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Welcome to to the 2024 Summer Edition of Industry Link! And what a busy summer it’s been: Heysham 2 NPP hit 300 TWh of generation making it the second most productive in British history, the tenders are in for the UK SMR competition and oh yes, there’s a new government.
Unsurprisingly, Labour’s historic landslide victory features heavily in this issue, with the eyes of the industry firmly set on the new powerbrokers in Westminster. NIA CEO, Tom Greatrex, offers his take on the election win and what’s in store for the new MPs and energy ministers. Be sure to read Lincoln Hill’s in-depth analysis of where Labour stand on nuclear in his Power Politics column.
Also in these pages we mark the achievements of the iconic JET fusion energy machine which concluded its operations last year after four decades of experiments, experts from Jacobs and Manchester University’s Dalton Institute reveal how the use of robots in the nuclear industry has inspired a new, international research initiative, and NSG Environmental Ltd look at innovations in waste management.
There’s lots more in this issue, including on the huge socio-economic benefits of Hinkley Point C to the truth behind whether nuclear stations can be easily turned on and off. 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 • Jon Woodburn • Ella Ashdown • Gareth Davies • Rob Thied, NSG Environmental Ltd • Ian Ford, UKAEA • Dr Paul Baniqued, University of Manchester • Dr James Kell, Jacobs • with additional thanks to World Nuclear News and the Hinkley Point C and NDA media teams
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From the CEO: The hard work starts now
With the drama of election night over, the serious business of the new government getting down to work is well underway now. Priorities which formed part of the manifesto and election campaign have been reiterated and some quick wins big picture announcements have been made, Ministers are now appointed and their portfolios set out.
The early days of the new government are about demonstrating credibility, seriousness and delivery. The key missions which the now Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, set out some months ago are having their architecture established, and so the work begins.
I spoke to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, during his first week in the job and he underlined his commitment to working with the Nuclear Industry Association on behalf of the industry in achieving those objectives.
He is clear that nuclear will play a key part in both the 2030 clean power objective and, more crucially, in the real decarbonisation we need to see for the years beyond that. He is fully aware of both the importance of nuclear to many communities now represented by his Labour Parliamentary colleagues, and the opportunities for jobs, growth and exports in the UK’s supply chain and the responsibility for decommissioning and related activity across the country.
We now have a new Ministerial team, and the Minister whose responsibilities include nuclear, Michael Shanks (who happens to represent my former constituency of Rutherglen and Hamilton West) will have a crucial role to play.
We at the Nuclear Industry Association will work with the new government, Members of Parliament of all parties and the wider energy and infrastructure community to help facilitate the delivery of the new nuclear capacity that will be an integral part of the mission the government has set out.
Our priority is therefore to build the government’s and new MPs’ familiarity, with nuclear’s unique and irreplaceable contribution to our energy, so we can create a fresh core of pro-nuclear Parliamentarians. After all, they will be the ones who decide the future of our nuclear programme.
Over recent months we have been in contact with many candidates who are now Members of Parliament, and we are now making contact with them to congratulate them on their results and building on our core messages around energy
security, net zero, and creating good, long-term jobs right across the country.
We also need help from you, our members, just as many of you were able to during the campaign. Please invite your new MPs, especially Labour ones, to visit your sites and offices and meet your teams working in their constituencies , so they can appreciate the jobs, investment and opportunity our industry brings to their areas.
You can find out who your MP is by going to “Find Your MP” on Parliament.uk to get the right contact details or you can get in touch with our team externalaffairs@niauk.org, if you need help. Your engagement really can make a difference.
As a reminder, the NIA is working toward five key asks that we set out in our nuclear manifesto for the UK (as well as manifestos for Scotland and Wales), which we developed with our members to cover the major points on new build, small modular reactors, supply chain opportunities, nuclear fuels and decommissioning and waste management, and we strongly encourage you to continue to use them:
1. Progress Sizewell C to a Final Investment Decision by Autumn 2024 and extend the lives of our current power stations.
2. Build a fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the country and a third large-scale station at Wylfa on Anglesey to help rebuild industrial Britain.
