The Magazine of the UK Nuclear Industry Association
Issue No.28
Nuclear - clean-air energy
Summer 2010
WESTINGHOUSE CONTINUES
W E S T I N G H O U S E E L E C T R I C C O M PA N Y L L C
to fuel the UK’s nuclear future from Lancashire.
Westinghouse has underlined its commitment to the UK’s nuclear power industry by securing the long-term future of the nation’s Preston in Lancashire. Under a pioneering agreement with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Westinghouse will manage and operate the
build new nuclear power plants.
high quality jobs, security for current employees and may in the long term bring new job opportunities to the site, the agreement will allow us to build on new business opportunities during the nuclear renaissance and ensure that Lancashire stays at the forefront of nuclear fuel technology development.
electricity for future generations. Check us out at www.westinghousenuclear.com and
In this issue... Feature Article, Page 5:
Nuclear Politics - New friends in high places. Page 4
Blue and yellow... make green. What they said about the new government. Nuclear Site MPs - Results of the 2010 Election.
Page 5
New friends in high places as government beds in. Huhne and Hendry visit Sellafield.
Page 6
Chieve Executive addresses Unite. European acceptance of nuclear grows.
Page 7
Horizon on track to deliver by 2020. Academy’s energy vision.
Page 8
In My View... Interview with HSE’s Kevon Allars. Fellowship for Jean.
Page 9
World News Rolls-Royce open centres of excellence.
Page 10
High power lasers demonstrate capability for decommissioning tasks.
Page 11
Roxtec UK wins multiple nuclear contracts. NIA Memebers visit DB Gateshead Facilities.
Page 18
Springfields deal struck. Rolls-Royce team with Larson & Toubro on global nuclear. NNL wins top UK Safety Award.
Page 19
Company Profile - Sarens. Nuclear People Interview with Len Jones, DBD Nuclear.
Page 20
Membership News. VT wins Sellafield monitoring deal. EnergySolutions wins in China. New NIA Members.
Page 21
Ultra wins British Energy contract for nuclear sensors. Nuclear Law Book Offer. AMEC acquires Entec.
Page 22
Record-breaking output for Magnox North. New Chairman for EnergySolutions AMEC and EnergySolutions combine to bid for Dounreay clean-up contract.
Page 23
UK fusion programme nails colours to the MAST. Atkins teams up with UCLan to advance pioneering training academy.
Page 24
New phase in supply chain project. NIA goes global...
Page 12/13 The next generation of nuclear conferences. Page 14
Industry support for Forgemasters deal. Power Politics.
Page 15
Nuclear like “three Olympics” - Cogent. US Polls show support for nuclear.
Page 16
News in Brief. UK carbon levels fall - thanks to nuclear. Sarkozy backs new nuclear.
Page 17
Company Spotlight Westinghouse ready to deliver!
Editor’s Eye
Welcome to the brand new Summer edition of IndustryLink, the magazine of the UK’s Nuclear Industry Association.
Well we all knew “a week is a long time in politics”, but let’s hope the equally oftused adage “marry in haste…repent at your leisure…” is not tripping off the tongue by the time you read this Summer issue of IndustryLink. The UK’s nuclear Industry had more than most to absorb during that week in May. In this newlook edition of the NIA’s magazine we try and make sense of what for many was a confusing outcome. It’s a brave new world for the industry’s communicators and political lobbyists - and we reflect that here at what is such a crucial time for the UK’s major decommissioning projects, and the pathway to new nuclear build.
We look back at a hugely successful New Nuclear Build conference at the QEII centre, the very latest in clean-up success stories and the big news about the big players fuelling Britain’s nuclear renaissance. Now the ash cloud of political intrigue is clearing we need to get close to our new friends in high places. Please pay attention to the safety message… and buckle your seats, it could be a bumpy ride…
By: John McNamara Email: john.mcnamara@niauk.org
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Blue and yellow… ...make green NEW PM David Cameron says central government will take the lead in cutting carbon emissions with a 10% reduction in the next 12 months – making this new coalition government “the greenest ever.” Government department headquarters will publish online their energy use so that the public can hold ministers and civil servants to account for their carbon footprint. A government steering group will be established to ensure the delivery of this emissions target. The steering group will be chaired by the Energy and Climate Change Secretary of State Chris Huhne. Cameron said: “I don’t want to hear warm words about the environment. I want to see real action. I want this to be the greenest government ever.” “In fact, we’ve made a good start. Someone pointed out when you mix blue with yellow – you get green.”
What they said about the new government EDF Energy boss Vincent De Rivaz welcomed the new administration. “Under the coalition agreement, the new Government said it had agreed a process to bring forward the national policy statement ‘for ratification by Parliament so that new nuclear construction becomes possible.”
EDF Energy boss Vincent De Rivaz
“We welcome this commitment on the National Policy Statements and we look forward to a positive parliamentary vote at an early date.” “The coalition Government also committed to ‘the provision of a floor price for carbon’. This commitment is an important part of the future investment framework to encourage low carbon generation.”
“We look forward to working immediately with the new Government on these two steps.” NIA boss Keith Parker echoed those thoughts and looked forward to working with the new government.
Chris Huhne strated work this week in his new role, alongside ministers Charles Hendry and Greg Barker. “Climate change is the greatest threat to our common future. We have a very short period of time to tackle the problem before it becomes irreversible and out of control.” “This is a coalition to provide strong and stable government for this country. The benefits of the low carbon economy are agreed between both parties, this is a priority agenda common to both manifestos.” NIA Chief Executive Keith Parker
“I intend to give the power industry the confidence it needs to invest in low carbon energy projects.”
“The industry is reassured by these comments. The new government is clearly putting a low-carbon agenda at the centre of its energy policy and nuclear is a focal point for delivering a cleaner, eco-friendly future for the UK.”
“We look forward to working with Chris Huhne and his team and we note the encouraging words on setting a carbon price, something the industry is supporting, to send a clear signal to investors that lowcarbon technologies including renewables and nuclear play the key role in delivering the UK’s energy future.”
Nuclear Site MPs: Results of
Prime Minister, David Cameron with the Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne
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Site
Result
MP
Berkeley
Conservative take from Labour
Neil Charmichael MP
Bradwell
Conservative hold
John Wittingdale MP
Capenhurst
Conservative take from Labour
Stephen Mosley MP
Chapelcross
Conservative hold
David Mundell MP
Dounreay
Lib Dem hold
John Thurso MP
Dungeness
Conservative hold
Damian Collins MP
Hartlepool
Labour hold
Iain Wright MP
Harwell
Conservative hold
Ed Vaizey MP
Heysham
Conservative win
David Morriss MP
Hinkley Point
Conservative hold
Ian Liddell-Grainger MP
New friends in high places as government beds in As the volcanic ash cloud clears over a new-look coalition government the Nuclear Industry Association has been quick to engage with key political contacts. Following one of the most exciting general elections in recent memory – aided in no small way by the pre-election television debates - the real work now begins getting to know new ministers, special advisers, and some 232 new MPs. The NIA Public Affairs and Communications teams are busy making contact to continue representing the industry to key policy-makers and politicians of influence.
Story: John McNamara Email: john.mcnamara@niauk.org The new coalition government has thrown together some unlikely partnerships – and a key one for the industry is new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne. On being unveiled Huhne said: “The main point is that there is absolutely no disagreement in the coalition on the key principal that there will be no public subsidy. If a consortium for the first time in decades is prepared to build a nuclear power station without public subsidy then in all probability new nuclear will go ahead.” In a document later posted on the LibDem website, the coalition government announced: “We have agreed a process that will allow Liberal Democrats to maintain their opposition to nuclear power while permitting the government to bring forward the national planning statement… so that new nuclear construction becomes possible”. With so much happening so quickly on the political scene the NIA intends to publish its crucial JobsMap publication before the Summer recess – earlier than ever before in a bid to establish crucial relationships. Normally the invaluable reference map, which lists all civil nuclear companies, the number of workforce, and the local MP, doesn’t go out until the party conference season starts in September.
the 2010 General Election Site
Result
MP
Hunterston
Labour hold
Katy Clark MP
Oldbury
Lib Dem hold
Steve Webb MP
Sellafield
Labour hold
Jamie Reed MP
Sizewell
Conservative hold
Therese Coffey MP
Springfields
Conservative hold
Mark Menzies MP
Torness
Labour hold
Fiona O’Donnell MP
Trawsfynydd
PC hold
Elfyn Llwyd MP
Winfrith
Conservative win
Richard Drax MP
Wylfa
Labour hold
Albert Owen MP
Chris Huhne outside the Department of Energy & Climate Change
And planning is already well advanced for what will be an unmissable series of party conferences this autumn, starting with the TUC conference in Manchester on 13 September. This will be followed by the LibDems in Liverpool starting 18 September, Labour in Manchester starting 25 September, and closing with the Conservatives in Birmingham on 3 October. Keith Parker, the NIA’s chief executive said much work had to be done. “We will continue to get our key message, that nuclear should be at the heart of the UK’s low-carbon agenda, across to the most influential audiences. We welcome the statements from the new government and look forward to working with them in the future”.
