisations in Europe and worldwide.

assurance.

T

Customers are often government organisations and private enterprises in the nuclear industry, but in addition, the company also works with research reactors, hospitals, universities and medical product and equipment suppliers.

Bob Vaughan, Managing Director, said: “We develop packaging that can safely store and transport a wide range of materials from radioactive waste and irradiated fuel samples through to solids and liquid radionuclides. Over the last three decades, we have grown our range of transport package designs to meet the different needs of our customers, some of whom want to store radioactive

need to transport it across countries and often across national borders.”

Croft works closely with its customers to ascertain the circumstances for every project it is involved in. It uses specialist sub-contract manufacturers for the fabrication of packaging but project manages the whole process from initial design and overseeing the manufacturing process to cost control and quality

The product range is wide - at one end of the scale is the Safkeg solution, designed to store solid samples,

The company is currently developing new solutions in its Safstore and Safbox range and expects to receive endorsement by Radioactive Waste Management Division of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) in late Autumn.

“All our processes are thoroughly audited,” continued Bob Vaughan, “and in the UK this is done by the British Standards Institution and the Department for Transport in the United States; the Quality Management System is approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, so there is absolutely no room for error.”

including plutonium and uranium as metals or compressed or uncompressed powders, accommodating from small samples up to kilogramme quantities of radioactive material. At the other end of the scale, Croft Safstore packages for Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) are suitable for interim storage on site and transport and final disposal of waste.

Safstore can weigh up to 64 tonne and

Croft works with all its customers on all aspects of their packaging requirements, and will use either existing packages, or supply customised packaging depending on the requirement. It also manages the approvals process covering testing and licensing, packaging identification, certification and documentation, identification of the shipping agent and providing advice on transportation.

can accommodate over 19m3 of ILW)).

“We have spent 30 years quietly building Typically Croft Type B and Type A

this business,” says Bob Vaughan, “but

transport packaging will feature an outer

in the process we have managed a huge

container inside which a smaller

variety of storage and transportation

containment vessel will fit, surrounded by

requirements, we’ve dealt with

insulating and shock absorbing material.

organisations in all parts of the world

The outer containers provide thermal and

from America, Japan and Australia to

impact protection, whilst the inner

Russia and Europe including the IAEA

containers provide total containment of

in Vienna and we’ve created a strong

the radioactive contents after they have

position for ourselves in this niche but

been loaded into the container.

very necessary sector of industry.”

NuclearCONNECT

9

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 10

Industry News

First Successful Modules Move Will Drive Quality and Future Delivery

Words: James Lord

uly’s Electricity Market Reform White Paper sets out the blueprint for a Government policy change and some £110bn worth of investment in the generation of low carbon electricity. This shift to a low carbon makeover for the energy industry is designed to create, in the words of Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne, ‘a flexible, responsive electricity system.’ This in turn has renewed the focus on nuclear energy delivery as part of the makeup and vision for low carbon power generation.

J

However, with the cost of new nuclear power plants estimated to be upwards of £5bn and experts predicting household energy bills will as much as double over the next decade to pay for new sources of power, finding ways of delivering tomorrow’s nuclear capability efficiently and safely will be imperative.

Couple this with the further expectation of consolidation following recent rumours of the possible sale of NPower by RWE of Germany, it is now time for the industry as a whole to focus on backing the right delivery models that can meet the challenges of quality and capacity.

This is why the success in June of the UK’s most recent milestone in the development of nuclear facilities was so important. The milestone itself involved the completion of the fabrication, assembly and delivery of the UK’s first 2 (of 11) large process pipework and vessels modules that will make up the new Evaporator D facility located at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria.

10

NuclearCONNECT

This is the biggest nuclear project in the UK and the first time modularisation has been tested in the UK nuclear industry, so all eyes are on the project to see how the nuclear sector can benefit from best practice approaches that have been used successfully throughout other sectors like oil, gas and pharmaceuticals.

With a further 9 modules scheduled for fabrication at our specialist facility in Ellesmere Port, ranging in sizes up to 27m x 12.5m x 7.5m and weighing over 500 tonnes, the scale of this modular approach shows just how far the nuclear sector has come.

Japan’s Fukushima disaster and the decision by Germany to close its nuclear plants are overshadowing the industry and driving the quality and safety agenda.

However, our neighbours in France, who have 58 nuclear facilities and export more nuclear generated power than any other nation, recently announced an increased investment in nuclear of some €1bn.

With this kind of investment and a focus on developing safer reactors for the future, it is clear that greater collaboration between industry partners and delivery consortia is crucial. The success of the Evaporator D project has been driven by the development of integrated working practices with project staff, including the Sellafield Ltd team and primary contractor Costain staff all sharing facilities on-site. This approach has enabled much greater project co-ordination and delivery benefits, with on-site knowledge sharing and the development of best

Image: Interserve

practice principles leading to enhanced quality and safety.

[When you look at the benefits of Sellafield Ltd’s modular strategy it is clear that the use of dedicated off-site fabrication facilities are significant.] The ability to operate in a controlled workshop environment alleviates many of the traditional constraints of onsite construction within an operational facility. Since the Evaporator D facility is adjacent to existing facilities on the Sellafield site and has a constrained site footprint, off-site construction ensures maximum safety and minimises intrusion in the operational complex.

From a technical and practical perspective it is very important that the high-integrity, stainless steel elements of the modules aren’t cross-contaminated, and it’s possible to pre-commission each module within our facility, saving valuable time at Sellafield.

Once the modules are constructed we use laser-scanning techniques to demonstrate and assure that the frameworks, vessels and pipe-work are installed within the tight dimensional package tolerances.

All of these factors and the ability to pack and ship modules to travel on the road, sea and in the case of the first two modules, land on the beach before being moved into place, makes modularisation ideal. In this case, the assembly facility is located next to our fabrication facility, but the beauty of modularisation is that off-site facilities can be strategically located to deliver projects no matter where they are in the UK - a huge benefit to the industry.

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 11

Industry News

SME Award Caps an impressive Year for ASL

ssembly Solutions Ltd have capped off an impressive year of Growth by being awarded the ‘SME Business of the Year Award’ at a recent glittering awards ceremony held at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.

and is well on target to achieve its 10

ASL fought off stiff competition to win this most prestigious and hard fought category. The judges recognised the values of the business and the fact that year on year ASL has continued to grow with orders up 100% on last year.

hit Automotive hard we were able to

electrical wiring assemblies and

diversify and strengthen our work in the

components.

A

Graham Balshaw - Managing Director, said “this is a fantastic achievement and a great endorsement for our overall plans. I have a good team of people working within the business and am proud of what we have achieved over the past 15 years.” Graham is actively looking at new premises and hopes to move before the end of this year in order to facilitate the continued growth of this already strong, award winning business.

year plan of hitting a £10 million turnover by 2020. Graham comments “We have built a solid customer base without being

History: Assembly Solutions Ltd is recognised as one of Britain’s

too exposed by dealing in just one

leading contract manufacturing

sector, when the recent financial crisis

companies specialising in

electronics sector, as well as winning new orders in the growing Nuclear market, our business model is one of sustainable

Established in 1995 ASL now employs over 40 staff at its

growth, without falling into the trap of

purpose built facility in Bolton

overtrading. We constantly invest in the

and has supply partners in China

skills of our workforce and equipment

for materials and assemblies,

making us extremely competitive, this

helping to ensure the business

has been demonstrated by our recent

has almost unlimited capacity at

new business wins”.

The sixth annual Bolton and Bury Business Awards were hailed a glittering success by all who attended. The judges were impressed by the dedication and

competitive prices for both short and long lead time contracts.

ASL is now very much an international company with

levels of commitment demonstrated by

almost 20% of sales exported,

the winners. Another winner on the night

much of this back to the highly

ASL have truly ‘bucked the trend’ when

was Francis Searchlights Ltd whom

competitive markets of the

it comes to recent UK trading conditions,

are a customer of ASL.

Far East.

NuclearCONNECT

11

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 12

Business support for oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewables sectors ...