3. Make the UK the best place to develop and deploy new nuclear reactors.
4. Maximise the UK’s fuel manufacturing capacity to meet increased demand from allies for current and advanced nuclear fuels.
5. Selecting a suitable site in a supportive and willing community for a Geological Disposal Facility, a long-term solution for waste.
The decisions made during this parliament will shape the industry for many decades to come so it’s vital we continue the work the sector has accomplished over the last few years which has resulted in real progress and a momentum. If we do that then I am confident the industry has a bright future.
NUCLEAR MANIFESTO JOBS. PROSPERITY. POWER.
Nuclear energy gives us reliable power for our homes, businesses and public services, and ensures our energy security. It also provides clean energy to save our planet. It gives people good, long term jobs and opportunities to build lives and families on a firm foundation.
Nuclear energy is the bedrock of communities across the country and a powerful engine of economic growth. The UK should use a major nuclear construction programme to increase our nuclear skills base and rebuild and sustain strategic industrial capabilities. Alongside renewables, nuclear can propel us to a secure, sustainable and prosperous future.
That is why in Parliament, I will support:
1 2 3
Progressing Sizewell C to a Final Investment Decision by autumn 2024 and extending the life of our current power stations.
Building a fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across the country and a third large-scale station at Wylfa on Anglesey to help rebuild industrial Britain.
4 5
Maximising the UK’s fuel manufacturing capability to meet increased demand from allies for current and advanced nuclear fuels.
Making the UK the best place to develop and deploy advanced nuclear reactors.
Selecting a suitable site in a supportive and willing community for a Geological Disposal Facility, a longterm solution for waste.
The nuclear reactors we build today will last for the rest of this century. They will provide our country with long-term security and opportunity for our children and grandchildren and generations yet to come, and the time to act is now. For more information contact
Letting the problem drive the solution is not a waste
For almost 70 years, nuclear power has been an integral part of the UK’s energy supply chain and it is currently experiencing a resurgence reflecting its green credentials. However, as much of it was built with haste and no focus on how to deal with it afterwards, the nuclear legacy left behind presents complex challenges to decommissioning in uniquely hazardous environments.
There is renewed excitement around nuclear with small modular reactor (SMR) technology and Great British Nuclear signalling the start of a new nuclear age for the UK. For nuclear to remain a vital part of the energy mix, our industry needs to deal with the legacy of the previous age efficiently and costeffectively to maintain positive public perception and support and protect future generations.
The buildings, plant and related infrastructure that comprise the nuclear legacy were not designed for decommissioning, follow no uniform structure or design and no unique solution can be deployed. They therefore require innovative solutions to enable their decommissioning and management of the generated wastes, drawing upon past learning and engagement of stakeholders to establish waste-led decommissioning approaches that optimise waste management practices aligned with the waste hierarchy.
Early definition of the decommissioning challenge for each facility and the options available to address them is fundamental to successful delivery. Whether developing decommissioning strategies, addressing waste disposal challenges or scrutinising engineering designs, adopting a methodical approach delivers outcomes that are underpinned and cost-efficient. Waste-led decommissioning implies decommissioning with a focus on waste management. Historically, decommissioning approaches were often designed around the physical process of dismantling, with how the waste was to be managed left as an afterthought, resulting in much of the existing waste legacy that now needs to be dealt with.
With the development of UK waste management infrastructure over the last 15 years, introducing a wider range of treatment and disposal options, there is now an increased focus on segregating wastes for optimised management aligned with the waste hierarchy, with a focus on accessing treatment routes rather than disposal. This change in waste management landscape has also increased scrutiny on the quality of waste characterisation data and demonstration of compliance with waste route acceptance criteria.