Huhne and Hendry visit Sellafeld Chris Huhne, the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change acquainted himself with the nuclear industry with an early visit to Sellafield. Joined by Charles Hendry, the Minister for Energy he toured the facility and learnt more about the progress and challenges of nuclear decommissioning on the site. Huhne said :"Touring the site I've felt a real sense of pride from everyone involved in this work - from the site security team to the engineers, right through to the senior management. And there's a real sense of progress, professionalism and desire to get the job done." Charles Hendry added: "This is a most exciting time for the nuclear industry. When I visited the Energy Coast last year I said I wanted West Cumbria to be the foremost centre of nuclear expertise in the world, and what I've seen today reaffirms that view.” "The level of expertise and skills that the industry possesses here is world-class. And it means that West Cumbria is extremely well placed to benefit from the opportunities that new nuclear build might bring to the area in the years ahead."
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Chief Executive addresses Unite Tony Fountain, chief executive of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) told a Unite conference that the most important thing the NDA can do to support nuclear new build is to deliver the “safe and effective clean-up of the nuclear legacy”. Speaking to a sizeable audience from the nuclear sector, Tony Fountain said that he expected the Government's next Comprehensive Spending Review, now anticipated to take place later this year, to be tough. "We've tried to be very proactive in exploring a range of planned efficiencies," he said. Tony Fountain Chief Executive, NDA
The NDA has developed a set of options that would preserve the
core decommissioning and clean-up mission, drawn up in collaboration with the sites as well as through positive engagement with Government nuclear experts and regulators. Acknowledging that there had been good performances across the NDA estate, particularly with regard to safety, he said that there was widespread agreement on the compelling need to continue improving efficiency and productivity. In addition he has set a challenge of reducing overheads by 20% for all the NDA sites and within the NDA itself. The conference Nuclear Energy – Our Present, Our Future, was organised and chaired by Unite National Official Dougie Rooney. Following a keynote speech by Ed Miliband, who stressed the importance of effective decommissioning to the new build programme, there were contributions from senior industry players including Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive of EDF, Clare Spottiswoode, Non-Executive of Energy Solutions, Denis Hugelmann, Vice-President Back End Business Group Areva, and Dan Lipman, Senior Vice-President Westinghouse.
European acceptance of nuclear grows The Nuclear Industry Association welcomed results of the Eurobarometer Survey on Nuclear Safety published by the European Commission, which shows support for nuclear is on the increase. This latest Eurobarometer poll of 26,000 people in 27 EU countries provides a valuable insight into what European citizens think not only about the safety of nuclear energy, but also about its contribution to security of energy supply and the role it plays in Europe’s energy future.
in the stakeholder dialogue on all aspects relating to nuclear energy in order to bridge this knowledge gap.” An overwhelming majority of Europeans favour panEuropean legislation on radioactive waste management, according to the Eurobarometer. It shows that 82% of European citizens say nuclear waste management should be regulated at European Union level.
Among the main facts and figures to emerge from the survey are: • 59% of respondents are confident in nuclear operators’ ability to run nuclear plants safely • 68% think that nuclear energy helps reduce the EU’s dependence upon gas and oil, thereby enhancing security of energy supply • 56% want nuclear energy to be maintained or increased (up 8% on the 2007 survey results) Keith Parker of the NIA said the results were “hugely encouraging.” “These figures show that European citizens are more aware of crucial energy issues and particularly with nuclear’s role in supplying Europe with around a third of it’s electricity in a safe, reliable and affordable way.” Santiago San Antonio, Director General of FORATOM, said: “Experience shows that the more citizens know about nuclear energy, the more they are in favour of it.” “However, 74% of those surveyed said that they didn’t know enough about it. The industry is committed to participating
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Santiago San Antonio FORATOM
This belief is “extremely consistent” across the EU. Agreement is almost unanimous in Cyprus (93%), Hungary (90%), the Netherlands (90%) and Slovenia (90%). At the other end of the spectrum – in those countries where the smallest number of people share the view – most are still in favour (Austria 59%, UK 60%, Malta 62%).
The European Commission will propose European legislation on radioactive waste management in the second half of 2010 and is currently holding a public consultation on the issue. It says “risk looms large” in the minds of Europeans when they think about nuclear energy. Over half of the interviewees still perceive nuclear energy more as a threat than a neutral source of energy.
Horizon on track Academy’s to deliver by 2020 energy vision NIA member Horizon Nuclear Power outlined further details of its nuclear power programme in the UK. Story: John McNamara Email: john.mcnamara@niauk.org Given the right market conditions the company proposes to have its first reactor, at Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey, commissioned as early as 2020. A planning application at Wylfa would be scheduled for 2012, and be followed by a planning application for a second power station at Oldbury-on-Severn in Gloucestershire once construction at Wylfa is underway. Each site is planned to have a capacity of up to 3,300MW. Alan Raymant, Chief Operating Officer at Horizon Nuclear Power said: “New nuclear power would make a vital contribution to meeting the country’s energy needs and tackling the challenge of climate change.” “Each development would deliver up to 800 direct permanent jobs and around 5,000 during the construction Alan Raymant, period. This will bring Horizon Nuclear Power a major economic boost to both local economies and cement their reputation as nuclear centres of excellence for generations to come.“ The company is continuing formal discussions with both Westinghouse and Areva, the two firms seeking licences for their nuclear reactors in the UK, before selecting a preferred vendor at the end of the year for the first site.
The UK needs a major increase in nuclear and renewables to meet future energy demand and climate change ambitions, according to the Royal Academy of Engineering. The independent body, which is made up of the UK's most eminent engineers, believes the country will need to “mobilise the biggest peacetime programme of investment and social change it has ever seen” if it is to meet energy demands to 2050 while delivering the 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions required under the 2008 Climate Change Act. A report by the Academy, Generating the future: UK energy systems fit for 2050, considers four possible scenarios that could achieve the 2050 targets. While emphasising that the scenarios are not meant to be predictions, the Academy warns that there is no single 'silver bullet' solution that could deliver the necessary emissions cuts while keeping the country's lights on. The report still foresees the need for a massive building program for what it calls low-carbon sources - either nuclear power or fossil-fuelled plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS). "The scale of the engineering challenge is massive," the academy warns. The two scenarios which the report sees as the more practical options would require significant electrification of the UK's transport system (up to 80% in one case), and would both require around 40 new nuclear or CCS-equipped power plants fired by coal, biomass or gas. Sue Ion, chair of the academy's energy scenarios working group, echoed the report's conclusion when she said: "There is no more time left for further consultations or detailed optimisation and no time to wait for new technical innovations. Infrastructure on this scale doesn't happen on political timescales."
Alan Raymant said: “This approach will allow us to incorporate the best quality information in our selection and also fits with our timeframe for delivery.” Horizon Nuclear Power will undertake a programme of detailed studies and formal consultations at both sites prior to planning applications being made. Keith Parker, chief executive of the NIA welcomed the announcement as “further evidence of the UK’s position at the leading edge of the worldwide nuclear renaissance”. “It is clear to see that the industrial landscape for UK nuclear is growing stronger by the day. This is another example of a major developer making a strong commitment which will do much to deliver a low-carbon future for the UK.” “The new build programme outlined today by Horizon will provide an economic boost both nationally and locally – and the reactors they plan to build will help drive moves to decarbonise our economy and secure affordable energy supplies for the future”.
Worker at British Energy Plant
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In My View... What is GDA all about? As part of a nuclear site license process, we undertake technical assessments of the proposed reactor design to satisfy ourselves that it can be operated safely and securely. Traditionally we’ve done this after receiving a nuclear site licence application. The new Generic Design Assessment Kevin Allars process, or GDA, allows us to undertake some of that assessment at a generic level and before receiving a site licence application.
So why is that important? Basically it helps us identify potential issues early; where design changes can be implemented more easily than if the reactor was already being built. This not only reduces regulatory risks and gives industry more confidence, but it also helps facilitate a fleet of near-identical reactors, which is clearly better for the whole UK nuclear industry, including the regulatory infrastructure and supply chain. We are currently assessing two designs, EDF and AREVA’s EPR and Westinghouse’s AP1000.
John McNamara interviews Kevin Allars, HSE’s Director of New Nuclear Build Generic Design Assessment
The UK has potential to become a major marketplace for international firms – what if a second wave of vendors want in – will this hold up the process? No. We would need to have discussions with the potential new vendors, but we have said that any new application for GDA will not undermine the timetable for completing our current assessment.
There are plans afoot to create an Office for Nuclear Regulation? How is that progressing? The previous Government published draft legislation in March relating to the creation of an Office for Nuclear Regulation. It’s for the new Government to decide on what the next steps might be.
