Welcome to the Autumn edition of Industry Link! And I’m pleased to say that, as I write this, all nine of Britain’s reactors are online and operating at full capacity, helping to make nuclear not only the leading source of clean power, but the leading source of electricity bar none. Not bad for a fleet that’s been around for over 40 years. Obviously it’s a good time to be in nuclear, reflected in our newly-published annual Jobs Map reports which shows that a record 86,900 people are working across in the sector. Ask yourself what the industry means for you as you read about our biggest and best Jobs Map yet. Elsewhere in this busy issue we sit down with Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the new Chair of Rolls-Roye SMR, as he reflects on exciting times ahead for the company. Continuing with the SMR theme, Andy Champ, GE Hitachi’s UK Director, assesses how Britain is leading the SMR charge.
Plus, the NIA’s newest member, Milly Beaver, looks at the fresh faced MPs who have a strong interest in nuclear…and it’s good news, there’s a lot of them! And Morgan Sindall’s Lindsay Roche, looks back at a recent NIA arranged Team UK visit to South Korea to visit KEPCO. I hope you enjoy reading!
Iolo James Head of Communications, Editor
Editor - Iolo James
Art Editor - Dan Powney
Press & Advertisement Enquiries - press@niauk.org
Membership Enquiries - membership@niauk.org
Contributors - Tom Greatrex • Lincoln Hill • Millie Beaver
• Lindsay Roche, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure • Kristina Drake, Nuclear Waste Services • John Prydderch, Exyte Hargreaves • Andy Champ, GE Hitachi • Dr Will Bodel & Prof Adrian Bull, Dalton Nuclear Institute • Sir Stephen Lovegrove GCMG KCB, Rolls-Royce SMR • David Leon Shaw, Mammoet • with additional thanks to World Nuclear News and the Heysham media team
Nuclear Industry Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 2804518
Registered Office - 4th Floor, York House, 23 Kingsway, London WC2B 6UJ
TEL +44(0)20 7766 6640
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Cover image - Courtesy of EDF Energy edfenergy.com/energy
Jobs Map 2024: Nuclear = jobs
It’s that time of year when we reveal just how many people are lucky enough to be working in Britain’s best sector, and continuing with the trend of the last five years, the UK nuclear workforce just keeps on growing.
The NIA’s 2024 Jobs Map—the sector’s major annual jobs report—shows there are 86,908 people working in the sector, an increase of over 9,000 on last year’s total, and up from 54,515 in 2014. That’s a huge 60% jump in a decade, driven in large part by major new projects at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C.
These are huge jobs numbers. For context, there are around 32,000 people employed in the UK offshore wind sector according to the UK’s Offshore Wind Industry Council, with around 90,000 jobs required by 2026 to meet their capacity targets. Nuclear too will require lots more jobs if we are to ramp up capacity to the levels needed for net zero and energy security, but jobs will only come with new projects and this year’s Jobs Map makes that very clear.
The construction of Hinkley Point C, for instance, has helped triple the size of the nuclear workforce in the South West of England, from 8,500 workers in 2014 to over 27,000 today, a rise of over 200%. No other region in the UK has seen such a colossal increase in the number of nuclear jobs. The project has also brought £5.3 billion of investment into the region, with the benefits soon to be replicated by Sizewell C in Suffolk, where that project is already creating jobs and opportunities for work, especially for young people.
By contrast, Wales, home to the Wylfa nuclear site on Ynys Môn, has seen the steepest decline in jobs across the UK, down 40% in the last decade, despite having the best site for new nuclear anywhere in Europe. A new nuclear project on the island could create thousands of jobs and bring in billions of pounds in investment, with a new gigawatt station representing the single greatest inward investment in Welsh history.
Elsewhere in the UK, innovations in advanced nuclear technology have helped drive the number of jobs, with a growing workforce of over 700 people developing Small Modular Reactors. SMR deployment could create thousands of jobs and we look forward to the conclusion of Great British Nuclear’s SMR competition at the end of this year.
The nuclear industry provides a vital engine of economic development outside London and the South East too, with over 29,000 people employed in the North West in decommissioning, fuel cycle research and reactor design, and remains the sector’s biggest regional workforce.
Sellafield in Cumbria remains the largest employer in the North West with a workforce of close to 12,000, which sustains its global reputation for dealing with legacy issues. In Warrington, over 5,000 people work across the new build and decommissioning programmes.
Elsewhere, the UK’s world-class nuclear fusion research expertise sees more than 2,700 people employed at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire, as another solution for net zero and energy security.
Whilst jobs in England surge, in Scotland they’re flatlining. There are just over 5,000 nuclear jobs in the sector in Scotland, more or less the same as it was in 2008. But the country’s share of UK nuclear jobs has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, to around 6%, compared to 10% in 2014. But with no new projects planned while there’s an anti-nuclear policy, there will be no great increase in the country’s nuclear workforce.
To build on the record growth seen in this year’s Jobs Map, urgent decisions are needed on the next wave of projects to keep up momentum and sustain growth.
These numbers underscore the importance of the government supporting Sizewell C to a Final Investment Decision as soon as possible, alongside progressing the development of Small Modular Reactors and a new project at Wylfa. A comprehensive new nuclear programme along these lines will drive further growth and investment, as well as laying a foundation of energy security for the next century.
And we hope the Jobs Map is read by as many decision-makers as possible. Since 2008 it’s been a vital tool which has helped us show MPs and other stakeholders the economic importance of the UK’s nuclear industry, and usefully illustrates the parliamentary constituencies in which jobs are based so we can hammer home nuclear’s contribution up and down the country.
The significant increase in jobs over the past decade, makes one thing very clear—when our industry has strong and certain government support, companies across the country make bolder development decisions, hire more people, invest in more apprenticeships and expand their contribution to the UK economy.
The NIA would like to thank all members who provided submissions this year and it is your contributions that make this such a valuable and successful tool.
If you would like more copies of the Map, get in touch with the membership team via membership@niauk.org.
Building links in Busan: Team UK’s nuclear visit to South Korea
“How are you fixed for a trip to South Korea?” It wasn’t a question I was prepared for just a few minutes after landing at our office on the west coast of Cumbria. But a few weeks later, I found myself sitting in Heathrow Airport waiting to board a flight to Seoul as part of the NIA arranged delegation invited by KEPCO. It’s fair to say I was filled with a healthy mixture of excitement and trepidation!
KEPCO and other South Korean companies operating as “Team Korea” have long-held ambitions to secure a nuclear project in the UK, and have their eyes firmly fixed on the opportunity at Wylfa, Anglesey. Team Korea is keen to build relationships with the UK supply chain to strengthen its case to UK Government by demonstrating how they will grow jobs, develop skills and strengthen supply chains should they secure work here.
As Industry Link readers will know, UK companies are perfectly placed to support them. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has been delivering critical infrastructure for the nuclear industry for more than a decade. We have invested heavily in our supply chain family and the local communities in which we work. Ensuring our work has a positive social as well as economic impact, is engrained in our company culture. It’s an approach shared by many of the UK
companies who, like us, are primed to support the nation’s nuclear new build ambitions.