Strategic planning tools such as Data Quality Objectives (DQO), supported by the development of
HEDGE CUTTINGS
waste-led process wiring diagrams (following IAEA recommendations), are tools that we typically use to clearly map out whole lifecycle requirements, challenges and opportunities from waste retrieval/ generation through to final disposal. This approach ensures that management and data collection requirements at each step of the decommissioning and waste management lifecycle are identified and given appropriate consideration, including non-technical requirements, wider interfaces such as compatibility with treatment/disposal route acceptance criteria and workface implementability.
This also forms the starting point for identifying waste management options aligned with the requirement to minimise radioactive waste disposal volumes and implement appropriate characterisation to support optimised waste routing.
Following a DQO-based approach allows for the development of underpinned, integrated strategies that consider technical and non-technical aspects, which can be de-risked at the earliest opportunity. Whether tackling nuclear waste or simple hedge trimmings in the garden (see diagram), wiring diagrams can be developed to support a DQO exercise by identifying the long list of questions to support answering the problem statement.
The wiring diagram methodology was developed by IAEA and follows the waste management lifecycle steps from retrieval of a waste stream to disposal. For that waste stream, they will represent the baseline and potential alternative approaches for its management by identifying the needs, risks and opportunities associated with the implementation of these waste management approaches. The diagrams also become an extremely effective tool in communicating strategy preferences, challenges and opportunities to stakeholders.
Additionally, the use of a DQO exercise will identify any waste characterisation activities, such as waste characterisation on site, needed to support appropriate waste characterisation and disposability assessments for all waste types. This can include activities to demonstrate that some bulk demolition waste streams are non-radioactive (out of scope) to support the consignment of lower activity waste to appropriate treatment and disposal routes, and to support the management of higher activity waste pending (e.g., segregation, treatment, conditioning, interim storage) and once a GDF becomes available.
Moreover, a DQO exercise whilst identifying desk-based studies will also identify modelling/ trial activities that if delivered will give a useful insight to the general approach. Practical work through trials, training and simulation to mock-up or functionally to test an idea saves time and money and can be vital in validating a detailed design. Trials can also be carried out to reduce the risks to a project and, if a minor modification is required, be rapidly implemented and tested with minimal impact on the programme.
IOLO JAMES • HEAD
Media Watch
It’s been a very busy few months on the media front for nuclear driven in large parts by the general election, and we expect things to ramp up as the new government sets out its plan for energy. But even before the election was called, a full 24 hours earlier in fact, an announcement was made signalling that a large-scale project was the preferred option for the Wylfa site.
Cue a flurry of media bids and appearances including from the now Welsh Secretary who has vowed to get on with delivering for the people of Anglesey and bring nuclear back to Wylfa. The NIA’s CEO, Tom Greatrex, welcomed the announcement in the media and we hope the new government continues to work hard to deliver their promise to the people of the island and Wales.
In July, the NIA’s CEO, Tom Greatrex, was quoted in The Times and several Scottish papers calling out the Scottish First Minister about comments he had made about nuclear. John Swinney had described nuclear as being more expensive than renewables and having “environmental concerns.”
Tom Greatrex refuted these claims as “hopelessly ideological” and “anti-science”, going on to say that “United Nations analysis says nuclear is green, with the lowest carbon footprint, land use and ecosystem impact of any electricity technology,” and that “the first minister will cost Scotland billions in investment and thousands of good jobs for our young people if he instead sets his face against reality.”
NIA CEO Tom Greatrex appeared on Reuters TV to discuss the state of the industry in a special interview for the show ‘The Switch’ which looks at ways the world is decarbonising. With renewed interest in nuclear as a source of clean, weather-proof, energy, Tom highlighted the need for governments across the world, including in the UK, to push on with keeping existing reactors in operation as long as they can safely do so and to drive forward with ambitious plans for new nuclear projects, including SMRs and GW-scale stations so that net zero and energy security targets are met.
After some data crunching from the NIA team, the Daily Mirror reported our findings detailing 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).