Openness and transparency have clearly been at the heart of the reform of the NII – is this policy working? Although we’ve been working hard to be more open and transparent we recognise that there’s more to do. We’re currently working to improve the way we engage with all our stakeholders and meet the expectations of a modern regulator. What we’ve done on GDA is only one part of that ongoing process.
How is GDA progressing – is it on track and are you pleased with progress?
And how about you? Are you enjoying the new role?
We’re making good progress and we’re on track to publish our final set of technical reports in June 2011, at which time we’ll need to consider whether or not to issue a GDA interim Design Acceptance Confirmation. That’s a significant challenge, and we’re relying on the vendors to provide the quality information we need to do our assessment work. June 2011 is a key target date for us because, at that point, we’ll signal what issues the vendors need to resolve before any final Design Acceptance Confirmation can be provided this is a key element of the regulatory consent needed before an operator of any future reactor can begin nuclear safetyrelated construction.
Most definitely; it’s always exciting to be involved in developing new processes and arrangements. I’ve built good relationships with the senior staff in the sector and have a terrific team of people working on GDA. I’m known for saying it as it is, for being a strong and independent regulator, and for helping people work through solutions to what often seem like difficult problems. It’s a challenging role and I’m enjoying it.
What about other regulators assessing the designs how closely are you working with them?
Fellowship for Jean Jean Llewellyn was made an Honorary Fellow of the Nuclear Institute, nuclear’s learned society, at the recent North-West region dinner at Bolton’s Reebok stadium.
We’re actually working jointly with the Environment Agency on GDA, and this is providing to be a very effective and efficient partnership and, internationally, we’re working closely with other regulators, particularly those assessing the EPR and AP1000. This not only allows for the exchange of information, but also allows international regulators to collectively influence both the designs of new reactors and the harmonisation of safety standards. This will also help facilitate the development of near-identical reactors, which I mentioned earlier.
Jean, who is chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear was honoured at the glitzy dinner by NI President Paul Thomas (also pictured).
Are there things you would change or would’ve done differently? I think that GDA has been a great innovation, and we have introduced some good practice, particularly our close working with the Environment Agency and vendors, but it’s a new process and we’ve been learning lessons as we’ve gone along. For me, the key lessons have been the need to make sure you have a fully-resourced team and good project management arrangements in place from the outset.
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Jean accepts her fellowship from Paul Thomas
Jean said she was thrilled with the award.
“I’m really pleased with this – after working on behalf of the nuclear industry for some years this really feels as if I’ve been recognised by my colleagues and the industry as a whole.”
World News Story: John McNamara Email: john.mcnamara@niauk.org
Italy and Russia sign Baltic deal Italian utility Enel and Russia’s Inter RAO have signed a deal to cooperate on future projects including the possible construction of a nuclear power plant in Kaliningrad. Executives signed during an official visit by Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin to Italy, where he met with Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Enel said it will study the technical, economic and regulatory aspects of the Kaliningrad project in order to evaluate the “conditions and forms” of its possible participation in the venture. In October 2009 Mr Putin approved the construction of a new twinunit nuclear power plant in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave that lies between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.
Bill Gates looks for nuclear partner A US business venture funded partly by Bill Gates is looking for a partner to help it develop a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power reactor concept called the Travelling Wave Reactor (TWR), which can operate for up to 100 years without refuelling or removing any used fuel from the unit. TerraPower says it is in negotiations with Toshiba Corporation and a variety of US and international organisations and governments. Toshiba’s ‘Super-Safe, Small and Simple’ (4S) 10-MW reactor design, which uses sodium as a coolant and has a long-life core design has similarities to the new TerraPower design. TerraPower claim simplifying the nuclear fuel cycle means huge cost savings, social acceptability and sustainable carbon-free electricity. The TWR concept uses ideas that date back to the 1950s for using non-enriched or even depleted uranium-238 as a nuclear fuel, meaning a wave of fission would be slower, splitting more uranium atoms than a conventional reactor.
Rolls-Royce open centres of excellence NIA member Rolls-Royce is taking a lead in new nuclear by opening two new university centres of excellence (UTCs) dedicated to nuclear technology. The centres, at Imperial College in London and the University of Manchester will serve as technology hubs for nuclear science and engineering and collaboration between industry and academics. The centres will focus on material properties, modelling of nuclear plant processes and safety and reliability, with applications in both civil and naval nuclear power.
Japan Steel Works forge ahead Japan Steel Works has completed its second press for ultra-large nuclear forgings. The company set about tripling its capacity in 2008. It has now completed the ¥50 billion ($530 million) first phase of the expansion with the installation of a new forging shop complete with heavy cranes, heat treatment facilities and the allimportant 14,000 tonne press. It joins another 14,000 tonne machine, several smaller ones and a 12,000 tonne pipe-forming press at the Muroran plant on Hokkaido.
US-Vietnam cooperation deal A new agreement “opens the door” for increased cooperation between the US and Vietnam in civil nuclear energy activities, the US State Department has announced. A deal signed in Hanoi paves the way for further cooperation in access to “reliable sources of nuclear fuel” and the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, the State Department said. US ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak and Vietnam’s viceminister of science and technology Le Dinh Tien sealed the deal. The State Department said president Barack Obama had also invited Vietnam’s prime minister, Nguyen Tan Dung, to attend a nuclear security summit meeting hosted by the US. In November 2009, Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a resolution to build the country’s first two commercial nuclear reactor units, each with an installed capacity of 2,000 megawatts, in the southern province of Ninh Thuan. Construction of the first unit is expected to start in 2014 so that it would be operational in 2020.
China plans '28 more' reactors by 2020 China has approved the construction of a further 28 new nuclear reactors by 2020 under revised targets to meet rising energy demand and accelerate the development of the industry, according to media reports. Bloomberg and China Daily quoted Mu Zhanying, general manager of the state-run China Nuclear Engineering Group, who said that the 1 GWe reactors would cost up to 14 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) each. Plans announced in 2005 called for the construction of 40 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2020; the revised plans call for over 70 GWe. The reports suggest that the 28 reactors mentioned in the media include those already under construction. China already has some 20 reactors under construction, with a further 36 firmly planned.
Colin Smith, Rolls-Royce's director of engineering and technology said: "Rolls-Royce is well placed to deliver world-class engineering and manufacturing capability to support the delivery of global nuclear power programs and we are delighted that these new collaborations will help us remain at the cutting edge of technology." At a launch at Imperial attended by the NIA, engineering faculty principal Stephen Richardson said: "Imperial has a long tradition of nuclear engineering research and teaching in close partnership with Rolls-Royce. The establishment of the UTC in nuclear technology is a natural extension of this important partnership," he said. The Imperial UTC will be headed by Robin Grimes, while Tim Abram will lead the Manchester UTC. The University of Manchester is also a founding member of the academicindustrial Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) initiative, of which Rolls-Royce is the lead industrial partner.
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High power lasers demonstrate capability for decommissioning tasks Materials engineering specialist TWI has recently completed a Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) project that has successfully demonstrated the capability of modern high power lasers to assist in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. The project has enabled Site Licence Companies and supply chain organisations to have a detailed evaluation of laser technology’s capabilities for the removal of surface contaminated concrete and cutting of metal pipework and process vessels. This direct contribution from the NDA to technology development in the supply chain will accelerate delivery of solutions to the challenges of nuclear clean-up and waste Pipework gantry – simulating management as in-service conditions contaminated concrete and pipework present major decommissioning challenges in terms of the total volumes of material to be treated, the number of facilities affected and radiation levels present. In the NDA estate there are over 200,000m2 of contaminated concrete and over 88km of contaminated pipework. Currently, methods such as water jetting, mechanical scabbling and heavy-duty cutting techniques are employed but have drawbacks such as slow speed, difficulty of deployment and significant secondary wastes.
system integrated into the base of the scabbling head. The technology, which works most effectively on limestone aggregate concrete, will remove 1m2 of surface to a depth of 10mm in under two hours. The results indicate greater process speeds could be achieved with a higher power laser. For demonstrating cutting of stainless steel pipework, an alternative configuration laser head was designed to enable single-sided cutting, as would be required in a nuclear facility. The unit used proved capable of cutting a range of pipework up to 170mm in diameter and 11mm wall thickness and, importantly, has significant tolerance to changes in stand-off. The figure of 170mm diameter is not considered a limit.
Work at TWI culminated in the cutting of an array of closely packed pipes that simulated the challenges presented by a redundant pipe network in an active cell. During February and March 2010, TWI ran four ‘Demonstration Days’ which were attended by over 60 people representing NDA, Site Licence Companies and organisations from all levels of the nuclear supply chain, both within UK and internationally. The sessions were an opportunity for industry to see first-hand the technology in action and question the project team directly about issues such as process performance compared to other technologies, deployment, implementation costs, safety aspects etc.