The mission was a golden opportunity to raise our profile—a chance to emphasise our credentials as a leading multi-disciplined engineering partner already delivering successful projects here in the UK. Like many other UK companies, we are champing at the bit to play our part in the UK’s ambitions for large and small scale nuclear power developments.
Hinkley Point C is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK for more than two decades. So, it is striking to learn that South Korea began its nuclear programme in 1971 and has never stopped constructing nuclear power plants, whether domestically or overseas. They have developed an industry around the construction of these power plants fabricating major plant and equipment, establishing indigenous fuel fabrication and plant maintenance capability. It’s an impressive track record which really struck home during visits to Saeul Nuclear Power Plant and Doosan Enerbility.
Saeul Nuclear Power Plant comprises four APR1400 power plants with a combined capacity of 5.6GW. Two plants are now in operation and a further two are in the final stages of commissioning. The size of the power plants is remarkable given
the energy density of these facilities. They are so much more compact and of simpler modular construction than traditional reactor designs. Similar power plants have already been constructed at Barakah in the UAE, demonstrating Team Korea’s pedigree in delivering overseas.
Doosan Enerbility—one of a number of supply chain companies who hosted the UK delegation—manufactures major components for nuclear reactors. The scale of the industrialisation for components, such as Steam Generators, Reactor Pressure Vessels, Turbines, is beyond anything which could be achieved without national commitment to a long-term programme. Doosan Enerbility’s huge site near Busan (South Korea’s second biggest city) takes raw material from forgings to final machining and has its own port to deliver this massive equipment, which can weigh between 500-700 tonnes, all over the world.
It’s impossible not to be impressed by how Team Korea operates. It’s impossible not to be excited by the enormous potential a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with them holds for the UK.
We have now established relationships with key organisations in South Korea who are actively seeking UK partners to support project delivery. It’s early days in terms of deployment of a project at Wylfa and me and the UK team came away with a sense of optimism about how we can collaborate with them to successfully deploy a large scale gigawatt plant at the site.
IOLO JAMES • HEAD OF MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS • NIA
Media Watch
The first summer of a Labour government for 14 years is over and now begins in earnest the job of governing, with energy at the top of the in-tray pile and Government media grids being finalised. There’s a lot to get done, but over the summer we did see glimpses of what is to come.
Lord Hunt, the minister in charge of the nuclear brief visited Hinkley Point C in August and in an interview for the government’s Twittter/X account described the project as “awe-inspiring” and “a symbol of our return to new nuclear.” He also visited Sellafield and commented on the confidence and commitment of the workers there in dealing with the industry’s legacy.
Personally, it was a privilege to represent Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and the UK nuclear industry on the mission. The visit was informative, inspiring and a fantastic experience. I’m really looking forward to keeping the conversation going and forging closer relationships with Team Korea.
The Evening Standard reported on data released by the Nuclear Industry Association which detailed how the UK is on track to import a record amount of electricity in 2024, smashing the previous record from 2021 by 50%. According to analysis of National Grid ESO data, Great Britain is on track to import nearly 36 TWh over the whole year, 46% higher than the previous record of 24.6 TWh set in 2021. This would be higher than the planned output of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (25 TWh). NIA CEO, Tom Greatrex, argues that "other countries get the jobs, and we get the bill because we have not invested enough in our own nuclear power and other sovereign power source.”
Business Green and Energy Live News reported on RollsRoyce SMR becoming the first UK reactor design to be submitted for regulatory justification. Submitted on behalf of the NIA, the justification decision is a prerequisite for any new nuclear technology in the UK, involving a high level evaluation of the potential benefits and detriments of the proposed design. Helena Perry, Rolls-Royce SMR's Safety and Regulatory Affairs Director, told the media: "Each Rolls-Royce SMR ‘factory-built' nuclear power plant will provide enough clean, affordable, electricity to power a million homes for 60+ years—delivering energy security, enabling net zero and making a transformational contribution to the UK economy."
In a report for the Sunday Times on the progress being made at Hinkley Point C, whose delivery will fall to the new Labour government, NIA CEO, Tom Greatrex, looked ahead to the new wave of projects, and heralded a new era in British nuclear. He told the paper that Hinkley, when fully operational, will provide electricity for 6 million homes. “Nuclear provides a lot of zero-emissions power from a comparatively small geographical footprint for a very long period of time,” he said.
As the UK SMR competition progresses and the industry awaits for news on Sizewell C, the Daily Telegraph reported on the global state of the nuclear industry and a report by our friends at the World Nuclear Association. To ensure we keep pace with other countries who are progressing well, the NIA told the paper that: “Urgency and pace on a final investment decision on Sizewell C and the selection of SMR technology will be those crucial, long-term but increasingly urgent decisions on which the Government’s policy and approach will be measured by industry and communities alike.”
Krümmel gets decom and dismantling permit
Germany’s Krümmel nuclear power plant has been given the regulatory go-ahead to move from postoperation to decommissioning, with dismantling work scheduled to take about 15 years.
Krümmel was one of eight older power reactors that had their operating licences withdrawn by the federal government shortly after the Fukushima accident in Japan in March 2011 as part of the political decision to phase out nuclear power in the country.
Work begins on first US Gen IV reactor
Kairos Power has announced the start of site work and excavation for the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor, the first non-light-water reactor to be permitted in the USA in over 50 years.
Targeted to be operational by 2027, the reactor will be the company’s first nuclear build, and is a critical step on the company’s iterative path to commercialising advanced reactor technology. Its primary objective will be to demonstrate the ability to
produce affordable nuclear heat, but it will not produce electricity: that will come in the next iteration, the proposed Hermes 2 plant.
Brazil to resume uranium exploration
Brazilian fuel cycle company Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) announced it is to resume exploration for uranium in the country after a 40-year hiatus.
To this end, INB has launched the Uranium Prospecting and Mining Partnership Programme, seeking to work in partnership with companies in the mining sector. It said new research will be carried out in areas known for their “great mineral potential for this valuable substance”.
INB noted that the price of uranium has more than tripled in recent years, “bringing an avenue of opportunities for growth in the sector in the form of exporting concentrated uranium, and also with the possibility of offering nuclear fuel to the international market, adding value to the local production chain”.
According to World Nuclear Association, exploration in the 1970s and 1980s showed that Brazil has reasonably assured resources of 210,000 tonnes of uranium. However, there has been little investment in exploration since the mid-1980s.
Uranium has been mined in Brazil since 1982, but the only operating mine is INB’s Lagoa Real/Caetité mine, with a capacity of 340 tU per year. The mine has known resources of 10,000 tU at 0.3%U.
Tackling microplastics in Antarctica
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced the discovery on 9 August of a water leak at unit 2 of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant involving an estimated 25 tonnes of water from the used fuel cooling system pump room and the heat exchanger room.
On 9 August, a TEPCO employee found that the water level of the unit 2 used fuel pool skimmer surge tank had decreased. In order to investigate the cause of this decrease the primary pump for the used fuel pool cooling system was intentionally shut down.