As part of Net Zero Week, we published a piece in Politics Home and The House Magazine on the need for a historic new nuclear programme, and the need to apply the proven models of successful nuclear deployments worldwide to execute it in good time and cost.
In ‘The path to net-zero splits the atom” the NIA’s Director of Policy and Eternal Affairs Lincoln Hill says to make it happen we need to apply this pattern all over the world: set reactor design, replicate them and never stop building.
Fuel loading completed at Flamanville 3
The process of loading fuel assemblies into the core of the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor in France has been completed ahead of its start-up. The 1650 MWe (gross) pressurised water reactor is expected to reach 100% output before the end of the year.
The first nuclear reaction will be carried out in the coming weeks. The reactor will then gradually increase power to 25% capacity, at which point the unit will be connected to the electricity grid. The EPR will continue to increase output in stages, reaching 100% capacity before the end of the year.
General concept for Lithuanian repository
The general concept for the construction of a geological disposal facility in clay-based rocks for Lithuania’s radioactive waste has been developed by the State Enterprise Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant with assistance from Finnish waste management company Posiva.
The repository—a specially engineered structure several hundred metres underground—is expected to
be constructed and commissioned in 2068. Lithuania’s radioactive waste and used fuel comes from the Ignalina plant, which stopped operating in 2009, as well as from medicine, industry and research.
Nuclear included in Australian cost report
Large-scale nuclear has been included for the first time in national science agency CSIRO’s annual GenCost report, which included small modular reactors (SMRs) since its inception in 2018.
GenCost is described as a leading economic report for business leaders and decision-makers planning reliable and affordable energy solutions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Published in collaboration with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the report offers “accurate, policy and technology-neutral cost estimates for new electricity generation, storage, and hydrogen technologies, through to 2050.”
With no local development pipleline for large-scale nuclear, and taking into account additional legal, safety and security requirements, and stakeholder evidence, the report estimated a development timeline of at least 15 years, with deployment from 2040 at the earliest.
Tackling microplastics in Antarctica
The IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative uses nuclear and isotopic techniques to produce data on marine microplastics distribution and fight plastic pollution.
Established in 2020, NUTEC uses a series of monitoring labs using nuclear technology to sample and analyse microplastics in the environment. There are more than 60 countries participating and the goal is to equip more than 50 labs with the technology to form a global monitoring network.
The aim to bring in measures designed to reduce the sources of the pollution—at least 30 countries are involved in developing innovative recycling technology, including using irradiation to treat plastics and make them fit for reuse. This process uses gamma and electron beam radiation technologies to modify certain types of plastic waste, breaking down plastic polymers judged not to be of sufficient quality into smaller components and then allowing them to be used to generate new plastic products.
The IAEA cites studies suggesting only around 10% of plastic produced between 1950 and 2015 has been recycled, with the majority (about 60%) going to landfill, meaning action is imperative.
Nuclear is flexible
Nuclear is flexible, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.
Deploying nuclear is one way to future-proof a low carbon grid. It is a key enabler, and not an obstacle, to the widespread roll out of wind and solar.
Look at France: they have been rolling out wind and solar alongside building new nuclear—a proper balanced approach. The past few weekends, the French nuclear fleet has pulled off some spectacular changes in output to accommodate that.
Take this past Sunday, April 7th. The fleet was already powered down to just under 30 GW to accommodate high winds from the storms and low nighttime demand. As the day started, the sun came out, and UK and other countries wind output was high: the fleet ramped down to just over 20 GW by mid afternoon. As the sun set, demand rose, and imports fell, nuclear output surged to 36 GW just before 9pm. That’s an 80% increase, and enough extra power to meet the UK’s entire household demand and more.
The story was the same over Easter and the week before, the nuclear fleet ramping up and down by up to 16 GW to ensure grid stability through demand changes and swings in renewable output.