Modern lasers have the potential to avoid these drawbacks, but whilst their use has been demonstrated at a laboratory scale, until now no representative scale demonstration has been achieved to give industry the confidence to adopt the technology in decommissioning projects. To undertake this work, TWI used an industrial 5kW solid state fibre laser with high beam quality, which enabled both concrete removal (scabbling) and pipework cutting trials to be demonstrated using the same unit. The laser power was deployed via an articulated arm robot mounted on a 6m linear traverse. In laser scabbling, the laser beam generates localised and steep temperature gradients in the constituents of the concrete, causing differential thermal expansion and rapidly expanding any water present in the cement matrix. This leads to cracking and spalling of the surface. Debris produced is collected by a high power vacuum pumping
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Laser cutting a non-contact method utilising lightweight deployment
Laser scabbling offers major savings in waste disposal
Presentations have been given at the WM 2010 conference in Phoenix during March, as well as at several Nuclear Institute events. Further presentations are planned including the ENC 2010 conference in Barcelona and other international conferences later in the year.
A number of potential end-users, who have expressed interest, have been contacted to explore specific future project applications. TWI is seeking opportunities for further development and practical deployment of the laser technology. The facility and equipment used for the demonstrations will therefore be maintained and kept available as a training and trials facility for companies considering the use of high power lasers for decommissioning applications.
Roxtec UK wins multiple nuclear contracts
NIA Members visit DB Gateshead Facilities
Bury based safety seal firm Roxtec has tripled its sales in the nuclear sector in the last twelve months.
Doosan Babcock (DB) welcomed over 15 member companies to their facilities in Gateshead back in March prior to the NIA Decommissioning Working Group. The group was hosted by Paul Fisher, Lead Development Engineer and Paul Todd, Nuclear Services Director for DB. The tour commenced with an interesting brief which provided an overview of DB, their current markets and projects and the British Energy Training Facility and associated contract to provide In Vessel repair capability for the AGR boilers during planned outages.
Swedish owned Roxtec's products will be used to protect cabling and pipes against fire, gas and water at nuclear power generation plants, research facilities and military establishments in the UK. The seals, which are resistant to radiation, have been used to seal power cables and utility systems into new and decommissioned buildings and have also sealed data and telecoms cables into such areas as data rooms. NIA member Roxtec has also been used to protect equipment by supplying its EzEntry (tm) products - which protects against water, dust and vibration - to seal cables entering into control systems for a major nuclear establishment. Internationally, Roxtec has signed deals to provide a range of products to new nuclear power projects in China. Working with China National Power Engineering Co, the company has secured contracts to supply the Taishan Nuclear Power Stations 1 & 2 in Guangdong. In Unit 2 Roxtec is to be used in the main structure of the reactor island, forming part of a compartmentalised fire protection system. Roxtec will be supplying products for further nuclear reactors in the Hongyanhe River, Yangjiang and Ningde projects. Roxtec has also won a contract to work with nuclear giant Areva for the Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) project in Finland, which when complete will be the biggest nuclear reactor in the world. Roxtec has received a 'Top Supplier' award from Areva Nuclear Power for this project, meeting 25 separate criteria including quality, sustainable development, nuclear safety, values, R&D and competitiveness. The seals are vital in the containment of electrical fires and can also protect against flood and air releases. Graham O'Hare, managing director of Roxtec UK, said the company is excited about expanding its work into the nuclear sector. "Roxtec UK has only recently entered the nuclear sector and the company is very pleased with the success so far. This is a massive market for us and we are excited to be building up relationships with key businesses in the nuclear sector.” "We are very confident about the future as we are currently working on 11 different UK projects. Roxtec UK will continue to look at ways of expanding and building up contacts across various key sectors, and we are particularly keen to speak to nuclear business to discuss the benefits of working together."
Energy Choices 2010: This Nuclear Island... Central Hall, Westminster, 2 December 2010
No-one does nuclear conferences like the NIA...don't miss it.
NIA Members enjoy facility tour
Doosan Babcock (under several names) has been members of their trade association since 1985 and the growth of the company has been significant over these years with staff numbers now standing at 5,000, with over 20 offices around the world and an annual group turnover of around $1Billion. On the tour the group were escorted round British Energy’s Vessel Entry Training Facility including their two training rigs. The group were able to get a feel for what it would be like for the workers with the heat and the small spaces and were shown the protective equipment and extensive safety and support systems that are required to entry and safely repair AGR boiler elements. The tour also included a demonstration welding trials to develop welding procedures for the large sludge tanks that DB will be supplying to the SPP1 (Sludge Packaging Plant) project build at Sellafield. There was also an opportunity to view the large assembly lifting frames for these major components being modified and refurbished in the workshops. After the facility tour the NIA hosted the first in a series of “Nuclear Icebreaker”. The locally focused networking event was attended by around 30 member companies, many of whom are based in the North-East. Future events will follow in coming months, aiming to provide small-scale and intimate networking opportunities for the SME community throughout the UK. If you are interested in arranging a facility tour for NIA members or hosting a “nuclear Icebreaker” please do get in touch with stephanie.mckenna@niauk.org
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The next generation… of nuclear conferences A TWO-DAY industry-led conference proved a major hit with delegates and exhibitors alike – and drew praise from a Royal visitor. The New Nuclear Build:2010 – The Next Generation event at the Queen Elizabeth conference centre in Westminster provided an excellent showcase for UK nuclear – and was backed by HRH Prince Andrew. Along with a varied and top-notch speaker line-up, the event, put together by the NIA, The Nuclear Institute and Institution of Mechanical Engineers also provided the perfect backdrop for an inward trade mission of international delegates from over 10 countries, sponsored by the government’s UK Trade and Investment department. Key speakers included EDF Energy’s Humphrey CadouxHudson and Horizon’s Alan Raymant talking about the UK’s nuclear future, and a BBC-style Question Time hosted by Newsnight’s Gavin Esler, featuring MPs from the three major political parties. But it was an appearance by Prince Andrew, in his role as International Trade Ambassador, which made the headlines at the conference, attended by more than 500 delegates. The Prince toured part of the exhibition area and met industry big-hitters before a top-level private meeting with insiders aimed at ensuring support for UK nuclear’s commercial future in tough overseas markets. Lord Martin O’Neill, chairman of the Nuclear Industry Association said the event, organised by the industry for the industry, proved how much interest there is in UK nuclear. “This event was put together carefully and with great insight by the industry itself. The difference was clear to see. The programme was excellent and did great credit to our industry – particularly in the eyes of many key overseas visitors.” Other highlights included a session hosted by UK Young Generation Network which featured a schools video competition which drew considerable applause from the packed auditorium. Chairman of the Office for Nuclear Development, Tim Stone, presented the prizes following his keynote speech on new build delivery for the UK.
Gavin Esler, BBC Presenter chairs the conference’s Question Time
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The flag flies high for the New Nuclear Build Conference 2010
HRH Prince Andrew meets delegates at the conference exhibitor’s area
Gavin Esler questions Rt Hon Malcolm Wicks MP
Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan Chair of NIA opens the conference
HRH Prince Andrew in conversation with Rolls-Royce
Corhyn Parr, Chair YGN, introduces Session 4 - The Future Generations
Dr Tim Stone delivers the Keynote Address
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Industry support for Forgemasters deal The Nuclear Industry Association warmly welcomed previous government's decision to offer financial support to Sheffield Forgemasters to allow them to build a large 15,000 tonne press to supply key nuclear components as “a most reassuring sign of commitment at the highest level to supporting UK industry”. However, as IndustryLink went to press there were concerns the deal is "under review" as part of the new coalition government's wide-ranging cost cutting considerations. NIA Chief Executive Keith Parker said: “Sheffield Forgemasters is a UK company that is gearing-up to play a key role at the heart of the global nuclear supply chain, in a worldwide nuclear renaissance.” “That the government has chosen to provide this assistance is not only good news for Sheffiled Forgemasters; it is good news for UK Plc and it is good news for all sections of our manufacturing industry.”
Lord Mandelson announces support
With secure and adequate funding, Sheffield Forgemasters can now develop the press, capable of producing the very large forgings needed to make a modern nuclear power station. The UK is at the leading edge of what is now a global movement towards further development of nuclear power – an essential technology in the battle to reduce carbon emissions and secure national energy supplies. Heavy forgings have been viewed as a potential supply-chain pinch point and having a domestic capability to develop these components pushes the UK further towards the forefront of the global nuclear supply chain. Professor Keith Ridgway, Programme Director at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) said: "This is a very important step in the rejuvenation and development of the UK manufacturing supply chain. It will also be a major stimulus for nuclear new build activity in the region." Professor Andrew Sherry, Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester also welcomed the move. "This is welcome news that strengthens the UK capability to manufacture key components to the national and international nuclear new build programme.” The Nuclear AMRC is a joint initiative between the University of Sheffield and The University of Manchester, run on a consortium basis with industry. Its mission is to drive up the capabilities and competitiveness of the UK civil nuclear manufacturing industry, and to develop world-leading manufacturing processes and technologies. Sheffield Forgemasters is a founding member of the Nuclear AMRC consortium. Other members include nuclear reactor providers Westinghouse and Areva, and Rolls-Royce. The Nuclear AMRC is also supported by EDF Energy, and the NIA. NIA member Westinghouse also announced an intention to be involved in the new forging press. Westinghouse plans to make a substantial contribution to the proposed new press. Speaking alongside Lord Mandelson at the launch in Sheffield, Mike Tynan, Chief Executive of Westinghouse UK, said “Today’s announcement is yet another tangible indicator that new nuclear build is becoming a reality for the UK and around the world. I hope it will send a strong signal to other UK companies who may be considering the wide range of opportunities offered by the nuclear industry.”