On 10 August, Tepco confirmed that the level of stagnant water in the room had stopped rising and therefore determined that the leak had stopped. Furthermore, it confirmed that the level of stagnant water was lower than the subdrains in the vicinity of the building and that the leaked water has been contained within the reactor building.
GDF programme progressing at pace
Three communities engaged in GDF programme - one of the largest environmental protection programmes in the UK
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has published its 2024 Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) Report detailing progress of the GDF siting process.
The UK has benefitted from a world-leading nuclear sector for many decades, and the GDF programme is crucial part of NWS’s vision to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner.
GDFs are internationally recognised as the best solution for the safe and permanent disposal of the most hazardous radioactive waste. A GDF is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and one of the largest environmental protection programmes in the UK and underpins the drive for energy security and climate change commitments by enabling new nuclear energy.
“We’re proud to be delivering the GDF programme to protect people and our environment and take responsibility for future generations.
“We’re making great progress, engaging with three communities and working to ensure people have access to the information they need to make an informed decision. Our site evaluation work is also progressing, and early analysis shows that the areas involved have the potential to host a GDF.
“Looking ahead, we’re excited to hear the ideas for long-term investment plans and community visions from local people and stakeholders, while our site evaluation work will continue and help inform decisions on the communities to move forward in the process.”
Corhyn Parr, CEO, NWS
The 2024 report highlights that there are three communities across England, two in Cumbria, Mid Copeland and South Copeland, and one in Lincolnshire around Theddlethorpe, who are engaging in the programme to learn what hosting a
GDF could mean for them. This programme is unique in the UK, in that it requires explicit community support to go ahead—and we are working to ensure people have access to the information they need to make an informed decision.
For a GDF, alongside a willing host community, we also require a suitable site. We have started and progressed a range of studies and surveys. The emerging data is helping us to identify locations for further investigative work, such as drilling deep boreholes, to understand the geology and help us ensure a GDF can be constructed, operated, and closed safely and securely. Early analysis shows that the areas that are part of the process all have potential to host a GDF.
Communities benefit from early funding while engaging in the process—and the report highlights how more than £7 million has supported a range of projects in Cumberland and Lincolnshire. The projects include support for the Winter Warmth Fund and the Bootle and District First Responders in South Copeland, a grant for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team in Mid Copeland, and community initiatives, including an adventure playground, in Theddlethorpe.
The community which is eventually selected to host a GDF will also benefit from Significant Additional Investment potentially worth many millions of pounds. This investment would be shaped by a local community vision and could include local education and skills capacity, transport infrastructure or recreational facilities. The programme will also create thousands of jobs and real economic growth for the host community for many decades.
You
JOHN PRYDDERCH • HEAD OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
From Pedal Power to Nuclear Power
In a business whose legacy stretches back over 152 years, it’s no surprise that there have been changes at Exyte Hargreaves. The Hargreaves of 1872 was still involved in manufacturing, but of bicycles, instead of the highly engineered HVAC systems created today.
By the time of the 1950’s, we had joined the UK in taking its fledgling steps into the nuclear sector. It is a partnership which has served to cement our reputation as a market leader.
Seven decades later and the company’s evolution has continued, yet there remains an important constant—our factory.
Growth alongside the UK nuclear sector
Our Head Office on Lord Street is situated in Bury, a suburb of Greater Manchester. It is an unassuming Victorian building, notable perhaps only in that it nearly consumes an entire block of the town. Our Manufacturing facility occupies roughly half of the building’s footprint at a total of 8,000 square metres. It is easily one of the largest facilities in our sector, but though the scale is impressive, what happens within is all the more remarkable.
The roll call of nuclear sites which have been served by Exyte Hargreaves products over the years reads like an industry showcase. From Sellafield to Sizewell, Hunterston to Hinkley Point C, every single UK facility has been a client. Internationally, we also helped to engineer product for the Safe Containment Arch at Chernobyl alongside hundreds of countries and colleagues.
The legacy hits you as soon as you step onto the factory floor. Not simply because of the thought of the many thousands of ductwork pieces which have been created within its walls. There’s a hum of activity and noise. Looking out across the factory at the moment you’ll see a plethora of different sights.
There are huge Smoke & Heat Exhaust Ventilation modules intended for Hinkley Point C. Teams dedicated to deliver for HPC, Sellafield and many more nuclear projects (and other sectors). Sparks fly from nearby welding bays, client quality checks are ongoing enabling products to leave the factory, raw materials coming in. It’s alive—comfortably my favourite place at Hargreaves.
Nuclear safety is an overriding priority on projects such as these. Hargreaves is dedicated to a strong Nuclear Safety Culture in manufacturing and throughout the business. Doing something right first
time, taking responsibility for quality, sharing learning outcomes and keeping quality records is part of the performance and development of that culture.
I’ve visited the factory regularly recently to witness the construction of the SHEV modules for HPC. It’s a complex DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) project where more than 30 of these products will be created for the roof of Hinkley’s HM building. Once complete, they’ll be shipped from Bury to site, currently due to be craned into position in late 2024/early 2025.
It demonstrates just how far the Hinkley supply chain stretches in the UK and is also an incredible testament to the extent of possibilities which our bespoke facility offers to Hargreaves and our clients. By self performing engineering, design and on site installation, clients have access to a service which spans a project from concept to commissioning.
Keeping it in the family
Henry Hargreaves & Sons began as a family business and there remains an echo of that in the company today. Though the last member of the Hargreaves family departed in the 1970’s they are not the only examples of relational connections.
Barry Collingwood is our Production Coordinator, a man who has worked in every department at Exyte Hargreaves (with the exception of Finance). In 2025 he’ll celebrate his 50th year with the company, and he’s been joined recently by his nephew Liam (one of our Machine Operatives).
It’s not the only example. Chris and Tom Place are a father/son duo working on the shop floor (Chris’ sister Cath is also our Logistics Coordinator, and his wife Doll works in Procurement). Similarly, there are five members of the Muscat family employed. It makes for a unique dynamic at times and encourages an environment where knowledge and experience is passed on. The legacy of Hargreaves is inherited and our employees both understand and appreciate what makes our business special.
The success and growth of the business is reflected in how the manufacturing team will change later this year and into next. Additional Welders, Fabricators and Machine Operatives are being advertised now to support the delivery of Hargreaves’ project pipeline. They also expect to appoint a new crop of apprentice manufacturing operatives via their award-winning Engineering Young Talent programme.
The Future for the Factory
James Bevis, our current Managing Director, joined in 2022 and signalled the beginning of a new investment programme for the manufacturing facility. It was a recognition not just of its importance to Exyte Hargreaves, but of its future potential.
This began with a modernisation of critical fabrication machinery—a new laser cutter, press brake and the company’s first robotic welding cell. It will continue in late 2024 and early 2025 as part of a wider remedial works and refurbishment of the entire Bury facility. Structural work will be undertaken (including a new roof) and the operational layout is to be changed.
The aim is to find greater efficiency and ensure our factory remains at the forefront of the nuclear industry for another 150 years. It’s certainly come a long way from bicycles.