France achieved this with reactors designed 50 years ago, many of them in operation for more than 40 years. Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C, and all the new reactors we will build beyond them are designed to do the same, and more.
We won’t use them like that initially, and perhaps for decades, as we have such a desperate shortage of baseload power. But these are reactors that will last for 60, 80, probably 100 years. Hopefully by then we will have many advancements in batteries, hydrogen and other things that mean we don’t need to load follow, but critically, we preserve the option.
Nuclear is unique in offering us either reliable baseload or flexible output depending on what we need, all while offering unparalleled environmental sustainability. One more reason why net zero needs nuclear!
Hinkley’s once in a generation economic impact shows why we have to get on with Sizewell C
Britain is going big on new nuclear and there are several reasons why. For net zero? Yes. Clean power? Of course. Energy Security? That too. But what impact is being felt right here, right now? Are there lots more green jobs for the next generation and are businesses feeling the effect? Put simply, yes, and that’s thanks to Hinkley Point C.
Hinkley is having a once in generation impact on the social and economic make-up of the South West, from jobs, to training opportunities and supporting companies in the local supply chain.
So far, more than £5 billion has been spent with local businesses, far exceeding the original £1.5 billion target. By the end of construction, £7.3 billion will have been spent with companies in the South West. Indeed, every nation and region in the UK is seeing the benefit, with 3,800 British businesses making up the supply chain.
Hinkley has created 23,000 jobs to date with 8,000 people having received training from its welding, electrical and mechanical Centres of Excellence, with trainees come from all over the UK, including South Wales, the North West and North East. They do so because they know the opportunity is there for them to develop new skills at one of the most important net zero projects in the country.
Nuclear is unique in that it creates opportunity in the regions that need it most, including where there is low social mobility. Almost one third of
those being trained today at Hinkley are from deprived areas, a theme which runs through the whole sector. That is what our industry can do, create good, secure jobs on stations and projects the UK will be relying on for a very long time.
Then there are the apprentices, the next generation of net zero workers for whom the climate and environment is, for many of them, the most important issue the world faces. The 1,320 apprentices trained at Hinkley will be invaluable as new nuclear projects spring up in other parts of the country, with the ultimate goal of reaching 24 GW of nuclear by 2050.
Hinkley had the challenging task of restarting the British nuclear industry after a two decade pause, but the lessons learned will be applied to the next big project. Sizewell C is in line to deliver these once in a lifetime benefits we’re seeing at Hinkley with a supply chain and workforce ready to take on the challenge.
We now need the Government to get to a Final Investment Decision so we can unlock the same benefits to the East of England and continue the revival of Britain’s industrial workforce.
These stations are the most significant green energy projects in a generation, and we should use them as the springboard for a full programme of new nuclear plants, large and small, to create life changing opportunities for people and businesses up and down the country.
Celebrating the iconic JET fusion machine
Around 700 staff and former employees gathered earlier this year at the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) headquarters near Abingdon to celebrate the achievements of the iconic Joint European Torus (JET) fusion energy machine.
The JET programme has won widespread international acclaim for its contribution in advancing fusion energy research for over four decades, symbolising international scientific collaboration, engineering excellence, and the commitment to harness the power of fusion energy—the same reactions that fuel the Sun and stars.
At the celebratory event, UKAEA staff who have contributed to the JET programme were joined by around 350 alumni with many of them journeying to south Oxfordshire from across the UK, Europe as well as further afield including the USA and Australia. They were joined by members of the media and dignitaries from EUROfusion and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) including the Minister for Nuclear and Renewables Andrew Bowie MP.
JET concluded its scientific operations in December 2023 after 40 years of groundbreaking experiments. Until then, it was the largest operational tokamak and the only one in the world to use the powerplant-grade deuterium and tritium fuel combination.
A tokamak is a fusion device that generates huge amounts of energy from the hydrogen fuel isotopes (deuterium and tritium) heated to extreme temperatures to form plasma which is an electrically charged gas and the fourth state of matter.