NOF Energy 1st Floor, Thames House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham, DH1 1TH Contact: Paul Livingstone Email: Plivingstone@nofenergy.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 191 384 6464 web: www.nofenergy.co.uk

12

NuclearCONNECT

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 13

Industry News

Image: Waste Treatment Centre, Ignalina NPP, Lithuania

An Old Friend A New Arrival T

Now under the ownership of Russian parent Atomstroyexport (currently responsible for five international turnkey nuclear power station projects), NUKEM Technologies can call on immense experience delivering design, consultancy or turnkey plant supply in: ■

All types of radioactive waste management

■

Spent Fuel Management –storage, handling and characterisation

■

Decommissioning – segmentation techniques, decontamination, site characterisation and remediation using innovative decommissioning technologies.

■

Engineering & Consultancy in process engineering and design, I & C and electrical systems, mechanical /civil engineering and design, safety engineering and assessment, procurement engineering, and technology identification.

Words: Connor Deehan Images: NUKEM Technologies

his summer marked a significant addition to the UK nuclear industry.

Fifty years of global nuclear expertise is being injected into the industry with the re-entry of NUKEM Technologies GmbH. Connor Deehan will be the new face of NUKEM Technologies in the UK’s nuclear market and will be establishing a business in the UK, initially based in Cheltenham, to serve both the Decommissioning and New Build markets.

Connor is a chartered Mechanical Engineer who started his career in Canada in the Oil and Gas industry.

He moved into the UK nuclear industry in 2004. Having spent a significant amount of time supporting the operational fleet of reactors, particularly on graphite related projects, his focus shifted to the new build sector supporting clients through their organisation development and regulatory and licensing process. During his time in the industry Connor has been a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Nuclear Power Committee, is on the Board of Trustees of the Nuclear Institute, as well as Chair of their YGN

branch. Connor joined NUKEM Technologies in August 2011, as their Director of UK Business and will be enthusiastically and eagerly growing their business, activities and involvement in the UK. The new addition to NUKEM Technologies pairs well with their depth of experience and capability.

NUKEM GmbH was founded in 1960, and was one of the first nuclear companies in Germany. Originally, the main operations covered fuel element production for various reactor types and this later developed into nuclear engineering design and plant construction. In the 1970s, NUKEM expanded its services to include commercial trading of uranium (a business now known as NUKEM GmbH), growing into a major international trading partner. NUKEM first entered the UK market in the 1980s and built a successful engineering business, comprising over 1000 employees, which was sold in 2007 and is known as Nuvia today.

For the past 50 years NUKEM has built an enviable global reputation. There are few nuclear specialists so adept at operating anywhere in the world.

Along with this specialist expertise, NUKEM Technologies embraces a culture of project management excellence meeting demands of high quality in everything they do. This is backed by a committed management team with long-term industry experience. NUKEM Technologies is committed to the familiar UK nuclear market and looks forward to a long term involvement.

Connor Deehan - Director, UK Business NUKEM Technologies GmbH Phone: +44 (0)1242 633 735, connor.deehan@nukemtechnologies.co mwww.nukemtechnologies.com

NuclearCONNECT

13

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 14

Industry News

NuclearCONNECT Survey

SURVEY IN NUMBERS

90% Rated the NuclearCONNECT Magazine as good/very good

86% Companies recognised the quality of the journalism as good/very good

84% Find the supply chain directory in the NuclearCONNECT magazine useful

60% of those who responded use both the magazine and the online directory

14

NuclearCONNECT

WHEN ASKED What content would you like to see in NuclearCONNECT ■

Like it as it is but could include new build around Sellafield

■

Projects & companies involved in the projects

■

Progress on new reactor build

■

More technical articles

■

Content on skill shortages and recruitment which are key challenges to the industry

What do you find most useful on www.nuclearconnect.co.uk ■

Online magazine

■

It’s a useful overview of the industry

■

Features, cross links and ease to access information

■

The online directory search

■

Recruitment

OUR RESPONSE Firstly, many thanks to all the companies who took time to respond to our recent survey regarding NuclearCONNECT. Whilst we are confident in the way the publication is developing, we are determined not to be complacent and endeavour to regularly seek reader feedback and make ongoing product improvements.

Regarding content we just had time to include Decommissioning in this edition and have added suggested content to future editions.

Finally well done to Cogent Sector Skills Council who have won a free advert for the December edition.

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 15

Industry News

Innovative solutions for growth in the nuclear sector he nuclear industry has changed over the last 10 years and in response the supply chain has adapted to compete for the diverse opportunities that have emerged.

The creation of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the emphasis on commercial competition in delivering the UKs decommissioning programme brought about new opportunities for innovation and growth for SMEs and large organisations alike. More recently the UK new build programme has generated a renewed focus on nuclear power and encouraged new organisations to invest in the sector and develop capability and skills for what looks set to be one of the largest and most intense nuclear build programmes in Europe.

nuclear sector, is delivered through innovative, effective solutions based on proven models and techniques utilising current best practice.

With fierce competition for these opportunities the challenge for companies is to deliver the highest quality products and services, against exacting standards, whilst competing against the very best from the international nuclear industry - the market place has become global.

we provide a holistic and focussed service

Since it started Nuclear Enterprise has worked with clients at the very core of business strategy development across the UK and internationally, and has supported those clients in delivering successful projects, winning new work and creating organisational growth.

the sector a real competitive edge - the

Our vision, to be the recognised centre of excellence for business growth in the UK

September. We are now in a position to

T

From small beginnings........

Nuclear Enterprise was established in 2007 to support companies, both large and small, whether new-comer or established in the nuclear sector, either develop or consolidate their position and grow. We work with companies on strategic and operational levels to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, resources and direction to succeed.

Our team understands the nuclear industry its structure, participants and political, economic and commercial drivers. Though our extensive professional network and established relationships across the sector to each and every client. We are innovative, creative and strive to connect new ideas with business realities to deliver real value to our clients. ‘When I started Nuclear Enterprise I wanted to make a difference and give clients across positive results we have achieved over the last 4 years have proven the need for our

management and development services aligned to our ethos of Plan - Win - Grow.’ Corhyn Parr, Managing Director.

Plan - Excellent strategic planning is at the core of everything we do and key to the expansion of our clients’ organisations.

Win - We are passionate about winning and provide essential best practice approaches to increase tendering win rates using the right people, the right team, the right tools.

"Engaging Nuclear Enterprise evoked a major step change in our processes, securing an extremely important and valuable contract for us." Gill Marsden Head of Business Development, NIS. Grow - We guide our customers to choose the right opportunities and establish the right systems to deliver the highest standards whilst expanding their businesses. "By integrating a well proven approach with our internal processes, the training was first class and will have long term benefits to our business." Alan Coley, Capability Director Nuclear, Babcock International Group Come and visit us for a coffee at our new office in Chadwick House, Birchwood and find out how we can help your business succeed in nuclear.

niche professional services and Nuclear Enterprise is set to expand. To this end I am pleased to announce that Gareth Davies will be taking over as company secretary during

Nuclear Enterprise Limited, Chadwick House, Birchwood Park, Warrington Tel: +44 (0)1925 290042, Web: www.nuclearenterprise.com

provide an extensive range of core business

NuclearCONNECT

15

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 16

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 17

IndustryNews Words: Pete Roberts, Tesella plc

Preserving Digital Information Following its recent success in winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, we explore with Tessella the challenges of preserving long-term digital records volumes, do not cater for alternative content sources and have a simplistic view of format obsolescence.

nsuring long-term access to the vast amount of digital information held by organisations is a huge challenge that they are only slowly waking up to.

As technology refresh intervals fall and the complexity and interconnectivity of information grows, this is a problem that is getting increasingly difficult.

E

The key challenges are media and file formats, which are constantly changing or becoming obsolescent, together with sound data management and organisation.

Digital archiving is a new and emerging discipline that presents huge opportunities for easy access to important information for long-term knowledge management and legal support. However, it poses a large number of unexpected challenges that are artefacts of the digital age we live in.

The motivations to retain information fall into three broad categories:

Regulatory Rules and retention periods vary by industry but the trend is for more retention for longer periods.

this is now a major driver as organisations try to leverage more value from their intellectual assets.

Having decided you need an archive you need a clear understanding of what needs to go into it and equally, what does not.