Powering the future:
How small modular reactors are driving the UK's nuclear revival
Over the past two decades there have been many nuclear policy fits and starts in the UK. However, in recent years several policy commitments from successive governments have transformed the prospects of nuclear, including the establishment of the Great British Nuclear and the new Labour Government’s commitment to make the UK a “clean energy superpower”.
This nuclear revival should come as no surprise. Faced with an increasingly volatile global energy landscape, a projected doubling of UK electricity demand by 2050, and mounting pressure to meet net-zero targets through domestically produced energy, nuclear energy presents a compelling solution to the UK’s pressing energy challenges. While advancements in fusion technology and plans for new gigawatt-scale power stations are promising, we believe the emergence of small modular reactors (SMRs) will play the lead role in nuclear’s comeback.
SMRs have the potential to deliver a significant share of the UKs energy capacity as they can deploy faster and more flexibly than conventional larger scale reactors. And as the UK looks to invest in SMRs, it has a unique opportunity to become a global leader in the manufacture and export of this innovative technology.
“OUR BWRX-300 IS BUILT ON DECADES OF TRIED AND TESTED TECHNOLOGY”
Delivering this technology quick and effectively offers a substantial prize, namely a strong competitive advantage and the opportunity to become a global nuclear leader. If the UK were to achieve this, it would unlock substantial economic benefits, from creating high-tech jobs to bolstering supply chains and fostering innovation. It would likely attract substantial investment opportunities, both from within the UK and internationally, opening doors to international partnerships and export agreements in a rapidly growing sector.
From a regulatory standpoint, being the first to deploy SMRs in Europe would allow the UK to shape regulation both domestically and internationally, with the aim of streamlining future developments and adopting a smoother path to market. The expertise
gained in developing effective regulatory frameworks would also become a valuable export. Afterall, the successful deployment of cost-competitive SMRs relies on regulatory alignment more than any other class of reactor because they are based on the very idea of repetition and modularisation.
And the UK government has clearly demonstrated that SMRs are a priority, with successive administrations committing to nuclear’s future. Firstly, the launch of Great British Nuclear’s SMR competition in 2023 demonstrated the UK’s readiness for SMR technology and created a tangible route to market for private companies. This commitment to nuclear has since been reinforced under the new Labour government. Their founding Great British Energy statement emphasised nuclear as a pathway to clean energy and decarbonisation. Ed Miliband also stated his “absolute support” for the SMR program. GE Hitachi, one of five contenders in the SMR competition, is ready to work with Great British Nuclear through the competition and on its ambitious nuclear goals.
The UK’s world-leading safety standards and regulation body, overseen by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), further demonstrates confidence in the UKs ability to deliver on SMRs. The ONR’s oversight ensures that safety and operational excellence remain paramount. And by addressing cost overrun risks and lowering borrowing costs, the introduction of Regulated Asset-Based Financing (RAB) creates a stable and attractive environment for investment. Hence, this financing model not only mitigates financial uncertainties around SMR delivery but also makes the UK a highly appealing destination for investment.
Strong political appetite for nuclear in the UK, alongside robust regulatory and financial frameworks, sends optimistic signals to market. But looking ahead, what can the Government do, alongside industry, to drive SMR progress even further? To start with, the government must provide nuclear regulators with a suitable and streamlined mandate to ensure efficiency in licensing designs.
Maximising collaboration between regulators across borders will ensure we achieve coordinated regulatory design—this will only speed up delivery as well as making it cost effective. GE Hitachi is well placed to support on regulatory alignment, given we are delivering the first commercial, land-based SMR in the western world. Our BWRX-300 is built on decades of tried and tested technology, with site preparation already underway in Canada.
Planning must also be on the agenda. Although SMRs are less likely to face the same planning challenges as gigawatt-scale reactors given their lower impact, the smaller nature of SMR projects means planning delays will proportionally be far more costly. Steps taken by the previous government to identify and acquire sites for new nuclear projects is a move in the right direction. Additionally, it is encouraging to see that the new Government has pledged to expedite planning processes for green energy projects through reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework.
And of course, investment is crucial. Great British Nuclear will need to work hard to enable first-of-a-kind (FOAK) funding, alongside attracting and unlocking private sector capital. This means emphasising the long-term financial benefits of investing in SMR technology, such as reduced risks from modular design and potential for quicker returns due to faster deployment. Ensuring a predictable forward order book will instil confidence in suppliers to make investments in factories and across the supply chain. This will similarly be vital to boost investor confidence.
The UK has built a solid foundation to lead this nuclear revival, positioning itself at the forefront of this growing industry. However, maintaining momentum is crucial to secure a first-mover advantage in the global market. SMRs present a flexible and scalable solution to future energy challenges and at GE Hitachi, we look forward to working with Great British Nuclear and the Government more broadly on their mission to reach their 2050 nuclear targets.
Bringing your team closer together
Communication devices and software to keep your team connected, safe and efficient regardless of their location.
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Lancashire power station saves over 100 million tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere
Heysham 2 power station is on track to become the UK’s most productive nuclear power station after hitting a significant generation milestone. It is one of seven Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor stations that were designed and built as a fleet several decades ago and which together have operated alongside coal, then gas and more recently wind and solar sources.
The station has now produced 300TWh of low-carbon electricity, enough to power every home in the North West for 25 years. The only nuclear site in the UK to have produced more is Hinkley Point B in Somerset which ended generation in July 2022 on 311TWh.
It is estimated that the station has saved 105 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, which is like taking every car off the UK’s roads for almost two years. Heysham 2 was proud to highlight this achievement during the UK’s Net Zero Week in July. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding about how we can achieve net zero, a balance between the carbon released into the atmosphere and the carbon removed.
Heysham 2 shows the benefits of taking a fleet approach to building nuclear reactors and learning from experience. Its design was based on Hunterston B and Hinkley Point B stations and the 300TWh milestone has been reached around a decade quicker than those two stations.
Since acquiring the nuclear fleet 15 years ago EDF has invested more than £7.5 billion and is investing a further £1.3 billion over the next 3 years (2024-26) to help sustain current levels of generation, boost energy security and cut carbon.
When EDF took over the nuclear fleet in 2009, Heysham 2 was due to stop generating in 2023 after 35 years of operation. Its current end of generation date is March 2028 but EDF’s ambition is to generate further, subject to plant inspections and regulatory approvals.
EDF manages the UK’s eight nuclear power station sites, five that are generating (Hartlepool, Heysham 1, Heysham 2, Sizewell B and Torness) and three that are defueling, the first stage of decommissioning (Dungeness B, Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B).
“It’s great to see this milestone achieved. I recognise the role nuclear plays in our ambitious climate targets and I am actively lobbying for new nuclear to come to Heysham. The jobs, skills and economic contribution made by power station workers must not be underestimated and I want to see this continue well into the future.”
Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale
“This achievement really highlights the station’s ongoing and significant role in providing reliable electricity to support the UK’s energy needs.
“Through construction and generation, the station has been part of the community for 44 years, providing thousands of jobs and along with Heysham 1 contributing over £30million to the local economy each year.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, some who have been here since we began generating in 1988, and all of them helping to lead the transition to a cleaner, lowcarbon electric future.”