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Power Politics Story: Simon James Email: simon.james@niauk.org
The General Election certainly lived up to its billing as the most exciting and unpredictable election for decades. The government we ended up with also confounded predictions with the Conservatives conceding ground to the Liberal Democrats on electoral reform in order to get a coalition deal. Coming into the election no one would have predicted that the outcome would see both the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills run by Liberal Democrat Secretaries of State. While this may cause some anxiety in the industry this has been largely allayed by the coalition agreement that clearly states that the Conservative policy of allowing new build will continue and while Liberal Democrats will now vote for any of the enabling measures in the House of they equally won’t vote against which leaves the Conservatives with enough votes to push measures through. The main issue on which a vote will be required is the National Policy Statements for energy and new Secretary of State Chris Huhne has confirmed that the government will bring these forward as rapidly as possible. In addition to Chris Huhne the ministerial team is made up of Charles Hendry as Energy Minister, Greg Barker as Climate Change Minister and Lord Marland as the Departmental Minister in the Lords. Charles Hendry and Greg Barker have long held these positions in opposition and the industry was particularly pleased to see the appointment of Charles Hendry to the Energy job. NIA has had regular dialogues over recent years with all of the senior DECC ministers and we expect this to continue. While Chris Huhne has long expressed his opposition to nuclear power it has always been on the basis of the economics rather than an ideological opposition based on safety or waste issues. It is for this reason that he (and the government) is stressing the fact that there will be no public subsidy for nuclear. Much of the media have taken this spin and perceive this as a new policy position and have been trying to make a story of it despite the fact that it was the previous government’s policy as well as that of the Conservative Party and a position that the industry has always agreed with. When looked at in hindsight while we did not expect a full coalition deal between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats the outcome in numbers of seats was fairly much as we thought at the beginning of the election. Most importantly as we believed to be the case, the Lib Dems did not make nuclear power a “red line” issue and will let the new build process continue under the new coalition government.
Nuclear like “three Olympics” – Cogent Job creation on the scale of three London Olympics would be generated by a nuclear new build programme claim Cogent, the Sector Skills Council, in the latest of their leading-edge skills reports. Thousands of training opportunities, new apprenticeships and up to 30,000 jobs will be needed in the construction, manufacturing, operation and maintenance of anticipated stations over the next 15 years, they say in their Next Generation:Skills for New Build report. The report focuses on UK skills capacity and capability to deliver a new build programme up to 2025. The report analyses the workforce required to build six twin nuclear reactor stations capable of generating 16 GWe (16 billion Watts electricity) - enough to supply 80% of current household electricity demands - by 2025. The findings include: • 1,000 new apprentices each year: The equivalent employment requirement of three 2012 Olympics. This translates into a demand for around 1,000 new apprentices and 1,000 new STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) graduates, throughout the civil nuclear industry and supply chain, each year to 2025. • UK can lead global nuclear renaissance: With over 44,000 people currently working in the civil nuclear industry and with 50 years of nuclear experience, the UK is well placed to develop goods and services in support of the global nuclear renaissance if we can build on existing skills and identify and acquire new ones. • Skills risk register: The new build nuclear programme demands critical skills in engineering, project management, high integrity welding and safety compliance, among the thousands of new opportunities, and one of the key recommendations of the Next Generation report is to establish a skills risk register to monitor the supply of critical skills. • HE and research skills: Higher level skills and research capacity are noted as essential elements of new build and the report recommends collaboration between industry
Cogent's Joanna Woolf
and skills bodies, funding councils and the new Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to focus MSc and PhD programmes. • Accreditation of safe working: Workforce mobility is a critical factor in complex and multi-site engineering and construction projects, so the report recommends that sector skills bodies and new build industries align skills accreditation schemes to ensure safe and efficient working on nuclear licensed sites. The Skills Academy’s Nuclear Skills Passport will be key to this activity, and is being supported by industry as ‘highly desirable’ in supply chain tenders. The research is the product of collaboration across the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance, which comprises The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and the four skills bodies: Cogent Sector Skills Council, The National Skills Academy for Nuclear, The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, and Construction Skills.
US Polls show support for nuclear A public opinion poll in the USA shows that support for the use of nuclear power has reached a record high of over 60%. However, a separate poll of "opinion formers" in the USA and six European countries shows that, while support for nuclear is high, dealing with used nuclear fuel remains a concern. A telephone poll of 1014 American adults conducted between 4 and 7 March by the Gallup polling organisation found that 62% of respondents favour the use of nuclear energy as one of the ways of generating electricity in the USA. This was the first time that support of nuclear power in the USA surpassed 60% since Gallup began conducting such surveys in 1994.
One-third of respondents (33%) said that they opposed nuclear energy, a record low. In a similar poll conducted a year ago, 59% of Americans said that they favoured the use of nuclear power, while 37% said they were opposed to its use. The latest poll was conducted shortly after President Obama announced federal government loan guarantees for the construction of new nuclear power reactors in the USA.
US President Barack Obama
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News in brief
UK carbon levels fall – thanks to nuclear
The human factor
UK greenhouse gas emissions continued to fall in 2009 thanks to increased use of nuclear power.
The Energy Institute (EI) has launched a new publication, Guidance on managing human and organisational factors in decommissioning. This technical guidance is based on materials donated by Magnox North Sites, and aims to steer the reader through the types of human factors considerations that should be taken into account during the various phases of decommissioning a facility. This publication is available FREE to download from the human factors section of the EI website at: www.energyinst.org.uk/humanfactors
Cogent launches initiative Cogent is offering a £650 per person grant towards training women in science-using industries The Cogent SSC Women and Work Programme is a new initiative for the science-using industries to support the skills development of women, particularly into nontraditional technical roles. Employers are encouraged to review the skills development needs of their business and where there is a skills gap or a career progression opportunity identified among female staff, individuals may be eligible for a £650 grant for their development. The only stipulation is that a company must contribute 50% or more to the total costs of the project (both to the provision and via learner or mentor time) of which 15% must be in cash to a provider of the course. Cogent has a total of 100 grants to award and they will only be available to December. Contact womenandworkcareers@cogentssc.com
Isotope producers under repair Major repairs are underway on the world's two biggest medical isotope production reactors. At a time when concerns over supply of life-saving medical isotopes from the nuclear industry are high, the National Research Universal (NRU) unit at Canada's Chalk River Laboratory has been offline since mid-May 2009 due to water leaks from its main tank. Last month, the High-Flux Reactor (HFR) at Petten in the Netherlands went offline to fix an ingress of tiny air bubbles in a main coolant pipe.
Newly released figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) show a decrease in overall greenhouse gas emissions of 8.6% in 2009, to a provisionally estimated 574.6 million tonnes carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, down from the 2008 figure of 628.3 million tonnes. According to DECC, the decrease in CO2 emissions resulted primarily from a "significant" fall in energy consumption, combined with an increased use of nuclear power and decreased use of coal for electricity generation. The energy sector is the main contributor to the 9.8% cut in CO2, with power stations the main contributor within the sector. Between 2008 and 2009, emissions from electricity generation fell by 13% as a result of much lower use of coal-fired generation but more use of nuclear. Gas-powered generation fell marginally, reflecting lower demand at a time of a contracting economy, but remained at historically high levels, according to DECC.
Sarkozy backs new nuclear THE NIA was represented at a major French energy conference where President Nicolas Sarkozy re-iterated strong support for new nuclear build. NIA chairman Lord O’Neil was invited to speak at the event where Sarkozy said major industrial powers could change their economies towards new forms of power generation – with an eye on protecting the environment – and reducing poverty.
Areva to supply Hokkaido
According to World Nuclear News (WNN) Sarkozy said that solutions to future energy needs would not be found in “nogrowth theories”. Such policies were selfish and would force the poorest people of the world to stay in their current situation and 'would close the door' on have-nots.
France's Areva has signed a contract to supply mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel for use in unit 3 of Hokkaido Electric Power Co's Tomari nuclear power reactor in Japan. Under the terms of the contract, signed with Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel (MNF), Areva will fabricate the MOX fuel at its Melox plant using plutonium recovered from used fuel at its La Hague reprocessing plant. MNF designed the MOX fuel to be used by Hokkaido.