The information that needs to be retained of course depends on the industry.

A further complication is that information may arise from different organisations, be they suppliers, partners, sub-contractors or customers, each of which has different practices, systems and rules. This makes implementing a simple set of rules relating to formats or structures more difficult.

Whilst paper archiving processes have been established and embedded into archivist thinking over many years, there are several differences that require a change in thinking for digital solutions, including but not limited to the automation of data ingest; access and security; usability; co-existence of scanned paper records and those ‘born-digital’.

Various alternatives are being explored as solutions to this emerging problem.

Backup Tapes.

Legal Defence In order to successfully defend or prosecute legal action, organisations need to present full and accurate records to the court. To be acceptable these need to provide evidence of good information management practice and be readable.

These are cheap and complement existing processes but are not searchable or easily accessible, and do not allow for format obsolescence.

File System and Tiered Storage.

Leaving content on an agreed location on the file system, however protected, is

Knowledge Management

fraught with risk and again does not

The re-use of today’s accumulated knowledge is invaluable in advising the decision making of tomorrow. For Libraries and Archives, which have been the pioneers in digital archiving, this is at the heart of their existence. In many industries

allow for format obsolescence.

Content / Record Management Systems.

Allowing a part of the CMS to be used for archiving is a common approach. However, these systems allow records to be changed, may not allow for very large

Single content source archives.

These include specialist systems aimed at single sources of content, for example email, finance or specific content management systems. If this is all that is needed for archiving and the retention period is short they can be adequate.

For longer periods or multiple content sources they start to struggle.

Archival information systems.

The systems currently used for managing paper may be extended to include digital media. However, they are not optimised for automated ingest, have fixed workflows and metadata and do not address format obsolescence.

Open Source Repositories.

There are several successful open source repositories that are popular in academia. These have their place and require considerable programming effort to configure, are fairly fixed in what they can do, are not professionally supported and do not address format obsolescence Specialist digital archives.

Specialist systems, such as Tessella’s Safety Deposit Box are flexible, comprehensive, supported and address format obsolescence head on. For a dedicated archive function they are the best solution.

The Open Archives Information System (OAIS) Model recommends a standard framework for systems concerned with the management of information beyond the lifetime of the technology used to access it.

Now adopted as an ISO standard, ISO 14721, the result is a reference model, which describes the system components required for long term preservation systems.

The use of this reference model as the basis of any archive implementation is recommended as it allows practitioners to use common language and potentially common tools to address common problems.

For further details of the challenges and solutions to digital preservation visit the Tessella website at www.tessella.com

NuclearCONNECT

17

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 18

We have a leading reputation in the UK and international legal markets.

Our team of specialist nuclear lawyers have a proven track record in the four broad areas of our practice T Decommissioning and Operational T Waste T New Build T International, Regulatory and Governmental For further information, please contact: Ian Salter, Head of Nuclear Law +44 (0)117 939 2225 For enquiries about our publication, The Burges Salmon Guide to Nuclear Law, please contact: Gareth Davies +44 (0)117 307 6920

www.burges-salmon.com

nuclear advert september 2011a.indd 1

15/09/2011 09:31:46

09:31:46

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:28

Page 19

IndustryNews

URS - A Key Tier 1 Organisation in the UK Nuclear Industry Words: David George Vice President URS Scott Wilson

URS Corporation is a fully integrated engineering, construction and technical services organisation with the capabilities to support every stage of the project life cycle-from inception through start-up and operation to decommissioning and closure. Headquartered in San Francisco in the United States the company has a presence in over 40 countries the company’s work is focused in four key market sectors: federal, infrastructure, power, and industrial and commercial.

In July 2010 the company acquired

URS plays an important role in the management of nuclear and hazardous waste facilities, and site remediation, providing safe, innovative management of high-risk, technically complex projects, programmes and facilities for the U.S. Department of Energy, other US federal agencies and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

nuclear decommissioning contractors

URS was previously heavily focussed on the United States, but in recent times URS has developed internationally.

Scott Wilson, becoming rebranded as URS Scott Wilson. Scott Wilson had a long pedigree of diverse UK engineering projects, including the Mulberry harbours in the Second World War and the Royal Festival Hall in London. With the acquisition of DGP International in 2006, Scott Wilson established an effective presence in the UK nuclear industry.

URS also acquired Washington Group International in 2007, one of the largest in the USA. As a result, URS has the capabilities and resources to support the NDA’s mission of dealing with the UK nuclear legacy.

The URS-led consortium, Nuclear Management Partners, Ltd. (NMP), is responsible for the management and operations of the Sellafield sites in North West England on behalf of the NDA. This includes commercial operations, waste management, support services,

decontamination and decommissioning and new construction projects. Sellafield is the largest and most complex nuclear site in the UK, storing and treating nuclear waste from both the UK’s military and civil nuclear programs.

A URS-led consortium, UK Nuclear Waste Management Ltd (UKNWM) was awarded the management and operation contract at the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR). The LLW Repository is a national waste disposal facility in the UK operating since 1959, and is now managed and operated on behalf of the NDA by UKNWM. URS has further ambitions to use its skills at Tier 1 to support nuclear decommissioning activities. It has joined the Babcock Dounreay Partnership together with Babcock and CH2M Hill.

URS views with interest innovative developments and overseas experience, such as that described in the adjoining article by ONET Technologies.

NuclearCONNECT

19

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 20

Feature

NuGen - the Future Nuclear Lifeline for Cumbria?

How is the most recent new build consortium planning to deliver nuclear power to the UK? News of the NuGen programme and personnel behind Cumbria’s future economic lifeline.

Words: Penny Lees

and renewable power stations in the UK. The partners own and operate almost 10,000 MW of nuclear capacity across Spain, Belgium, Germany and France, have more than 250,000 employees worldwide, with almost 40,000 in the UK. The management team for NuGen is drawn from all three of the consortium partners, headed by Alfio Vidal and Olivier Carret as Executive Directors of NuGeneration Ltd. Olivier Carret, appointed as Chief Operating Director has responsibility for all corporate and support services. With over 30 years experience in the Electricity and Gas Industry he joins the consortium from GDF SUEZ, where he held various positions including Director of Operations and Director of Asset Management.

Before joining GDF SUEZ in 2000, he spent 6 years in the US involved in the development of a number of international projects.

“employment opportunities and economic benefits to the area lasting well into the second half of this century” Chief Nuclear Director, Alfio Vidal LANS by a high-powered international consortium to bring nuclear power back to West Cumbria as part of the government’s new fleet of low carbon electricity-producing reactors would mean a multi-billion pound investment to the area and a surge in employment via the local supply chain.

secured an option to purchase land in

Companies behind the project,

The joint venture was established in 2010 with GDF (37.5%), Iberdrola (37.5%) and SSE (25%), taking the name NuGeneration Ltd (NuGen). It has extensive experience of operating nuclear power stations across Europe, as well as developing and operating thermal

P

GDF Suez, Iberdrola and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), originally entered a partnership to participate in the development of new nuclear power stations in the UK in February 2009. In October that year the team successfully

20

NuclearCONNECT

Cumbria outside the existing Sellafield

Alfio Vidal, the NuGen Chief Nuclear

nuclear licensed site, for a total of £70m.

Director, has responsibility for all the

The team had earlier dropped out of the

technical and financial aspects of the

first round of the NDA land auctions

project. He was previously Head of Safety

at Bradwell, Oldury and Wylfa, where

for IBERDROLA’s Spanish nuclear fleet,

a combined total of £387m bid by E.On,

having broad experience in the nuclear

RWE and EDF for the three sites

energy field, including Plant Manager of

proved too high.

Cofrentes NPP, a 1,092 MW nuclear plant near Valencia in Spain.

The proposed site adjacent to Sellafield is approximately 200 hectares, of which half will be selected for the nuclear power station. It is now the only Cumbria site on the governments final approved list, following the exclusion of alternative

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 21

Feature

NuGen Planning Timeline 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Site Characterisation

Technology Selection

Architectural Design

Site Preparation

Construction & Commissioning

Operation

Planning

Licensing

the completion of the joint regulator’s Generic Design Assessment before taking a reactor decision. The NuGen time-line indicates that by the end of 2013, the company will have chosen between Areva’s EPR and Westinghouse AP1000. If it develops a total UK nuclear development of 3.6GW, this is likely be three AP1000s or two EPRs.