Martin Cheetham, Station Director at Heysham 2 Power Station
The need for nuclear: The newly elected MPs who ‘get it’
As the dust settles after the 2024 General Election and a whole host of newly elected MPs settle into their new offices, we are seeing a strong appreciation and understanding of the urgent need for new nuclear.
A new Parliament and change in government is undoubtedly an unnerving time for many industries who had built solid relationships with previous government ministers and MPs. The nuclear industry however, should breathe a sigh of relief— nuclear constituencies across the country have elected a number of MPs who truly ‘get it’. So, what better than a quick guide to some of Parliament’s newly elected pro-nuclear MPs.
Llinos Medi, MP for Ynys Môn
Plaid Cymru MP Llinos is actively pushing for the government to commit to a new nuclear project at Wylfa which is in her constituency. Widely regarded as the best site for new nuclear in Europe, it was purchased by Great British Nuclear earlier this year and is seen as a priority site for upcoming nuclear development.
Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool
An avid supporter of nuclear, Jonathan is ready to champion new nuclear in Hartlepool, with the station there currently set to cease generation in 2026.
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington
Despite only entering Parliament a few short months ago, Josh has certainly made it known that he is championing new nuclear development in his constituency with his Industrial Plan for West Cumbria.
In his maiden speech in the House of Commons, Josh stated that his constituency’s “nuclear heritage and our skilled workforce mean we have what it takes to be the ideal location for the next generation of nuclear power.”
Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale
Just a week after her election, Lizzi wrote to Great British Nuclear requesting a meeting to discuss the future of nuclear generation in Heysham. Sticking to her election pledge to do all she can to help secure employment of those at the existing power station, Lizzi understands the huge potential at Heysham to help the UK meet our net zero goals.
The above join a strong consortium of returning MPs who have long been allies of the nuclear sector. From former DESNZ Ministers Claire Coutinho MP and Andrew Bowie MP to Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North, Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, and David Mundell, MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale, and Tweeddale, the industry has numerous representatives to call upon to hold the Labour government to its nuclear manifesto promises.
With the Nuclear Energy All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) recently regrouping, with over 30 enthusiastic members across both Houses, we at the NIA stand ready to support members across the supply chain in engaging with MPs in their efforts to voice the industry’s needs and concerns to government.
Sir Stephen Lovegrove GCMG KCB, Chair Rolls-Royce SMR
Sir Stephen Lovegrove was appointed the Chair of Rolls-Royce SMR in January this year. He joined the business at a pivotal period, with a new government driving forward green energy, progression of the Great British Nuclear SMR selection, increased engagement with international customers and the Rolls-Royce SMR design completing Step 2 of the GDA.
He was one of the UK’s most senior civil servants, latterly as the UK Government’s National Security Adviser and, prior to that, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. He was also Permanent Secretary for the Department for Energy and Climate Change, CEO of the Shareholder Executive (now UKGI), and the UK Government’s representative on the Board of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Sir Stephen spoke to the NIA about his first impressions on returning to the nuclear sector and what to expect from Rolls-Royce SMR in the months ahead.
What’s your view of the industry today?
“I have to say, the industry is in a very different place compared to when i was leading the energy department 10 years ago and, undoubtedly, it’s in a far stronger position.
“In my previous life I’d be involved in policy, forming and shaping the strategy, now I’m part of the team at the sharp end of trying to help deliver the technology and infrastructure—albeit still in a governance and oversight role.
“It’s an exciting industry to be part of and I’m relishing the challenge but, more importantly, I think Rolls-Royce SMR gives me the best opportunity to make a difference.
“I’ve seen a fundamental shift in the perceptions of and attitudes to nuclear power. It’s been entirely re-positioned as a credible, achievable solution to energy security and net zero.
“The case for nuclear has clearly never been stronger and it’s abundantly clear to me that RollsRoyce SMR—and the UK supply chain that are so fundamental to our success—has an opportunity to become the UK’s premier green export technology.”
In your view, what’s standing in the way for the industry?
“I actually think there’s much more in our favour than standing against us. Taking it right back, our SMRs have been specifically designed from the ground up to avoid the pitfalls that have impacted, or even derailed, other projects. We’re entirely focused on reducing project risk, increasing delivery certainty—that’s been the goal from the outset.
“I have to share a specific example I learned about recently, which really shows what that means in practice…the maximum output of the power station (at 470MW) is entirely down to the fact that the largest single component still has to be road transportable. So, design decisions are being taken throughout that are focused on risk reduction and ease of deployment.
“I’m optimistic that with GBN working hard to ensure their selection process is finished as efficiently and robustly as possible, coupled with Ed Miliband’s (the DESNZ Secretary of State) desire to take action and get things done quickly, we are well set up to move at pace.”
How big is the prize?
“We are here to deliver in the UK and the international market—this opportunity is huge and we have first mover advantage, so we want to capitalise on that.
“With project certainty and a strong order pipeline we will help create an invigorated and enduring supply chain, supporting tens of thousands of longterm, highly skilled jobs—predominantly in the north of England and North Wales. This can revitalise our manufacturing sector and boost the economy, which is something I was absolutely committed to during my time in government.
“We can make a massive impact on security of energy supply, decarbonisation and the cost of energy. Last year, we commissioned independent research which showed that a fleet of Rolls-Royce SMRs would lower wholesale power prices and almost remove the need to build new gas fired power stations. Energy security is tantamount to national security so we do have to invest in boosting our domestic resilience and energy security.
“We know the need is there, we now need to work with the vitally important UK supply chain and Government to deliver on this generational opportunity.”
What’s next?
“We have the right technology and the right team in place…we are preparing for delivery.
“We are the furthest though any regulatory process in Europe, up to eighteen months ahead of our overseas competitors, which gives us first mover advantage across a range of European markets.
“We have been shortlisted alongside one other to potentially build in Sweden and many countries are looking to take decisions at pace, but the UK is the first step. Success in the GBN selection fires a starting pistol for our export ambitions.
“For me, it’s about supporting our growth and securing the huge opportunities in front of us...I’m excited for the future and here to make a difference.”
What’s going to change over the next 12 months?
“Having completing Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment we’ve moved immediately into Step 3— which is the final ‘detailed assessment’ stage.
“We’re still growing as an organisation— strengthening, building certainty and confidence in our product and our approach to delivery.
“We’re ramping up our engagement with the supply chain, reaching agreements with suppliers of our most critical components and understanding what capability exists in readiness for that demand signal. But, for our success to continue, we need decisions to be taken by Government and GBN by the end of the year—this will unlock UK growth and enable us to win export deals across the world.”
Renewables and Nuclear –the 2050 Dream Team?
We all know that nuclear power works best when it operates at full capacity, delivering steady electricity supplies 24/7, and struggles to be economic if not used to its full potential. That’s always been recognised as the best way to optimise the life-cycle economics of nuclear and offset the huge capital costs of building reactors. But it’s also been perceived as a weakness—nuclear has been seen as inflexible, at a time when more and more of the electricity on our grid comes from variable renewable sources.