UKAEA Chief Executive Officer Professor Sir Ian Chapman said in his speech: “It’s the people that have made JET what it is. It’s the people that are the true legacy of JET and today is all about celebrating the people.”
He then went on to praise the commitment, ingenuity and brilliance of the tens of thousands of people who had contributed to JET since its inception in the early 1970s and said the team ethos had shone through in continually going above and beyond expectations.
A day to remember
The day’s packed programme began with VIP speeches from Andrew Bowie and the European Commission’s Head of Euratom Research, Dr Elena Righi. This was followed by celebrations in a large marquee specially erected on site for the occasion. This part of the programme included films and speeches from JET luminaries past and present recounting their memories and major project achievements over the decades.
“Today’s JET celebration is a fitting swansong after all the groundbreaking work that has gone on with this project since 1983. We are closer to fusion energy than ever before. The work does not stop here…these are exciting times and there is a lot more to come,” said Minister Bowie in his speech.
An emotional moment for many in the audience was when they heard from JET lead designer and director Dr. Paul-Henri Rebut, who was greeted with a resounding ovation. “Thank you for showing what we can do with a machine like JET,” said Dr. Rebut during his impromptu speech.
Following lunch, attendees were treated to a trip down memory lane with visits to the machine hall, robotics control room and JET’s main control room as well as a photo exhibition dating back to the construction phase in the 1970s and the first plasma in 1983.
Numerous team photos were taken in front of the towering fusion machine whilst others took their own selfies with former colleagues around the JET facilities and many attendees expressed their thoughts and feelings about working on the programme by contributing to a memory wall.
For many people the biggest highlight of the day was to catch up with former colleagues that they had not seen for many years and reminisce.
Donald Wilson, who worked on JET from 1983 to 2011, said: “I’m proud to have worked on JET. When I was a boy I was interested in the Apollo missions to the moon. Working on JET in the early days felt a bit like that. Today I’ve met a lot of old friends and we’ve had the opportunity to talk about the past and what may happen with fusion in the future.”
Diagnostic Project Engineer Leah Morgan expressed the view of many current employees attending the event when she said: “As someone who worked on JET in recent years, it’s really cool to see people who were there right at the beginning and to talk about what they had done.”
JET was operated by UKAEA and collectively used by all European fusion laboratories under the EUROfusion consortium, which supports and funds fusion research activities on behalf of the European Commission’s Euratom programme. Many of the scientists based around Europe and beyond attended the celebration event.
What next?
The achievements at JET, from the major scientific milestones and breakthroughs to the setting of world energy records during three separate campaigns (1997, 2021 and 2023), underscores the facility’s enduring legacy in the evolution of fusion technology and science.
UKAEA’s Director for Plasma Science and Fusion Operations Professor Fulvio Militello said: “My favourite JET memory was being in the Control Room for the last plasma. I thought it would have been very sad but it was the actually the exact opposite and people were excited about what the future holds.”
Scientists from across Europe are now focused on detailed analysis from the latest set of experiments and will publish their findings in scientific journals and present them at conferences in the coming years, with the results helping to shape the design of the next stage fusion machines.
This includes the UK’s STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) prototype fusion powerplant that will demonstrate net energy from fusion and will be built on the site of a former coalfired power station in West Burton in the East Midlands. It will start operations around 2040 and is expected to pave the way for the commercialisation of fusion energy and the potential development of a fleet of future fusion powerplants around the world.
Experiments and research from JET are also being used to help shape the design and operation of ITER, the international joint initiative in Cadarache in southern France to build the world’s largest experimental tokamak machine. JET’s contribution to ITER over many years have included the testing of new materials under extreme conditions, the development of innovative components and the generation of important scientific data from deuteriumtritium fusion.
JET has now moved into the next chapter of its life cycle, as UKAEA embarks on a repurposing and decommissioning programme which will last until around 2040. This programme includes cutting-edge scientific research and world-first engineering projects, all of which will inform the development of future fusion machines and maintain UKAEA’s place as a global leader in fusion energy.