Licensing - Under operation

The planning phase of the NuGen 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

greenfield areas at Kirksanton and

to harness local knowledge and skills

Braystones submitted to the Strategic

during the planning process. We

Siting Assessment in 2009. The position

envisage that there will be many

close to the existing Sellafield development

opportunities for working together

has the broad support of communities

through informal regular updates and

and organisations across West Cumbria

more formal consultation as required by

and that enthusiasm was recognised at

planning regulations in the months to

the joint venture launch and opening

come.” The potential for nuclear and

of its West Cumbria office base on

local supply chain companies to benefit

Westlakes Science Park, earlier this year.

from the West Cumbria nuclear site

NuGen announced that up to 5000 jobs would be created at the peak of construction, with 800 new permanent operational jobs going forward. Chief nuclear director, Alfio Vidal, spoke of providing “employment opportunities and economic benefits to the area lasting well into the second half of this century”, adding “as long as the skills and qualities are here our pledge is to use as much as possible local suppliers and local labour.”

development is huge. NuGen expect formal engagement to begin towards the end of 2011 as the consortium’s plans gather momentum and substance.

NuGen says it remains ‘technology neutral’ and will not take any such decisions before the completion of the site characterisation work. It also awaits

2025

project is now underway and is expected to last until 2015, when NuGen will make its final investment decision. At that stage the parent bodies and their shareholders will consider if the project looks viable and whether to make the estimated 5bn Euros per reactor available.

The consortiums current expectation is that the new power station would be commissioned around 2023, which is also the earliest date for grid connectivity.

Delay to this project as with many in the UK new build stable is increasingly likely as a result of 2011 events in Japan as well as world economic uncertainty, but for Cumbria communities and its supply chain it represents an economic lifeline that needs nurturing to a succesful conclusion.

NuGen has more recently moved into the next phase of its plans to develop new generation nuclear power in West Cumbria. Speaking at the Nuclear New Build Conference in London in July, Olivier Carret, announced the appointment of consultants to lead the NuGen project forward. Following a competitive tender process Arup will act as lead planning consultant and GL Hearn as strategic planning advisors.

Alfio Vidal, Chief Nuclear Director of NuGen explained that Arup and GL Hearn will work closely with the consortium on reviewing the scope of site investigations and ensuring all required consents and licenses are granted in a timely manner. They will also assist with the development of a local engagement plan to ensure the proposed activities on and around the site are communicated appropriately.

He said “We recognise the wealth of expertise that already exists in the area and are committed to working in partnership with the local community

NuclearCONNECT

21

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 22

Feature

Words: Penny Lees Images: Sellafield

SELLAFIELD CLEAN UP - FUTURE CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES? Innovative solutions ensure progress for Sellafield projects under the NDA clean up programme. ecent publication of the NDA 2010/11 Annual Report outlines considerable progress to decommission and clean-up the UK nuclear legacy. It highlights future funding of £3billion pa and the importance of the rebuilt Sellafield Performance Plan, a key milestone which for the first time provides details of how long-standing and complex legacy issues such as Ponds and Silos are to be resolved.

R

The UK’s largest current nuclear project, Sellafields Evaporator D, will provide additional evaporator capacity by 2014 through the construction of a new Highly Active Liquid Evaporator. Highlighted in the report by NDA Chief Executive Tony Fountain as a key project, the strategy for off-site fabrication of its large scale modules, delivery by sea to the Sellafield beach, and manoeuvring using Self Propelled Modular Transporter is a first in the site’s history. Key project milestones in 2011 to date include a ‘topping out’ ceremony with contractor 22

NuclearCONNECT

Costain of the 2nd construction phase in March; construction of a heavy lifting gantry system to lift and slide process modules into the building in May; and the launch of innovative delivery of the eleven 500t, 10sqm steel modules in June.

Installation within the Evaporator D building in the Autumn will continue to move the project forward.

Another high priority project for the Sellafield clean up programme is now fully underway following the award of contracts to empty a 60-year-old legacy silo of more than 4,000 cubic metres of intermediate level waste.

The £160million contract for the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo Retrieval Project (PFCS) covers construction of new superstructure, design and build of retrieval modules and provision of a Semi Goliath crane to handle 60tonne waste boxes.

Bechtel Babcock Nuclear Services won the largest of 3 contracts worth £150m, to design, manufacture, install and commission specialised waste retrieval modules,

silo doors and hole cutting technology.

Sir Robert McAlpine an £8m contract to manufacture the superstructure and the Clarke Chapman Group £5m to design build and operate the crane facility.

The six year project for BBNS involves an immediate Phase 1 of mobilisation and familiarisation. Phase 2 from autumn 2011 will see completion of the design, specifications, procurement packages and safety case support. Phase 3 will cover procurement, manufacture, works testing, construction, installation and commissioning.

The overall plan is to bolt a waste retrieval plant onto the side of the original silo building.

The piled foundations were completed in 2009, the next stage is to build the superstructure and control room for the retrievals operation. Retrievals modules will provide the heart of the PFCS Retrieval Facility, with the retrieval of wastes from the silo and packaging into 3m3 waste boxes. The completed modules will be slotted into the skeleton superstructure in order to commence the retrieval of silo waste in 2017.

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 23

Feature

Main image: PFCS Sludge Hood installation Fig 1: Terra Marique on Sellafield Shoreline Fig 2: WAGR Cutting the Top Biological Shield Fig 3: WAGR By Night Fig 4: Evap D Module Delivery

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) issued the retrievals superstructure its License to start construction in July and the project is now all systems go. On site work is now visibly underway for the multi million pound Silos Maintenance Facility which underpins waste retrieval from PFCS and nearby Magnox Swarf Storage Silos.

The scheme to remove up to 27,000 tonnes of rubble from the former site of the South Calder Hall Cooling Towers for the new facility proceeded over the summer ahead of schedule, illustrating the efforts of Sellafield Ltd to accelerate the decommissioning of these plants and reduce high hazards on the Site.

The challenging Sellafield cleanup issue, the 60yr old Pile Fuel Storage Pond, built to store nuclear fuel and isotopes from the Windscale Reactors, is benefiting from the development of a new sludge retrieval machine to help complete its decommissioning. The sludge retrieval project has taken nine years of work requiring significant engineering on the plant, as well as the design of bespoke equipment to operate in an underwater, radioactive environment.

A bespoke Sludge Retrieval Hood was designed and built to suck up radioactive sludge from the floor of the worlds largest

open air nuclear fuel storage pond, containing over 15,000m3 of radioactive water, 300m3 sludge, various nuclear wastes and legacy spent nuclear fuel. The machine operating remotely at the bottom of the 6m deep pond sucks up 25m3 of material per hour. The sludge is then transferred pending treatment through the Local Sludge Treatment Plant, currently undergoing inactive commissioning. The sludge removal operation is expected to continue for 5 years.

Alongside these developing projects a key milestone in the evolution of the Sellafield Residue Export Facility has now enabled it to move to full operational status. Following a lengthy period of active commissioning, the ONR issued REF with a "Consent to Operate" Licence. This major part of the infrastructure for the Vitrified Residue Return programme is a series of heavily shielded cells containing equipment that prepare, check and confirm that canisters containing vitrified residue, a solid glass form of highly active waste, meet the requirements of overseas customers, prior to them being exported out of the UK. Decommissioning Framework Agreements to supply a range of services to support future projects and accelerate high-hazard reduction at Sellafield over the next 4 years, provide the opportunity to

place individual packages of work worth a potential £35m pa through the nominated companies. Newly appointed framework partners are: ■

Astrel (Jacobs E&C, Hertel, Studsvik UK)

■

Cumbria Nuclear Solutions (James Fisher Nuclear, React Engineering Ltd, Shepley Engineers, Stobbarts, WYG Engineering and Westinghouse Electric Co UK)

■

DEV Nuclear (Doosan Power Systems, Energy Solutions EU and Babcock Nuclear)

■

Nuvia

This summer Sellafield SLC owner Nuclear Management Partners and the NDA also celebrated the final completion of the 20 year project to decommission the UK’s first nuclear reactor, with the last remnants of the Windscale Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (WAGR) housed in the familiar golf ball structure dismantled. The project cost around £110 million and filled a total of 111 Intermediate Level Waste WAGR boxes.