So—when nuclear and renewables are seen as the two mainstays of a low carbon future, with nuclear apparently inflexible and renewables inherently variable—what’s the solution?
● Do we need to build massive over-capacity in renewables, to make sure there is always likely to be enough electricity? But that means wasting (curtailing) renewable power when there’s lots of wind and demand isn’t very high.
● Or do we need to get new reactors to “loadfollow”, so that their output goes up and down to mirror what renewables can provide? But that negatively impacts on their economics, as we’ve said. Or might there be a third way?
Current Government modelling of Net Zero futures recognises a high degree of electrification of industry and transport, which results in a much greater (double, or even more) overall demand for electricity by 2050. But that just makes this problem worse—scaling up the potential gap.
The latest DESNZ models include dedicated unabated gas fired plants, which would only operate when necessary, but which would be used to fill in those (hopefully rare) periods when renewables and nuclear together couldn’t meet demand. Indeed, the previous Government even planned to build new gas plants specifically for
this purpose, as current gas stations will have reached the end of their lives by 2050.
Amazingly, whilst current gas capacity on the UK grid is around 35 GW, these scenarios envisage up to 84 GW of gas plants by 2050! These levels of gas capacity would be needed as solar only delivers a capacity factor of around 11% (better in summer, when we need it less) and whilst wind power can achieve in excess of 40%, there are still periods of days or weeks when wind output is very low.
However, the DESNZ “low and high electrification” scenarios both anticipate that the unabated gas capacity would only operate with a capacity factor of 1-2%. This will make the unit cost of the electricity from these plants would be very high. As those of us familiar with nuclear economics know all too well—the capital costs of power plants need to be recovered irrespective of the level of usage.
A better (more cost effective) solution to this dilemma is to seek a scenario where both nuclear and renewable plants can operate to their full potential, and excess energy can be used for something other than instantaneous electricity generation. There are two possible options— cogeneration and storage.
Cogeneration means using nuclear power for electricity supply to the grid, but also using heat from the reactors (along with any “spare” electricity) for a range of industrial applications. These can include:
● Production of secondary fuels (such as hydrogen or ammonia), which can be stored until needed.
● Direct air capture of CO2.
● Provision of heat for heat networks to support homes, businesses and industry.
When demand from the grid is low, heat and power can be easily diverted to these activities. A recent study at the Dalton Nuclear Institute (“The road to net zero: Renewables and nuclear working together”; Dalton Nuclear Policy Group, available at dalton.manchester.ac.uk/connect/policy-engagement) indicates the cost of producing nuclear hydrogen will be lower than alternative methods (eg using steam reforming of methane with CCS), well before 2050. When grid electricity demand is higher, the nuclear plants would switch back to putting power on the grid, maintaining the cogeneration activities at low level. Our study indicated that the cost of supporting the grid in this way would much less than using natural gas and with lower carbon emissions. Already cogeneration is being included in plans for the Sizewell C reactor and SMRs (Small Modular Reactors). However it does not feature as part of current Government modelling for future scenarios.
The second option is storage of energy. In particular, our work has looked at thermal storage. This involves feeding “spare” heat from reactors (when grid demand is low) into large thermal stores. The technology works best when fed with high temperature heat, making this approach especially suitable for the potential Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) programme, which is currently expected to deploy reactors which operate at much higher temperatures than conventional GW or SMR plants.
It is planned that the UK will have a demonstration of a high temperature gas cooled reactor by the 2030s as part of the Government’s AMR R&D programme.
The way in which thermal storage and cogeneration can interact needs some further investigation and costing, but the recent Dalton study indicates that it offers the potential to be a low-cost way to provide the support variable renewables need.
Our Dalton paper analyses an alternative “flexible nuclear” cogeneration scenario alongside existing DESNZ pathways, aimed at eliminating the need for unabated natural gas peaking support. This new scenario comprises an additional 60 GWt of power, which when operated with thermal storage, enables
up to 90 GWe of electrical power delivery when electricity demand is high.
Under our scenario, both the 24 GWe of gigawattscale and SMR nuclear from the original DESNZ scenario and the additional AMR capacity would be mainly directed at cogeneration activities, with peaking support being supplied for the grid when needed.
In addition to the increased role for nuclear in grid support, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and hydrogen fuel turbines are also both used at a higher capacity factor than in the DESNZ scenario. The hydrogen would be nuclear cogeneration-derived hydrogen.
Results from the flexible nuclear cogeneration scenario are tentative estimations at this stage, but suggest some very clear advantages by 2050 over the current DESNZ scenarios. Including These include:
● Annual overall savings of up to £14 billion (a ~16% reduction) in delivering ~850 TWh of electricity to the grid, depending on how many reactors can be built by 2050.
● A reduction of the life cycle averaged CO2 equivalent emissions from ~50 Mt to -22 Mt (i.e. a negative value).
● An increase in potential for nuclear cogeneration for hydrogen production from ~15 Mt/y to ~300 Mt/y (or ~60 TWh to ~1000 TWh in heat terms).
Perhaps the most striking feature of this scenario though is that the electricity grid in 2050 would be 60% powered by wind alone, with a further 7% from solar and additional contributions from biofuels and other renewables. Around 75% renewable in total. But the key to achieving this outcome is a substantial nuclear fleet working alongside, to provide energy to a wide range of cogeneration applications.
Our work is indicative and more research is needed to investigate both the technical feasibility and the economics. But it appears that—by working in a new form of collaboration—renewables and nuclear can work effectively together to deliver Net Zero for the UK in 2050.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN 2050 (TWH) — FLEXIBLE NUCLEAR SCENARIO
“This crane is truly a world record feat of engineering, with a production schedule to match.Hundreds of colleagues have been directly involved with its development across the business. There are very few companies on Earth—if any—that could have brought this crane into reality, and we are immensely proud to be able to do so”.
Gavin Kerr, Director Global Services at Mammoet
6,000t capacity giant enables faster construction methodologies across the energy sector
Mammoet, the largest global engineered heavy lifting and transport company, has launched the world’s strongest land-based crane, the SK6000.
As populations grow, so do our energy needs. The SK6000 re-defines the scale of human construction, allowing large energy and infrastructure projects to build from bigger pieces, in parallel—reaching first power sooner, and more cost-effectively.
The SK6000 has a key role in offshore wind, where fast growth of components in recent years has led to supply chain issues. Lifting 3,000t to a height of 220m, the SK6000 ensures that wind farms in the planning phase today can be safely executed and delivered in the future.
In the oil and gas sector, the SK6000 delivers reduced integration times to offshore floating projects, while onshore new build and expansion projects can be delivered with increased uptime. Both scopes then benefit from modular construction techniques that allow critical path components to be simultaneously built offsite anywhere in the world, before transporting to site ahead of installation.
As more new-build nuclear plants are greenlit, the SK6000 helps the sector to benefit from similar tried-and-tested construction methodologies—helping projects to reach completion sooner and deliver low carbon energy to communities.