France is convinced that nuclear power is the key to more equitably sharing wealth on the planet. According to Sarkozy the world would need 40% more energy by 2030, with the vast majority of the increase in demand taking place in non-OECD countries, and nuclear energy use must grow in these developing regions.
Between 2006 and 2009, Areva signed MOX supply contracts with other Japanese utilities, including Chubu, Kyushu, Shikoku, Kansai, Electric Power Development Corp (EPDC) and Chugoku.
Sarkozy said that the world would need renewables and nuclear if we were to honour our goals on climate change.
Only a small number of research reactors across the world can supply molybdenum-99, which decays into technetium-99 en route to thousands of hospitals for use in imaging procedures.
About 5% of the content of MOX fuel is plutonium recovered from nuclear fuel already used in power-generating reactors. Recycling the material in this way increases the energy it produces by 12%, while if unfissioned uranium is also recovered and reused the figure increases to 22%.
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The French President complained that nuclear projects were ostracised in terms of international funding. This, he said, was sentencing poorer countries to use more expensive generation options. The World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development should undertake fully to fund new nuclear power generation. Meanwhile he called for the current rules governing the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism to be changed too to include nuclear energy projects, as the present restriction was impacting on the energy choices of poorer countries.
Company Spotlight... Westinghouse ready to deliver! Westinghouse have been active in recent months in strengthening their preparations for a UK nuclear revival, whilst simultaneously demonstrating their commitment to the UK market: Back in December, Westinghouse announced the formation of a UK “Delivery Team”, ready to build the AP1000TM reactor here when the time comes. That team comprises major UK construction firm Laing O’Rourke, as well as Westinghouse, Toshiba and the Shaw Group, who are the constructors working with Westinghouse on the AP1000 plants being built in China and the US, as well as having been involved in the construction of nearly every UK nuclear plant. This combination therefore brings all of the lessons learned from AP1000 construction overseas whilst ensuring that there is a huge opportunity for UK participation in AP1000 projects in this country. The Team will be holding a major supplier event in Manchester towards the end of June to help ensure that this opportunity can be realised as far as possible.
Westinghouse boss Aris Candris (centre) at the Springfield signing
In April, the Springfields fuel manufacturing plant was entrusted to Westinghouse on a 150 year lease by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. This move recognised Westinghouse’s successful performance as an M&O contractor on the site over the previous five years, and opens the door to potential investment in new facilities on the site in the years to come. Significantly, it also places Westinghouse at the heart of the UK nuclear industry into the second half of the next century. Most recently, Westinghouse announced that the UK Regional Office team will move to larger and more permanent accommodation at Matrix Park in Chorley, from their current base in the centre of Preston. Commenting on the move, Westinghouse UK CEO Mike Tynan said: “Whilst fuel manufacture at Springfields remains a crucial part of our business in the UK, there is a bigger picture for us here, which cuts across all of our business areas. We are working hard to ensure that the AP1000 reactor design is licensed for use in the UK, and that it is selected by utility customers. We are also developing a reactor services and decommissioning business here, which is a growing area for Westinghouse, building on our track record in this sector overseas. We have found that having a headquarters located a few miles away from our Springfields location has been helpful in allowing us to focus on these wider opportunities and the synergies between them.”
Artist impression of AP1000 reactor
So many developments in just a few months illustrate the pace of progress in the UK nuclear industry – and Westinghouse’s leading role within it.
December also saw Westinghouse become one of the founder members of the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, based in South Yorkshire, and linked to the University of Manchester. In March, Westinghouse were pleased to announce that they were one of the participants in the £140M proposal to bring a 15,000 tonne press to Sheffield Forgemasters, along with the UK Government. Whilst the project itself is still subject to due diligence and a final go-ahead, the announcement sent a clear signal of Westinghouse’s confidence that the UK supply chain is ready to deliver in support of the new build programme - in the UK and beyond.
New NIA Members View the list of new NIA members and their company profiles Pages 20/21 17
Springfields deal struck
Rolls-Royce team with Larson & Toubro on global nuclear
NIA member Westinghouse has confirmed it will start new commercial arrangements with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) over the long-term lease of the Springfields fuel manufacturing site near Preston.
NIA member Rolls-Royce has teamed with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), India’s leading engineering and construction company to cooperate on global nuclear opportunities.
The new arrangements were marked at a ceremony on the site attended by Westinghouse President Aris Candris, NDA Commercial Director John Clarke and CEO of Toshiba’s Power Systems Company Yasuharu Igarashi.
The two companies have agreed to collaborate on areas including nuclear instrumentation and controls, engineered products and systems, reactor components, engineering services, in-service reactor support and waste management.
The deal includes the permanent transfer of ownership of Springfields Fuels Limited, the company currently operating the site under the management of Westinghouse Electric UK Limited and which employs 1350 people.
The cooperation with L&T for instrumentation and controls will form the first operational phase of this relationship to bridge the gap in the existing supply chain in support of India's ambitious new build program.
The new lease, to manage and operate the site for the next 150 years, is effective from 1 April 2010 after the current site management contract with the NDA, the site owner, ended on 31 March.
Lawrie Haynes, Rolls-Royce, President - Nuclear, said: "India has developed an impressive nuclear capability over the last 34 years which rivals that of any country.” “India is a key strategic market for Rolls-Royce and I am very pleased that we are working with Larsen & Toubro, one of the country's most pre-eminent engineering companies.”
NNL wins top UK Safety Award THE NATIONAL Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) won the RoSPA Research and Development Industry Sector Award for 2010. This means that NNL is the top R&D organisation for health and safety in the UK. The Westinghouse team
NNL has now won this award in six out of the last seven years.
Speaking after the ceremony, Aris Candris said: “The new arrangements pave the way for significant investment by Westinghouse in Springfields that will maintain high quality jobs and provide security for current and new employees.”
RoSPA – the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents – Safety Awards have been recognising health and safety success for over 50 years. The Sector Awards are very competitive and recognised the organisations that have demonstrated the best health and safety management performance within their industrial sector.
“Longer-term, we would expect to expand production to manufacture fuel for AP1000 nuclear power plants we intend to build in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.”
NNL Managing Director Mike Lawrence said: “This has been a great safety year across the board and the entire organisation should be extremely proud.”
For the NDA, John Clarke, NDA Commercial Director said: “This agreement represents an excellent outcome for the UK taxpayer and along with recent land sales is another example of the NDA optimising value from our assets.” “It provides the right platform to exploit the site’s potential for the benefit of the workforce, the local community and the UK nuclear industry.”
NNL Managing Director, Mike Lawrence is presented with the RoSPA Safety Award
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Company Profile - Sarens Sarens are a global provider of Engineered Project Heavy Lifting and Transportation Solutions to the power, process, petrochemical and nuclear industries.
Nuclear People I am Len Jones, Commissioning Director for DBD Nuclear. I have worked on civil nuclear projects since graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a nuclear speciality.
Steady growth and diversification of equipment & knowledge has allowed us to become one of the largest heavy lifting specialists in the world, with a group turnover in excess of 400m (Eur), a network of over 30 offices worldwide and a combined staff of some 2,000 people. Sarens has, in various forms, been involved in the UK nuclear market for many years. The UK Heavy Lifting Division, incorporated into the group following the purchase of GWS in 1997, executed the major module heavy lifting operations at Sizewell ‘B’ (SZB) and Sarens are now using that expertise to repeat the process at the Olkiluoto 3 NPP, and are contracted to execute similar lifts at Flamanville 3. Len Jones
From starting my career at the UKAEA at Capenhurst, I have worked on development and commissioning for a number of significant civil nuclear projects in Japan, Brazil and Germany. I have also been involved with leading commissioning and preoperations team for plants at Sellafield. I am currently responsible for leading Commissioning Strategy at DBD Nuclear, whilst leading the Costain commissioning team for Evaporator D at Sellafield.
What is DBD Nuclear? DBD Nuclear (formally known as Different by Design) is a consulting company consisting of a team of specialist engineers and consultants with a depth and range of experience in the nuclear industry that is difficult to match in our specialist areas of commissioning, safety case strategy, front end design and optioneering. To ensure that this valuable knowledge and experience is being captured and developed, these senior engineers are being supported by young engineers and graduates who are encouraged to fast track the knowledge transfer process. Sarens - world class engineering
Since those early days at Sizewell we have been evolving our nuclear capability, culminating in the acquisition of the US heavy lift company Rigging International, who are renowned experts in conducting complex lifting and transportation solutions within both operational and decommissioning nuclear power plants, and other nuclear facilities. This experience, when combined with our existing expertise, has given birth to a Nuclear Division that can manage heavy lift projects across the entire spectrum of nuclear operations, embracing operational power plants, new build and decommissioning & dismantling. With this wide history of successful operations deep inside operational NPP’s combined with the special projects capabilities ensures our Middlesbrough base remains a strategic arm of the Sarens Nuclear Division. With a vast worldwide fleet of both conventional heavy lifting and specialist in-house design lifting equipment we have safely executed complex engineered nuclear heavy lifting and transportation solutions in both new and existing facilities in Europe, USA, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Brazil. Vic Rollandi, Global Director - Sarens Nuclear Division, said - “The current challenges faced by the nuclear industry offer exciting times for our UK operations.”