It illustrates the way ahead for UK legacy cleanup, as the industry highlights its ability to successfully deliver safe, cost effective solutions to local and world issues.

NuclearCONNECT

23

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 24

Feature

Remote Handling Technology delivers Decommissioning Solutions Robotics is transforming what can be accomplished in the nuclear industry. A look at recent innovative solutions and the technologies behind them.

Words: Penny Lees Images: SA Robotics and DSLR

he nuclear industry has begun to fully embrace robotics and remote manipulators as a viable solution to seemingly impossible decommissioning projects. The technology continues to prove itself through development and testing in increasingly more complex applications.

T

underground waste storage tanks.

Its main purpose is to deploy tooling via remote operations in order to remove inventory waste and clean each tank to a suitable level to permit dismantling and removal from site. The areas contain various waste forms including ion exchange resin, sludge, effluent, and other products.

The methods and processes used to remove bulk nuclear waste are relatively straightforward at most nuclear facilities around the globe. However a significant amount of waste remains in a range of areas such as underground storage tanks where limited access and safety provisions make it difficult to remove. One tool used in many of these situations is the remote manipulator.

The industry has identified a need for an all-in-one manipulator with increased capability, versatility and reliability for decommissioning purposes.

The RDA is capable of being manoeuvred through penetrations of a minimum 25cm; has a vertical and horizontal reach of up to 4.9m when fully extended; and a high payload capability. It allows the attachment of a number of customized tools that are manoeuvred within the tank to carry out a range of operations. One example is the ability to remove bulk ion exchange material and sand using a suction tool, while being fully submerged up to 4m in effluent. This has made the RDA a valuable system for deployment into vaults and tanks which are commonly filled with sludge and liquids.

S.A.Robotics Ltd, the Europe Division of US based S.A.Technology is an advanced technology and engineering company, which specializes in the design, fabrication and deployment of remote manipulators. The company has its base in West Cumbria and has worked to develop an up to the minute manipulator with this required technology, while maintaining the overriding principles of safety necessary in the nuclear industry.

The S.A.Robotics Trawsfynydd Rotary Deployment Arm (RDA) has been designed, manufactured, and tested for use in the Resin Vault 2 (RV2), Resin Vault 3 (RV3), Main Sludge Vault (MSV), and Pond North Voids (PNV) at the Trawsfynydd decommissioning site in Wales.

This specific RDA is a long reach telescopic manipulator, built to operate within the three separate designs and constraints of these 24

NuclearCONNECT

NuclearCONNECT can also highlight other recent developments in remote handling technology that help overcome decommissioning dilemmas in our industry.

One of the key interfaces that operators have with components and materials within nuclear hot cells are Master-Slave Manipulators, valuable tools undertaking lightweight, sensitive tasks, that have served the industry well for over 50 years. An issue identified by users encompasses the low payload capacity of such MSM systems, which alongside other requirements limits their use for specific nuclear clean up operations.

This problem inspired S.A.Robotics to find a solution through the development of its Powered Remote Manipulator (PRM), which can meet various project requirements

and address a range of customer needs.

Initially designed in 2008 as an R&D project, a prototype unit has been built, tested and amended, with the first production-unit PRM delivered to Dounreay in early 2010.

The PRM’s high tech carbon fibre construction cuts arm weight, material costs, and provides strength for high payloads -110 to 168 lbs depending on orientation.

A seven-degrees-of-freedom system creates a manoeuvrable piece of equipment for deploying tools, packing, lifting and sorting an array of materials. The PRM is able to utilize a variety of different tools and attachments, including parallel action gripper shears, saws, torque wrenches, hydrolasing technology, dry media blasting, and water jet cutting. Using this range of tools, the PRM can size reduce or disassemble components of all shapes and sizes.

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 25

Feature

The needs of other potential customers led to improvements to PRM’s configurability, including a greater range of motion in the shoulder pivot to improve the motion profile of the arm; compatibility with multiple hydraulic fluid types; and design modifications to allow for use underwater.

demanded the development of another

any one time can be replaced by another

one-off piece of remote handling equipment.

three from a special tool-box without

Measuring 40ft in length, the 16-piece tool

needing to remove the arm itself from the

designed to reach deep inside one of

depths of the reactor.

The company is confident that its technology can provide effective solutions to many of the industry’s most difficult remote problems and constraints. S.A.Robotics has recently won a contract at the Sellafield site to integrate technology centred on the deployment of its PRM. The project will cut out and seal derogated pipe and remove contamination with the aim of substantially reducing dose in the surrounding areas.

and will spend the next 3 years carefully

The Dounreay project to decommission the unique design of its Fast Reactor has

Britain’s earliest atomic experiments will harvest the last of its plutonium and uranium material. A custom-built retrieval arm has moved into position above the reactor removing the remaining 977 metal fuel

The £20 million solution to the problem has been developed through DSRL, contracted to decommission the reactor, with French engineers Framatome carrying out the projects design and build.

rods standing vertically in a hexagonal rack

While reactor decommissioning

around the near-empty core. Each rod will

and waste clean up in the UK remains

be cut free from its mounting and transferred

challenging, innovative technologies and

to a basket, ready to be lifted through the

techniques are being developed to simplify

roof of the reactor, with high radiation

the process, and worker safety continues

and residual traces of liquid metal coolant

to be improved by the use of remote

adding to the hazards. Detachable tool-bits

deployment methods. The upgrading of

cover the range of equipment needed to

remote manipulator capabilities will help

retrieve the metal rods - grabs, manipulators,

ensure future decommissioning projects

milling and cutting. Three tool-bits in use at

are safer, quicker, and more economical.

NuclearCONNECT

25

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 26

Diary of Events

DIARY of

EVENTS 2011 October New to management, UK 3 October ◆ IChemE, One Portland Place, London, W1B 1PN, UK Organiser: IChemE Contact: Courses department Tel: +44 (0)1788 534431 Email: courses@icheme.org Website: www.icheme.org/ntm

ACT UK, Coventry Technocentre Organisers: Coventry City Council Tel: 024 7683 1208 Email: Rachael.price@coventry.gov.uk

Rough Guide to Nuclear New Build - 5 - 7 October ■

Climate Action in the New Global Economic Order 10 - 11 October ◆

Sheffield Organisers: YGN Email: newbuild@nuclearinst-ygn.com Website: www.nuclearinst-ygn.com/ RG%20NNB.htm

Chatham House, London Organisers: Chatham House Email: conferences@chathamhouse.org Website: www.chathamhouse.org/climate-action-newglobal-economic-order/agenda

■ New Build ● Decommissioning ▲ Energy Production ◆ General Science & Technology Social Environmental Training Informative

26

Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Opportunities - 6 October ▲

NuclearCONNECT

Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum Keynote Seminar Energy security for the UK - 18 October ◆ London Organisers: Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum Tel: 01344 864796 Website: www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/ forums/book_event.php?eid=281

Energy Business Opportunities Conference - 18 - 19 October ◆ Workington, Cumbria Organisers: Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster Tel: 01946 595 554 E-mail: sales@nu-techassoc.co.uk Website: www.becbusinesscluster.co.uk

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 27

Diary of Events

October Innovative approaches & practical solutions to effectively manage radioactive waste - 1 - 3 November ● One Drummond Gate, London, UK Organisers: IBC Energy Tel: +44 (0) 20 7017 5518 Email: energycustserv@informa.com Website: www.informaglobalevents.com/event/ radioactive-waste-management-conference

November Radioactive Waste Management Conference - 2 - 3 November ● One Drummond Gate, London Organisers: IBC Energy Tel: +44 (0) 20 7017 5518 Email: energycustserv@informa.com Website: www.ibcenergy.com

IChemE 2011 innovation & excellence awards dinner, UK - 3 November ◆ ICC, Birmingham, UK Organiser: IChemE Contact: Matt Stalker Tel: +44 (0) 1788 434455 Email: mstalker@icheme.org Website: www.icheme.org/awards