The SK6000 has a maximum capacity of 6,000t, utilizing 4,200t of ballast to lift with a maximum ground bearing pressure of 30t/m2. The crane design uses containerization techniques for ease of deployment, and can be transported using shipping containers to any location worldwide.
It also offers full electric power capability from battery or supply from the grid, allowing customers to reduce the carbon impact of projects significantly.
The SK6000 is currently undergoing testing at Mammoet’s Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands, ready for deployment to its first project later in the year.
To learn more, please visit our website www. mammoet.com, or our sector page www.mammoet. com/nuclear-power. We would be grateful if you could include either link in your coverage.
NEWS FROM THE HUB.
New partnership helps engineers get back to work
STEM Returners has teamed up with, international engineering, services and products company, NUVIA to help STEM professionals return to work after a career break. With over 60 years’ experience, NUVIA work throughout the life cycle of a nuclear facility: from design, construction, operations, risk management and maintenance to decommissioning and waste management.
Working with STEM Returners, NUVIA will provide a new programme at their sites in Warrington and Harwell. Engineering and design roles will be available across civil & structural, electrical, controls &instrument and mechanical disciplines.
STEM Returners, based in Hampshire, will source the candidates and provide career coaching and mentoring throughout the 12-week paid placement. Returners may be offered the opportunity to become permanent NUVIA employees at the end of the programme.
Research from STEM Returners shows the challenges people face when trying to return to work following a career break, with recruitment bias shown to be the main barrier to entry. It also shows women trying to return to industry are more likely to experience recruitment bias than men.
STEM Returners’ programmes aim to eliminate these barriers by giving candidates real work experience and mentoring during their placement, as well as supporting them to adjust to life back in work.
“We are excited to introduce this dynamic Returners programme, which supports our strategy to attract a diverse and inclusive talent pool to NUVIA and the nuclear sector. STEM Returners is more than just reintegrating talented professionals into the workforce; it’s about leveraging diverse experiences and perspectives to fuel innovation and growth. We are dedicated to removing barriers and offering a smooth transition for skilled individuals to restart their STEM careers, thereby enriching the industry with their unique expertise and fresh insights.”
Paula Quinn, Head of Talent Development & Communications at NUVIA UK
Since STEM Returners first launched in 2017, more than 500 candidates have joined programmes across the UK. To view STEM Returners’ opportunities, visit www.stemreturners.com/placements
NDA announce appointment of Harriet Kemp as Non-Executive Board Member
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) announced the appointment of Harriet Kemp to its Board as a Non-executive Board member.
Harriet has experience across a wide range of Executive, Non-executive and Chair roles, across public, private and not for profit sectors. She has a background as a senior HR leader specialising in remuneration, spanning some 30 years, including working at Compass plc, Novartis and Pepsi.
She is a Board member and Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a Trustee of Hamwic Educational Trust and a member of the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) alongside other Board Non-exec roles.
“The work of the NDA is not only important for this generation, but for many generations to come. This is a hugely exciting, challenging and rewarding opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with senior leaders and colleagues right across the NDA group to ensure we leave a positive legacy, for our communities and the environment.”
Harriet Kemp, Non-Executive Board Member of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
The NDA Board is accountable to government for all aspects of its activities and performance.
“I am delighted that Harriet is joining us, her extensive experience and background in HR leadership will be invaluable in helping us to drive forward our nationally important mission and really deliver value for the taxpayer.”
Peter Hill CBE, Chair of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
In due course Harriet will succeed Evelyn Dickey as Chair of the Remuneration Committee, which is a specialised Board committee that oversees the salaries of executives and reward policies to encourage them to achieve company objectives and deliver maximum value for money.
Harriet was appointed to the NDA Board by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero following a fair, open and transparent selection process. Her three-and-a-half-year term begins formally on 1 September 2024. For more information visit https://www. gov.uk/government/organisations/nucleardecommissioning-authority
Climate Minister visits UKAEA’s Culham Campus
The new Government minister in charge of fusion, Kerry McCarthy MP, made UKAEA one of her first destinations since being appointed.
The Minister took in tours of the JET and MAST Upgrade tokamaks before viewing some of its specialist research centres—the Materials Research Facility and RACE. She held an industry round table with representatives from private fusion developers and investors, before meeting apprentices Charlie Garner and Becky MacKenzie at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills centre
Deputy CEO Tim Bestwick was keen to highlight the scientific and economic benefits fusion research can bring along the path to commercial energy..
Westinghouse to enter GDA for AP300™
Westinghouse Electric Company announced it has received formal approval from the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to enter the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) for the AP300™ Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
This is the first of the 2-Step GDA process that will initiate work with the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Environment Agency and where applicable Natural Resources Wales.
The AP300 SMR design utilizes Westinghouse’s proven Gen III+ AP1000® advanced technology, which has previously received regulatory approval in Great Britain, the US and China, as well as compliance with European Utility Requirements (EUR) standards for nuclear power plants.
This GDA application approval comes after the AP300 SMR was selected for the current phase of Great British Nuclear in October and selected by Community Nuclear Power, Ltd. (CNP) to build four AP300 SMRs in Northeast England. These projects will leverage Westinghouse’s 75-year history of nuclear manufacturing operations in the UK at its facility in Springfields, Lancashire.
The AP300 small modular reactor is the only SMR based on an advanced, large Generation III+ reactor already in operation globally—Westinghouse’s proven AP1000 technology, which is licenced in the UK Unlike every other SMR under development with first-of-a-kind technologies and risks, Westinghouse’s AP300 SMR utilizes the AP1000 engineering, components and supply chain, enabling streamlined licencing and leveraging available technical skills.
Significant progress at repository site
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), which manages the disposal of the UK’s low level radioactive waste, is carrying out important work on the final capping of legacy disposal trenches and vaults which are now full and ready for permanent closure.
Capping is a key part of the disposal lifecycle and will provide an engineered protective cover over the waste that has been disposed of in the trenches and vaults. Comprising of layers of material, totalling up to 10m thick, the cap will permanently protect people and the environment.
Work is now starting on the Southern Trench Cap Interim Membrane (STIM) which will involve placing a new membrane, or protective layer, over the legacy disposal trenches. It will also include placing other construction materials to progress towards the final cap.
Civil Engineering firm GRAHAM Construction, has been awarded a four year contract and will start work this month, with major works commencing in February 2025. Alongside this, NWS has also completed the design of the final cap, the extensive enabling works and the rail transport arrangements that are necessary for procuring, importing and emplacing thousands of tonnes of materials, whilst complying with the conditions imposed by the Planning Authority. This work is key to NWS’ vision to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner.
A key enabler of the project is having sufficient rail transport arrangements in place to move and emplace the thousands of tonnes of materials. NWS is working with Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), also a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), who provide specialist transport and logistics expertise. It’s an example of how the NDA group model is enabling collaboration across organisations to deliver the mission more effectively and efficiently.
Disposal of low level radioactive waste at the Repository began in 1959 with waste being placed in lined trenches at the site. Disposal techniques evolved during the late 1980s and early 1990s which resulted in the construction of highly engineered concrete vaults for future disposals. This resulted in a more modern, innovative approach to the treatment and safe disposal of low level nuclear waste in specially designed metal containers, which were placed in the engineered vaults at the Repository.