My Position As Commissioning Director my role is to further develop DBD Nuclear’s Commissioning capability, through securing key resources and ensuring our processes and procedures consistently reflect best practice. The other part of my role is to lead the commissioning team for Sellafield’s Evaporator D, on behalf of our partner Costain. This team is developing the innovative processes, systemisation and documentation to ensure the optimal delivery of commissioning while working in an integrated team.
Our Objectives DBD Nuclear continually strives to be an expert international engineering consultancy company that supports strategic decision making and technical delivery within challenging work programmes and thereby creates exceptional value for our customers, our employees and our shareholders.
Our Future DBD Nuclear is currently working with a range of partners on both a domestic and international basis. DBD Nuclear is looking to further grow its capabilities in key niche arenas, whilst ensuring clients obtain added value from our expertise.
“New build execution at a time of extensive decommissioning will see strains on everybody’s resources.” “With our specific focus on the nuclear industry and global resource network, we feel we are ideally positioned to rise to these challenges”
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Membership News Story: Amanda Macmillan Email: amanda.macmillan@niauk.org
Whilst the political scene has dominated the agenda recently, within industry in the UK and overseas business continues to develop. To showcase UK expertise and capability, the NIA and UK Trade & Investment launched a new publication UK Nuclear: Powering the future, with a number of case studies from many member companies. This is available to download on our website (www.niauk.org and follow the left hand to UK Nuclear Brochure). To find out more about profiling your organisation in future case studies, please contact John McNamara on:
john.mcnamara@niauk.org This year continues to see a steady growth in organisations joining our association, and I am delighted that the membership today stands at strong 218. We value our members and to further recognise, their commitment and investment to the sector, a corporate membership certificate scheme will be launched this year. Certificates will be issued upon receipt of subscription fee to the nominated main member contact. Why not display your membership certificate and show your relationship and support to the NIA. If you are reading this and not yet a member company of the NIA to find out about membership contact stephanie.mckenna@niauk.org Membership of the NIA is crucial for companies wanting to take an active role in the UK's nuclear future. The range of benefits are extensive - and membership rates are extremely competitive. As you can see from this issue of IndustryLink, the NIA is central to the UK's nuclear scene both here and abroad. Please contact a member of the NIA team to find out more about what we can do for you...
New NIA Members
VT Group has won a multi-million pound bid to support Sellafield Site monitoring. The new contract extends the work carried out by VT’s Environmental Laboratory based at Westlakes, and will span a total of three years, with an option for a further one year. It is valued at up to £10 million over three years. The scope includes analytical services to Sellafield Ltd for approved dosimetry, analysis of terrestrial and marine samples, site groundwater monitoring programmes and analysis of plant aerial and liquid effluent samples. John Chubb, Managing Director of VT Group’s Environmental business said: “This is a major success for our Environmental Laboratory and reflects the skills, knowledge and experience of the laboratory team in delivering an excellent performance and customer satisfaction.”
EnergySolutions wins in China NIA member EnergySolutions announced it has been selected to provide waste management systems to new CPR1000 reactors being built as a part of the extensive nuclear new build program in China. China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Corporation (CGNPC) is constructing six CPR 1000 reactor units at its Yangjiang site in Guangdong Province China. The contract to design and supply the liquid waste processing system, together with solid waste systems for two reactor units of Yangjiang Nuclear Power Project has been awarded to the company’s international subsidiary EnergySolutions EU Ltd.
Eadon Consulting Ltd is an independent mechanical and
LTi Metaltech Ltd is a specialist in the manufacture and fabrication of highly technical products and components for use in demanding applications such as pressure vessels currently supplied to the Medical Industry.
structural engineering design consultancy based in Sheffield providing innovative and practical engineering solutions.
Pactec EPS Ltd design and build soft sided packaging for the
HSB Global Standards – Europe offers a wide range of
nuclear and hazardous waste industries. They manufacture IP-1 and IP-2 lift bags, LSA and SCO wraps, and other packaging products.
inspection services for boilers, pressure vessels, nuclear components, and process and power plants.
Cammell Laird Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Ltd The company specialise in the fabrications of steel work and pipework, and are module builders and facilities providers. Finmeccanica UK Ltd is ideally placed to serve the largest defence and security market in Europe. At sixteen major sites from Edinburgh to Portsmouth, Finmeccanica employ more than 10,000 highly skilled people and have annual sales in excess of £2 billion.
ATB Laurence Scott Ltd supply high voltage drive motors to pump manufacturers for multiple drive applications including auxiliary feed water, containment spray, residual heat removal, essential services and many other services.
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VT wins Sellafield monitoring deal
Weidmuller Limited are a market-leading manufacturer of electrical and electronic components for the transmission, control and monitoring of power, signal and data in many industries including Energy and in particular Nuclear. TM+W Group provide innovative design, procurement, project and construction services for technologies ranging from renewable energy to combined heat and power (CHP) to nuclear power plants Rider Levett Bucknall UK Ltd is a global property and construction practice which provides cost management, commercial management, programme management and project controls.
Bracchium provides consultancy and business advice to the nuclear and energy engineering sectors in business strategy, programme management and nuclear safety.
Ultra wins British Energy contract for nuclear sensors NIA member Ultra has won a £20m contract from British Energy for the long-term supply and management of neutron flux detectors to a number of advanced gas reactors. The high integrity sensors are a key element of the safety systems that monitor the safe operation of nuclear plant. Chris Binsley, Nuclear Systems Director commented: “We have been working with British Energy for a number of years now and selection as a long-term supply partner underlines Ultra’s position as a key supplier to the Industry. The Ultra Group has a broad capability in nuclear control systems, from specialised sensors through high integrity electronic control systems to displays”.
Nuclear Law Book Offer NIA members attended the book launch of Nuclear Law (Second Edition) written by Stephen Tromans QC at 39 Steps in March.
AMEC acquires Entec NIA member AMEC has acquired the leading environmental consultancy Entec Holdings Limited in a £61.2 million deal. Entec is a multidisciplinary consultancy providing a wide range of skills in depth to a long-standing public and private sector customer base. The acquisition will strengthen AMEC’s relationships with existing customers, as well as provide access to new ones. Entec has some 700 professional employees and is headquartered in Newcastle with 14 offices across the United Kingdom. The acquisition is fully aligned with AMEC’s Vision 2015 strategy, which focuses the business on assured growth through a strengthened geographic footprint and enhanced capabilities in key sectors. The acquisition, which is expected to be earnings enhancing immediately, will complement AMEC’s existing environmental business in the UK which employs over 100 specialists and operates out of eight offices across the country. “Acquiring Entec Holdings Ltd is another important step in our strategy of enhancing our water and environmental consulting capabilities internationally,” said Roger Jinks, President of AMEC’s Earth & Environmental division.
Nuclear Law is a practical guide to the international, EC and UK law applying to the various uses of nuclear energy and radioactive substances. The first edition was produced in 1997, and given the renaissance of interest in nuclear power in the UK and worldwide, this new, updated and much expanded edition is timely. It covers the law relating to the permitting and operation of nuclear power stations, the decommissioning and clean-up of former nuclear facilities, radiological protection, the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, liability and insurance, and the security and transport of radioactive materials. The NIA has secured a 20% discount for its members. If you would like to order this title you can do so through the Hart Publishing website. To receive the discount please quote ref: ‘NIA’ in the special instructions field (NIAH01).
ASD metal services supply multi-metal products in forms such as sheet, plate, bar, tube, pipe, fittings etc. They provide the nuclear industry with metals in stainless, aluminium, carbon steel and specialised products.
Thirty Nine Essex Street Chambers is a leading set of Chambers offering expertise in commercial, common, construction, costs, environmental and planning, public, regulatory and disciplinary law both domestic and overseas jurisdictions.
QinetiQ Limited is a leading international provider of technologybased services and solutions to the defence, security and related markets. In addition, they provide technology insertion and consultancy services to commercial and industrial customers around the world.
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 181,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments.
Aish Technologies Ltd is a electro-mechanical engineering
Fine Tubes Ltd manufacture and supply tubular raw material in seamless and welded & drawn forms in Stainless Steel. Nickel and Titanium alloys in sizes ranging from 1.6mm to 44.45mm OD. Applications in the Nuclear Industry include Steam Generators, Heat Exchangers, Instrumentation and Condenser tubes.
company. Principal areas of activities are: Electrical, Mechanical, Software and Hardware engineering design. To support the companies design activities Aish Technologies has a comprehensive manufacturing facility.