YGN Annual Dinner - 3 November ◆ Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston, Birmingham Organisers: Young Generation Network

November Fundamentals of process safety (Nuclear) 7-11 Novemnber ◆ Leyland Hotel, Preston, UK Organisers: IChemE Tel: +44 (0)1788 534431 Email: courses@icheme.org Website: www.icheme.org/nps

EIConnect Power 2011 23 - 24 November ◆ Olympia 2 Exhibition Centre, West London Organisers: EIC Connect Website: www.eiconnect.co.uk/power/ 11-11-23-24/eiconnect-power.html

December Energy Choices - 1 December ◆ Central Hall, Westminster, London Organisers: Nuclear Industry Association Tel: 020 7766 6648 Email: veronica.lekavicius@niauk.org

NIA/NI Annual Dinner - 1 December ◆ Grosvenor House, Park Lane Organisers: NIA/NI Tel: 020 7766 6648 Email: veronica.lekavicius@niauk.org

All dates were correct at time of going to print, however these may be subject to change. Please check first with the organiser. If you have any dates you would like to display in our next issue January - March 2011, please email - julia.dingwall@theconnectseries.co.uk

NuclearCONNECT

27

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 28

Feature uffolk has its fair share of nuclear facilities bringing economic benefits to the local community. Sizewell A, which closed in 2006 is currently being decommissioned by Magnox South for the NDA and provides around 400 jobs; Sizewell B, an operating power station owned by EDF Energy and due to produce electricity until 2035; the Sizewell C site, assessed as suitable for nuclear new build with proposals for a twin reactor facility providing 3.2GW of power and the creation of around 700 permanent jobs. Thousands more direct and indirect jobs during the construction period at Sizewell C have an estimated value to the economy of £2bn.

S

Sizewell A ended 40 years of electrical generation on 31 December 2006. During the station’s operational lifetime its twin Magnox reactors produced over 110 TWh of electricity for the National Grid, enough to continually supply England and Wales for six months. A typical day’s generation saw the station supply more than 10 million kWh of electricity covering the demand of a third of East Anglia.

It is one of ten UK nuclear sites managed

by EnergySolutions, which owns the site operator Magnox Ltd. Government funding for decommissioning work via the NDA, which owns all the Magnox sites and their decommissioning liabilities, gives responsibility for placing contracts for the decommissioning of the plant at a budgeted cost of £1.2billion.

The station is continuing the push to deliver the site’s defuelling programme. The main focus of work, the completion of defuelling the reactors, is a key phase in the site’s lifetime plan. In practice, this currently involves the removal and secure transport of all spent fuel from the twin reactors to Sellafield for reprocessing, and the safe interim storage of existing Intermediate Level Waste on site. Defuelling and flask dispatch resumed last year following the resolution of flask issues and a successful review of the Pond Safety Case.

Sizewell, Home to 3 Generations of Nuclear Power Plants?

Words: Penny Lees Images: Magnox Electric Ltd, EDF Energy

28

NuclearCONNECT

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 29

Feature

In the bigger picture, Magnox has a new strategic direction for decommissioning across its sites. This programmed approach will generate considerable long-term cost savings, including an estimated £272 million from Sizewell A alone. The optimisation of decommissioning plans means a slowdown in work at Sizewell A in the short term, while the site waits for its slot in the programme; but will accelerate its entry into the Care and Maintenance phase by seven years, from 2034 to 2027- a step closer to final end state and the completion of a life-cycle which began with the start of construction in 1959 and commissioning in 1966.

Sizewell B, Britain’s newest nuclear power station is located to the north of Sizewell A and operated by British Energy, part of EDF. The UK’s only commercial pressurised water reactor (PWR) power station was built and commissioned between 1987 and 1995.

An original output of 1188MW was upgraded in 2005 to 1195MW, supplying just under 3% of the UK’s entire electricity needs.

As with many other PWRs, the reactor operates on an 18-month operating cycle; at or near 100% output continuously for around 18 months, followed by a month’s shut-down for maintenance and refuelling.

In March 2010 it was taken offline because of high moisture levels in the containment building due to a pressuriser electrical heater fault, requiring difficult repairs. The station returned to service in September 2010 following this extended outage and is now fully operational.

Spent fuel from Sizewell B’s reactor is currently stored in a fuel storage pond,

which is expected to provide capacity until 2015. DECC recently approved an application to construct and operate a Dry Fuel Store on the site, which will be used to house the unused and spent fuel currently in the pond. Building work is expected to start on the store in Summer 2012 and take 18 months to complete.

projected units would, together with the planned units at Hinkley Point, contribute 13% of UK electricity in the early 2020s.

Speaking in July Chris Squires, EDF procurement manager, told stakeholders that it was “all systems go” for its nuclear new build plans in the UK and that Sizewell C is scheduled to progress three years behind that of Hinkley. He went on to

Sizewell B, which marked

explain that £20bn is being invested in the two sites, each of which would have two

15 years of low carbon generation in 2010, currently employs more than 500 staff plus 250 contractors

EPR reactors; would take 7-8 years to build and have a 70-year life followed by decommissioning; all of which would create 100 years of work spanning the generations.

Consultation to determine the precise

Sizewell B, which marked 15 years of low carbon generation in 2010, currently employs more than 500 staff plus 250 contractors, and contributes £30m into the local economy every year through staff wages alone. The reactor was originally designed for a commercial life of 40 years to around 2035, but similar stations elsewhere have been granted extensions to a figure of 60 years.

Sizewell C could occupy land to the north of the existing Sizewell plants which was nominated by EDF Energy for a new reactor site in Spring 2009. The site is now confirmed by Government as a suitable location and landowner EDF Energy is moving ahead with plans for further reactors within its boundaries. The site already has an electricity connection agreement in place for Sizewell C to be built. The 1,600MW

location of the power station and associated buildings and define the boundaries of land needed during the construction period is next on the agenda. EDF has stated that it intends to use local businesses wherever possible and the widespread opportunities include 80% of the work not within the nuclear island. The Sizewell C supply chain interaction will shadow the Hinkley Point consultation process as it progresses forward into 2012. An initial opportunity for the local supply chain to engage is underway with businesses registering interest on www.suffolkb2b.co.uk, selecting Utilities/EDF Energy/Nuclear.

Companies in the supply chain that currently serve Sizewell enjoy a wide range of opportunity, which will be enhanced as the construction of new reactors becomes reality.

NuclearCONNECT

29

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 30

Feature

UNDER THE SKIN Questions: Penny Lees

WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE INDUSTRY? At school becoming a Doctor or Barrister were considered ‘suitable’

I love to travel but as a tourist with

careers. With ‘A’-level Maths, Further

only a few weeks in a country it’s difficult

Maths and Physics the advice I was

to get more than just a flavour of the

given in the erstwhile publication ‘careers

culture. In contrast, when you are in

for girls’ was to say the least uninspiring,

the privileged position of being invited

so I borrowed the boy’s version,

to another country by fellow nuclear

discovered engineering, applied for

professionals or government

university sponsorship and ended up

representatives you can at least

a Mechanical Engineer in a Steel Works!

experience the culture they do. I eat

Once chartered I moved to the nuclear

and drink most things that stay still

industry as it was far more exciting

long enough so that helps but even

and a whole lot safer!

that philosophy was put to the test when presented with live food served on a bed

DR JANET WILSON

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE?

PhD BSc CEng FIMech E FEANI

reactor, possession of the pile cap crane

by wealth, class, education, gender, etc.

is everything and loaning it for ‘just an

seems more pronounced in other

Newly appointed Associate

hour’ to a contractor is a big mistake.

cultures, including the USA!

Director Energy at ATKINS

Numerous times with the NII I found out

and formerly ONR Nuclear

what the expression ‘the buck stops

Installations Inspectorate SI (1988- 2005); NDA Director Nuclear Assurance (2005-2011).

30

WHAT IS THE MAIN CONTRAST FOR YOU TO THE UK OF LIFE IN BUSINESS ABROAD?