The UK has been producing and managing nuclear waste for many decades and will continue to do so for many more.
NEW MEMBERS
BWRX LIMITED osge.com
BWRX Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), dedicated to the development of SMR projects on the UK market.
STRABAG UK LIMITED strabag.com
STRABAG is dedicated to providing full construction services to its clients and is a leader in innovation and construction capability. It covers all areas of the construction industry. In doing so, it creates added value for clients by integrating a wide variety of specialist skills and services, helping to deliver complex infrastructure and ground engineering projects.
engage technical solutions engage-ltd.co.uk
Engage Technical Solutions is an independent technical consultancy providing expert advice and support to solve complex defence and energy sector projects in areas including Information Systems and Services, Engineering Management, and Project, Programme and Portfolio Management.
SIMPLYBD simplybd.co.uk
SimplyBD is a business development consultancy specialised in nuclear. They support companies to find opportunities and engage with potential customers. They also support market research, bid writing, marketing and events.
INNOMECOM AG innomecom.com
Innomecom AG was founded in May 2019. It protects critical environments through innovative engineering and increasing everyone’s safety. For operators of highly critical infrastructure, Innomecom want to be the first choice as a partner in the field of flood protection.
Interweld Nuclear Services Ltd will provide support by attracting the world’s best talent into the nuclear manufacturing, installation and maintenance sectors. The company will support the delivery of major infrastructure programmes by mitigating the impacts of skills shortages seen across UK projects.
ATKORE unistrut.co.uk
Atkore, a global manufacturer with worldwide facilities, is a recognised leader in electrical, safety, and infrastructure solutions. In the UK, Atkore’s brand portfolio positions them as the market leader in Cable Management and Protection Solutions.
TW METALS UK twmetals.co.uk
TW Metals stocks and laser processes sheet & plate, with global stocks of tube and pipe in stainless, duplex, nickel. Stocking locations throughout Europe provide an outstanding service to satisfied customers.
NEWTON EUROPE newtonimpact.com
Newton are strategic delivery specialists who know what it takes to deliver meaningful impact at scale, and guarantee enduring, tangible change. Newton’s core methodology and integrated end-to-end capabilities can tackle even the most complex challenges.
GNS
gns.de
EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITY
RADWASTE MANAGEMENT
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
GNS is a specialist in the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel elements from nuclear reactors as well as in the safe processing, packaging and storage of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste and residual materials resulting from the operation of nuclear power plants.
CRIMSON INDUSTRIAL VISION LTD
crimsoniv.co.uk
Crimson Industrial Vision Ltd provide a premium product and service business to the R&D, Industrial Inspection and Condition Monitoring community.
Not a member? To find out about the NIA and benefits of membership scan the QR code.
To discuss membership options available to your company call +44 (0)20 7766 6651 or email membership@niauk.org
Want to be part of the UK Pavilion? We have two opportunities coming up in 2025 where your company can get involved.
Contact stephanie.mckenna@niauk.org for more information
9 – 13 March 2025
The theme of next years Waste Management Sympisia is all about Nuclear! Empowering a Sustainable Future—Advanced Technologies, AI, and Workforce Development Across the Nuclear Landscape.
The Nuclear Industry Association will be returning to the Waste Management Symposia, Arizona for the 4th consecutive year with a UK Pavilion stand alongside the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Nuclear Transport Solutions, National Nuclear Laboratory and The Department for Business & Trade.
4 – 6 November 2025
With around 780 companies from all over the world, WNE is covering the whole nuclear supply chain. Don’t miss specific inside events and source your future partners with pre-organized business meetings.
Join the Nuclear Industry Association and Energy Industries Council in showcasing the UK civil nuclear industry.
Nuclear and the Trade Unions: A Special Relationship
The nuclear sector’s and the NIA’s close relationship with the trade unions representing nuclear works is a key strength that will be a centrepiece of our engagement with the new Labour Government.
For those who are not familiar, the trade unions have been longstanding, sophisticated and thoughtful advocates for the benefits of nuclear energy to the country as a whole, not arguing for jobs for jobs’ sake. They do of course value the skilled, long-term, well-paid jobs that the sector offers and have played a key role in continuous improvement of standards for workplace health and safety in the sector.
They have also consistently engaged with the very real policy challenges and opportunities in the sector. Indeed, I have a leaflet on my desk from 1987, in which trade unionists reviewed in detail the requirements and challenges of geological disposal of nuclear waste, the value of retrievability of waste for future energy production, and the issues around community support and consent. Their support is as far from the caricature of the union baron as you can imagine.
The NIA specifically maintains a close strategic relationship with the trade unions on the basis of our shared strategic interest in new nuclear projects. The NIA provides the secretariat of a group called Trade Unionists for Safe Nuclear Energy (TUSNE), a pro-nuclear campaigning group of the three main nuclear unions, UNITE, the GMB, and Prospect. Together, we coordinate messages, reach new political audiences and rely on the credibility and clout of thousands of ordinary union members, to complement the voice of the NIA’s hundreds of member companies. We know that industrial relations will remain robust, and at times contentious, but we leave that to individual companies and union representatives to work out. Our efforts focus exclusively on the common effort to convince the Government that nuclear investment will unleash the genie of growth and deliver jobs and opportunity to the communities that need them the most.
This message is particularly powerful and timely given the close relationship between the Labour Party and the trade unions. The unions have a
formal role in Labour Party policymaking, candidate selections and campaigning and have large Parliamentary groups of MPs who are members and supporters of specific unions. Fortuitously for us, the two largest Labour-affiliated unions in the country, UNITE and the GMB, are also the largest in the nuclear sector. They have been a strong voice for “common sense” in Labour policy, when the party has otherwise wanted to veer off in other directions. For example, undoubtedly their influence was necessary to ensure that throughout Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour Party always formally endorsed building new nuclear power stations, even though the leader himself was clearly opposed.
That position made it easier to build up toward a Labour Party in Government that now holds the vast majority of seats representing the nuclear sites, and a Government in which the Prime Minister can publicly task the Energy Secretary to identify ways to speed up nuclear deployment. That outspoken public support also makes it easier for us as the industry, and the industry association, to mobilise Labour MPs in support of new nuclear investment in this new Parliament.
Indeed, it is one of the nuclear sector’s particular advantages over other clean energy sectors that we have positive, active and constructive cooperation with the trade unions. Together, we can point out the immense economic value brought to the UK by strong, on-shored supply chains, and workplaces with good pay, skilled work, and high safety standards. Together, we can connect arguments about net zero and energy security with the core values and missions of the labour movement, to deliver good wages, good conditions, and the dignity of honest work to people across the country, whatever their class or status.
So if you see us and hear us out there pushing alongside our trade union partners for Sizewell C to get to FID this year, to roll out projects from Wylfa to Heysham and beyond, and to bring new nuclear back home to Scotland, back us up and cheer us on. And if you want to support or learn more about our work with TUSNE and the unions, email millie.beaver@niauk.org and thomas.ron@niauk.org on my team to find out more!