East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has a clear mission - to improve the economy of the East of England. The East of England is a key region for the nuclear industry, with expertise in PWR generation, accelerated decommissioning and two identified new build sites
Davis Langdon LLP is a global multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, providing holistic solutions for clients investing in infrastructure, property and construction. The integrated team has an in-depth experience of the nuclear sector, covering the entire life cycle of a nuclear power plant from nuclear new build to decommissioning.
The Controlled Group is a multi-disciplined contractor offering a comprehensive service.
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Record-breaking output for Magnox North Magnox North, a company owned by NIA member EnergySolutions has ended the year on a high as figures revealed another ‘record breaking’ output total. Given the right market conditions the company proposes to Wylfa and Oldbury (the world’s oldest operating nuclear power station) have generated 8.196 Twh of electricity since April 1 2009 - worth well over £300m to the UK taxpayer. This figure is more than 3 Twh above target and marks Magnox North’s best ever performance in electricity generation. Exceeding these targets by such a large margin was only made possible by continuing the safe generation of electricity at Oldbury power station, in Gloucestershire, which had been originally scheduled to close on 31st December 2008. It is even more remarkable given that there have been three scheduled outages at the 2 stations in the previous 12 month period, where the nuclear reactors are brought off-line to perform statutory maintenance and safety checks. In more good news Magnox North and South have been shortlisted in the ‘Constructing Excellence South West Built Environment Awards 2010’.
New Chairman for EnergySolutions Clare Spottiswoode has recently been appointed as Chairman of EnergySolutions EU Ltd, the International arm which takes the EnergySolutions portfolio into the UK, Europe, Canada and the Far East. Clare is perhaps best known for her role as Director General of Ofgas, in the UK, between 1993 and 1998 where she oversaw the transformation of the gas industry from a monopoly into an industry where everyone, from industrial to domestic customers can choose who to purchase their gas from. A main board member of Clare Spottiswoode EnergySolutions Inc, Clare also chairs Gas Strategies Ltd and is a non executive director of Tullow Oil and security group G4S. Previous roles include the Deputy Chairman of British Energy. Commenting on her role Clare said "This is a tremendously exciting time for the nuclear industry as more and more countries around the world recognise the role that nuclear has in meeting their energy needs. EnergySolutions is a vibrant, smart and innovative provider of nuclear services and I am delighted to be part of the team".
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AMEC and EnergySolutions combine to bid for Dounreay clean-up contract NIA members AMEC, the international engineering and project management company, and EnergySolutions, the international nuclear services company, have formed a joint venture to bid for the Parent Body Organisation (PBO) contract at Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL). The joint venture, which will be called Caithness Solutions Limited, brings together two companies with unrivalled experience in the international nuclear decommissioning market as well as in other key industrial sectors. AMEC has a first-class pedigree in the nuclear clean-up market in the UK and ContinentalEurope, including a long history of decommissioning projects at the sites now owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and is a member of Nuclear Management Partners (NMP), the consortium that owns the shares in Sellafield Ltd and operates the site on behalf of the NDA. EnergySolutions, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is an international nuclear services company with operations throughout the United States and around the world. The company also holds the contracts to manage and operate the ten Magnox nuclear sites in the UK on behalf of the NDA. Mike Saunders, President of AMEC’s Power & Process Europe business, said: “Caithness Solutions is a formidable joint venture that will bring the right recipe of global skills, experience, capabilities and culture to safely deliver the desired solution for Dounreay, whilst bringing other areas of value to both the local Caithness region and across all NDA site operations”. And Mark Morant, President of International Group EnergySolutions, said: “This partnership is focused on bringing safe, simple and affordable solutions to Dounreay. We have lots of experience of managing nuclear sites with large workforces and working collaboratively with stakeholders. This is the style and approach that we will bring to this very important NDA site in Caithness.”
Accept no cheap imitations...
Energy Choices 2010: This Nuclear Island... Central Hall, Westminster, 2 December 2010
THE Nuclear Conference For the industry... By the industry...
UK fusion programme nails colours to the MAST THE UK’S innovative fusion energy facility at Culham Centre will receive a major £30 million upgrade. The move will achieve near-fusion conditions in a compact device and ensure the successful completion of three tasks central to the progress of the international fusion research programme. The upgrade should aid construction of a cost-effective component test facility, study the physics and control of plasmas and help trial systems under huge power loads. The MAST (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak) project is leading worldwide studies into a compact alternative to the JET-ITER-style magnetic confinement fusion project. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council – the main funding body for the UK fusion programme – has now given approval for the upgrade project, with completion expected in 2015. Professor Steve Cowley, Head of Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, said: “ The MAST Upgrade is going to be a very important device in fusion research, both for the world and for the UK.” “It will guarantee that on the Culham site we will have world-leading research for the next generation, making a vital step towards commercial fusion power.” Fusion is the process which powers the sun and the stars. When light atomic nuclei fuse together to form heavier ones, a large amount of energy is released. To utilise fusion as an
The MAST facility
energy source, gaseous fuel is heated to extreme temperatures, hotter than the centre of the Sun, forming a plasma in which fusion reactions take place. A commercial power station will use the energy from neutrons produced by fusion reactions to generate electricity. The £30 million upgrade comprises £20 million in industrial contracts, with manpower installation costs accounting for the remaining £10 million.
See www.ccfe.ac.uk/MAST_upgrade.aspx for more details of the project.
Atkins teams up with UCLan to advance pioneering training academy The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has teamed up with NIA member Atkins, one of the world's leading engineering and design consultancies, to provide its nuclear training academy with fully accredited, university-standard courses. The training partnership, Atkins Academy at UCLan, will build on Atkins’ training portfolio creating a set of accredited qualifications that will be added to UCLan’s nuclear programme portfolio, available to UK and international markets. Atkins launched its training academy in 2005 to help bridge the nuclear industry skills gap and in the past two years has trained more than 600 engineers in specialist skills. The
academy has developed the most up-to-date nuclear curriculum based on Atkins extensive involvement in, and knowledge of, the key issues shaping the UK's nuclear and energy future. Chris Ball, director of nuclear at Atkins, said: “As well as developing an accredited training programme, we were keen to ensure we partnered with an institute known by the industry for providing innovative courses and one which is recognised for being at the forefront of nuclear training.” “As one of the UK’s leading nuclear infrastructure consultancies servicing new build, decommissioning and generation sectors, Atkins’ is dedicated to Britain’s nuclear future and we will continue to invest so that we play a central role in that.”
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New phase in supply chain project UK FIRMS will get maximum support to break-in to a multi-billion pound nuclear supply chain with the launch of the second phase of a unique business initiative. Story: John McNamara Email: john.mcnamara@niauk.org
Keith Parker, chief executive of the NIA said the supply chain development programme had top level support. “We want to help UK companies achieve the very highest standards that are demanded and unlock the potential of not just a British nuclear renaissance – but a global opportunity to supply.” “We have the support of the Government, of the major utilities and vendors and the regional development agencies. It is about producing key market information and communicating that through the SC@nuclear brand to the companies who can help the UK nuclear supply chain become the best in the world.”
The Nuclear Industry Association’s ground-breaking SC@nuclear programme moved forward this week with the aim of providing essential information and opportunities so companies can take full advantage of the nuclear market - both in the UK and globally.
The SC@nuclear brand will be the focal point for supply chain development for UK nuclear – its website will provide a centralised knowledge bank containing the most reliable information endorsed by the key players – and act as a signpost on where to find the appropriate assistance.
The first phase of SC@nuclear – an initiative aimed at getting companies new to nuclear to look at the possibilities that building a new generation of nuclear plants in the UK may bring - culminated in a series of cutting-edge awareness events around the UK which drew hundreds of engineering, manufacturing and service companies to take a closer look at nuclear.
The initiative will link in with other agencies, trade associations and regional development agencies and will focus on quality certification and accreditation, financing and business support, information on contracting and procurement and the very latest routes to key training and skills required to be successful in the nuclear sector.
Now the second phase aims to capitalise on that by improving the capability and competitiveness of a growing UK nuclear supply chain.
Later phases will involve supporting industry “quality days” and focussed industry conferences.
SC@nuclear - Manufacturing a nuclear future
NIA goes global... The NIA's brand-new UK export stand was unveiled at the ENC conference in Barcelona. NIA members SERCO, NNL and Amec joined the NIA to form a UK Pavilion at the event while other members including EdF, Rolls-Royce, Westinghouse and Mirion Technologies had their own stands at what is one of Europe's top nuclear conferences. There was a huge amount of interest in the UK stand at the event with several international companies showing strong interest in joining the NIA as the UK new nuclear build project continues to gather global interest - and all NIA members at the UK pavilion reported extremely good response to their export offers. The NIA/UKTI UK nuclear brochure was also given away to interested parties at the stand.
If you would like to join the NIA's Nuclear Export working group and provide a case study for inclusion and be added to the list of supporting companies listed on the stand, then please contact John McNamara at john.mcnamara@niauk.org