NuclearCONNECT

of ice to keep it still! I guess the one thing that we enjoy in the UK that perhaps you don’t realise until you’re

Lots of things spring to mind.

on the outside looking in, is our truly

The earliest is probably finding out

multi-cultural society and, believe it or

that during the commissioning of a new

not, our tolerance of others! Division

here’ really means: dealing with an IRA bomb next to four operating reactors, a nuclear submarine limping home with problems and reactors with super-heater

HOW DOES YOUR CURRENT POSITION DIFFER FROM PAST AND DOES THAT AFFECT YOUR OUTLOOK?

headers that were literally cracking up!

That’s easy. In the past I’ve worked

Potentially memorable events abroad

for government sponsored organisations

include a private ladies mud wrestling

with a non-contributory, final salary

event in Hungary arranged in honour of

pension scheme. As a pensioner

their special guest Dr Wilson, which was

I have now broken free from my golden

rapidly cancelled when they realised

shackles and joined the private sector

Dr Wilson was a woman!

and I’m enjoying every minute of it!

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 31

Feature

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR WORK DO YOU FIND MOST ENJOYABLE?

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I’ve only been in post for a few weeks

I’ve been given lots of advice but

and travelling with lots of good food and alcohol in between.

but so far the sheer variety of projects

haven’t always taken it! The best advice

has been great. One minute I’m in

I’ve taken is to do what you enjoy for

London working on a bid for the Middle

a living and not what on the face of it offers

Mountaineering, scuba diving

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE 10 YEARS FROM NOW?

East and the next I’m at Trawsfynydd on

the greatest financial reward. Strangely,

decommissioning! Atkins has a strong

when you enjoy your job you’re good at it

No idea, other than still enjoying

team of technical experts and amongst

and companies reward you anyway!

whatever it is I’m doing.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE? To keep doing what I enjoy and being

REVEAL SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW?

rewarded for it.

I used to own a vintage motorbike!

them are a whole bunch of frighteningly able graduates who’s enthusiasm takes me back to the late 1970s early 1980s when I joined the nuclear industry. I’m remembering things I’d forgotten, such as the work I did for my PhD and the technical specialisms I once had, which is great. Hopefully, some of the lessons I’ve learned and experiences I’ve had over the past 30 years will help in getting the nuclear renaissance truly underway in the UK.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO HELP ATKINS ACHIEVE?

ATKINS nuclear projects Atkins, the UK’s largest engineering and design consultancy has delivered engineering solutions to the nuclear sector for over 40 years.

Today, the company is a strategic partner to clients in all sectors of the industry.

■

Generation: Tier 1 Technical Support Alliance partner to EDF Energy to maintainexisting fleet reactors. Currently assisting development of the Sizewell B Dry Fuel Store.

■

Clean Up: Part of ACKtiv JV, the delivery partner for Sellafield fuel storage pond clean up, providing multi-discipline engineering services.

■

New Build: Architect Engineer for ITER, France; Delivering a range of safety, environmental and engineering specialist advice to support Nuclear Site Licence and environmental permit applications for Hinkley and Sizewell C

Atkins is a well respected engineering consultancy with a growing reputation and presence in the nuclear industry.

I plan to help its energy business grow in size and reputation in the UK and internationally.

NuclearCONNECT

31

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 32

Law

Global Nuclear Power Generation Market and Milestones Words: Gareth Davies

A

gainst the backdrop of postFukushima uncertainty over the future of nuclear power generation in certain European

countries (namely Germany, Switzerland and Italy), and news of DECC having received an application for Judicial Review from Greenpeace on the Secretary of State’s decision to designate the Nuclear National Policy Statement, one could conclude that interest in developing nuclear power generation is waning. However elsewhere

Gareth Davies is a Barrister in the specialist nuclear team at Burges Salmon and regular contributor to NuclearCONNECT. In this edition Gareth looks at the latest figures for global nuclear new build and

Middle East, China and India, the future is less uncertain with new build programmes New build is one aspect of the nuclear position, the IAEA in June published its annual publication Nuclear Power Reactors In The World setting out an analysis of

like to register to receive Burges

power reactors around world whether The WNA website, drawing on information on the PRIS database, reports that as of 1 September 2011, worldwide there are -

articles please contact Gareth on

439 - Reactors operating

NuclearCONNECT

31 are ‘interested in considering’ nuclear programmes

■

14 have a ‘strong intention to proceed’

■

7 are ‘actively preparing’ pending a final decision

■

10 are ‘preparing the infrastructure’, and

■

3 have plant ordered/under construction.

operating, under construction, or shut down.

nuclear-related subjects for future Direct line - 0117 307 6920 Email - gareth.davies@burgessalmon.com

■

market. For an overview of the wider global

Milestones approach. If you would

e-bulletin, or would like to suggest

These nuclear ‘newcomer’ states are however at different stages in the process of considering the commitment to nuclear power generation. Of these countries -

at various stages of maturity progressing.

gives an overview of the IAEA

Salmon’s free nuclear law

32

in Europe and further afield, particularly the

A more detailed analysis and perhaps more indicative of the global position for power reactor new build (albeit pre-Fukushima) is contained within the IAEA’s September 2010 publication International Status and Prospects of Nuclear Power. This concludes that some 65 countries ‘in every region of the globe’ (21 in Asia-Pacific, 21 in Africa, 12 in Europe and 11 in Latin America) are expressing interest in, considering, or actively planning for nuclear power.

63 - Reactors under construction 155 - Reactors planned 341 - Reactors proposed

The reasons underpinning the introduction of nuclear power programmes are compelling growing energy demands to fuel economic growth and development, growing urbanisation and fuel demand, climate

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 33

Law the process of sequential development needed to prepare for a nuclear power programme and the infrastructure issues to be addressed, based on a series of phases each comprising activities. Once these activities are completed, a milestone is achieved allowing progress to the next phase.

There are three broad phases in infrastructure development with 19 issues (not listed below) to be considered for each associated milestone - with safety paramount throughout.

■

change concerns, and volatile fossil fuel prices. Equally compelling however is the need to manage both the promise and threat of nuclear power as its use expands globally.

Embarking on a nuclear power programme is a major commitment, not least to ensure the use of the nuclear power for peaceful purposes, with strict pre-conditions focussed on safety and the control of nuclear material. The unique nature of the material means that responsibilities are owed to both domestic and international communities, to ensure adherence to the fundamental objective of protecting people and the environment from the harm of ionising radiation. These responsibilities are only discharged through meticulous planning, preparation and investment, and a commitment from government to establish the infrastructure - whether ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ - needed to support the programme throughout its life-cycle (through to decommissioning and spent fuel and waste management), and demonstrable compliance with international legal, safety, security and safeguards requirements.

The IAEA publication ‘Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power’ provides guidance on

Phase 1: Pre-Project phase c.

2 years - considerations before a decision to launch a nuclear power programme is taken, including ●

Initial site studies

●

Feasibility study

■

Milestone 1 - ready to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear programme

■

Phase 2: Project decision-making phase c. 4 years - preparatory work for the construction of a nuclear power plant after a policy decision has been taken, including ●

Basic regulatory framework

●

Bid preparation

■

Milestone 2: Bidding Process ready to invite bids for the first nuclear power plant

■

Phase 3: Construction phase c.

9 years - activities to implement a first nuclear power plant, including

■

during phase 2 to a constant level, whereas the regulator and operating organisation engage more fully during phase 2 with activity increasing throughout phase 3, and peaking for the operating organisation particularly as Milestone 3 approaches.

Responsibility for implementation of the programme rests with government and cannot be sub-contracted. Once the policy decision is made, however, to include nuclear power in the energy mix, governments may establish a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (‘NEPIO’) responsible for developing a complete understanding of the programme’s associated commitments and necessary infrastructure. Typically the NEPIO will be responsible to a Minister, be incorporated into a government agency and be clearly mandated to produce a comprehensive study to ensure successful implementation of the programme - whether legal and regulatory aspects, technical, commercial and policy, environmental assessment and siting, and public information and stakeholder involvement.

Ensuring international co-operation through compliance is fundamental to successful implementation, as is building trust and confidence with governments and vendors throughout the project’s life.

The IAEA provides assistance through comprehensive impartial advice across key areas from initial evaluation and feasibility, to legal and regulatory framework reviews, technology assessment and regulator competence and safeguards implementation. Whilst the IAEA can help build confidence in a newcomer’s programme, it does not however make or implement national decisions.

●

Bid assessment

●

Contract

●

Safety documentation

●

Regulatory assessment

Conclusion

●

Construction licence

●

Site preparation

●

Construction - first concrete, fuel delivery

The nuclear industry is developing globally, with numerous potential new nuclear states entering the market, with further growth and expansion looking likely. The export of technology and services to these states provides important new markets and opportunities for a wide range of countries and companies.

Milestone 3: Commissioning - ready to commission and operate the first nuclear power plant.

(Operation/decommissioning phase c. 60+ years) Typically three main organisational entities are involved throughout the establishment and development of the programme phases; the government, the owner /operator of the plant and the regulator (independent of the other entities). Each has a distinct role but with responsibilities that change as the programme progresses.

As would be expected government’s role is most intense during phase 1 and tails off

The Milestones process and IAEA assistance provides newcomers with detailed guidance and support to assess their own development status and prioritise programme activities practically and comprehensively. Based on good practices and experience of states with developed nuclear programmes, it can also be used to support self -assessment by existing nuclear operators. Experience shows that careful planning and transparency leads to a far greater likelihood of success in the effective, safe, and secure introduction of nuclear power.

NuclearCONNECT

33

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 34

Training

HANDLING

Words: Frank Newbury

CONFLICT Part 1: How Conflict can be an Opportunity In Part 1 of this three part series Trainer and Motivational Speaker Frank Newberry (pictured) will be: ■

Defining the term 'conflict'

■

Exploring how conflict in the work place can be a positive 'opportunity' and

■

Suggesting how we can prepare ourselves to respond well (and get the best) from conflict in the workplace*

P

erhaps I could start by defining what I mean by conflict. Popular definitions include:

1 'A state of opposition or hostilities', 2 'A fight or struggle', and 3 'The clashing of opposed principles and values'.

There is also the notion of an individual being ‘conflicted’ or in conflict with himself or herself. I seem to be in this condition on a regular basis!

This being ‘conflicted’ has been defined as: ‘The opposition of incompatible wishes or needs in a person’.

The frustration that this internal conflict causes can also result in people getting into conflict with others as they struggle with the burden of their personal conflict.

In general what is causing people to get into conflict with others at work?

There is research that suggests that it often starts with frustration and fear. For example people might get frustrated when they are not getting what they want - when they want it. Another example might be the growing frustration that is felt when people see others not pulling their weight in the work team - and getting away with it.

This frustration increases and fear and anxiety are added if the stakes are really high for the person and yet no one else seems to be taking the issue of concern very seriously.

34

NuclearCONNECT

Intro p1-36

16/9/11

12:29

Page 35

Training

If people are not reacting in a way that is expected - at a time of risk and danger then those feeling the danger could start to become angry as well as frustrated. So frustration becomes anger and anger can become resentment, which in turn can lead to conflict.

In what situations can a conflict between two people - or two teams or two organisations - be productive?

Well, in the past I have always tended to see conflict at work, or at home or anywhere, in a negative light. However, over time I have had to acknowledge, for example, that conflict does give me the opportunity to make real progress, particularly in working relationships.

I can testify that people do get into conflict with me because of what I do (training and speaking at conferences), particularly if what I do, or what I won’t do, frustrates them.

Others have got into conflict with me because I might have the type of personality that seems to frustrate or annoy them. A personality perhaps that is not like their own.

I could, if I want to, see a conflict as: An opportunity for growth for me and the people involved - it might not be comfortable growth so I might need to be grown-up about this.

1

A time in which problems can be solved creatively by looking together at a variety of alternatives - not necessarily the ones either of us have individually arrived at.

2

A chance to evaluate our situation objectively - we both might need to acknowledge that things have gone a bit too far (and I will if you will).

Once people have negative opinions about others the conflict has already started.

It may sound negative and unhelpful but a positive point here is that the frustration and anger people feel can bring energy with it which, in turn, can contribute (rightly or wrongly) to people feeling justified rather than guilty.

The good feelings that this energy brings can be turned into something positive or something negative. It would be negative if it just caused the person to whinge and moan about the other person or team or organisation.

An opportunity to show understanding, respect, and acceptance of the unique ways in which others think, act, and feel - particularly if number 5 has been helpful.

6

An opportunity to clarify our roles and functions in certain situations again it might help if we start with our original intentions.

8

An opportunity to clarify and define the rules of interaction in an attempt to strengthen our relationships - this would mean us agreeing what to do when we disagree with each other.

9

A process by which feelings ultimately can be aired openly and freely - this would mean us agreeing that we can express very strong feelings to each other without fear of repercussions (very grown-up indeed).

10

A time for us to increase our knowledge of one another - it might help if we start with our original intentions (because people are often happier being judged by their intentions as opposed to their actions)

An opportunity to clarify our expectations of others; a time to modify existing rules or sanctions based on our expectations - again perhaps on a regular basis.

5

Below left, is a list of some of the opportunities that my increased energy might help me exploit. These hopefully will directly relate to the conflict and resentment that have built up.

A chance to play ‘devil’s advocate’’ in regard to our own position, attitudes, and Beliefs - thereby showing that we are prepared to try and see ourselves as others see us.

11

A chance to reveal our own unique ways of thinking, acting, and feeling - this could be very revealing and very helpful.

I personally do not doubt it because this type of gossiping can also bring us sympathy and attention. However, let me set that aside for a moment and look at this in a more positive way. If it is true (and in my case it is true) that conflict and threat can bring energy let us look at what else we can do with that energy

7

3

4

There has been some research that suggests whingeing and moaning (but doing nothing to resolve differences) has become the response of choice for perhaps half of the UK working population.

A time to talk and communicate openly and honestly, reducing hostility, anger, or misunderstanding in relationships - perhaps on a regular basis to keep on top of things.

12

In concluding Part 1 let me wish you a conflict-free life but just in case conflicts do arise I hope that you can see the positives in amongst the negatives.

In Part 2 I will look more closely at how conflict develops and how we might nip it in the bud.

In Part 3 I will consider how we can prepare ourselves for a conflict that we perhaps cannot avoid. * Conflict and Anger Management 1. This article is not about Anger Management. You should be aware that many people who have anger management problems are not aware that it is a real problem.

2. If you have a problem controlling your temper you should seek professional help. You could start with your GP who might refer you to a specialist (in confidence).

3. Failure to act on this problem could result in you getting a criminal record and doing serious emotional or physical harm to people at work and to members of your family.

NuclearCONNECT

35

Intro p1-36

36

16/9/11

NuclearCONNECT

12:29

Page 36

NuclearCONNECT Cover Section Ed7

16/9/11

12:21

Page 2

NuclearCONNECT Cover Section Ed7

16/9/11

12:20

Page 1

NuclearCONNECT

BABCOCK THE UK’S LEADING NUCLEAR ENGINEERING COMPANY

NuclearCONNECT CONNECTING THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY

FOR NUCLEAR MANAGEMENT & PROCUREMENT WWW.NUCLEARCONNECT.CO.UK

SELLAFIELD CLEAN UP FUTURE CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES?

Issue 7 October 2011

You can trust the UK’s largest and most experienced team of nuclear engineers, scientists and technicians to deliver the most complex and critical nuclear projects safely, on-time and within budget.

BABCOCK – THE UK’S LEADING NUCLEAR ENGINEERING COMPANY.

ISSUE 7 October 2011 £9.50

CONFERENCE HERALDS NEW BUILD PROGRESS CONNECTING THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY

Contact Liz Pulford, Head of Communications – Nuclear, Tel: +44 (0) 116 201 5346 or email liz.pulford@babcock.co.uk

www.babcock.co.uk/nuclear | Airports | Communications | Defence | Education | Emergency Services | Energy | International | Nuclear | Property | Rail | Security | Training |

SIZEWELL HOME TO 3 GENERATIONS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS?

REMOTE HANDLING TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS DECOMMISSIONING SOLUTIONS