Building on the JET legacy and emphasising the importance of continuing to take bold steps, bravery and urgency on the path to commercial fusion, CEO Professor Sir Ian Chapman closed his speech at the JET celebration event by looking ahead with a quote from the British writer CS Lewis: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
TUSNE/GBN parliamentary event
In April, the Trade Unionists for Safe Nuclear Energy (TUSNE), in association with Great British Nuclear, hosted two events in Parliament to remind Parliamentarians why nuclear energy is so important: it creates thousands of good jobs, offers huge opportunities for the supply chain, and provides clean power for energy security and net zero.
The day’s events kicked off with a panel moderated by Rachel Morrison (Energy Correspondent, Bloomberg) with Gary Nutter (CEO, Sheffield Forgemasters), Andrew Storer (CEO, Nuclear AMRC), Gwen ParryJones (CEO, Great British Nuclear), Tamer Al Bishawi (Chief Nuclear Officer, Hinkley Point C) and Andy Prendergast (GMB National Secretary).
Panellists spoke on the need for continuity and consensus on future nuclear policy within our industry as we headed towards the General Election. As nuclear’s unique contribution is increasingly being reflected in cross-party policy due to the factual and scientific basis of including civil nuclear power within the UK’s energy mix, the panel called for the sector to come together and work in a united front to ensure GBN has the funding, skills and capability to push forward on the critical enablers we need to hit 24GW by 2050.
Ideas were put forward for creating a new nuclear project roadmap to provide certainty for companies to invest in the future and attract more people into the roles required to hit the government’s ambitious targets. Discussions also focused on the need to provide supply chain grants to prepare for future orders and the need to remove bureaucracy from the planning system that has affected previous nuclear projects.
Underpinning this was the realisation that industry unity must be met with iron-clad political support. Following the panel, Charlotte Nichols MP hosted a drinks reception. There was a real buzz in
the room, with 51 MPs and Peers in attendance to show their support for new nuclear projects and the industry as a whole and hear from the people driving British nuclear forward.
The then Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie was in attendance, alongside five members of the then Shadow Cabinet (Sarah Jones, Chi Onwurah, Seema Malhotra, Alan Whitehead and Lord Lennie) and Jo Stevens, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. In her speech, Jo Stevens who is now the Secretary of State for Wales. In her speech she said, “We will back new large-scale reactors in places like Wylfa, get the new nuclear projects at Hinkley and Sizewell over the line.. and develop the new advanced nuclear technologies such as SMRs”.
It was also an opportunity for NIA members to speak to leading figures in both parties and convey the need for new nuclear and why we need their support to continue the momentum we have seen over the last 18 months.
Concluding the drinks reception, Jim Mowatt, TUSNE Chair, best summed it up: “Our industry provides long-term, stable, skilled, well-paid work to people in every nation and region of the UK. Nuclear brings opportunity to young people who are looking for a job that will let them stay in the places they grew up. We see it as our duty not only to produce the energy the nation needs but to nurture the communities that host nuclear facilities.”
How will the NIA Public Affairs Team achieve that? We will be campaigning for Sizewell C to reach a Final Investment Decision; Great British Nuclear to be empowered after the General Election to invest in SMR projects; another largescale nuclear power station at Wylfa and nuclear needs to be green-labelled as an environmentally sustainable investment.
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NDA establish asbestos partnership
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), in collaboration with its subsidiary Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), has awarded two contracts to establish an innovative partnership for the enhanced management of asbestos waste.
The Asbestos Innovation Partnership (AIP) will work with the NDA, NWS and the supply chain, to test and develop new solutions to treat asbestos waste, helping to deliver efficiencies and enable more effective waste management.
The NDA group is tasked with decommissioning the UK’s oldest nuclear sites safely, securely, and cost-effectively. Given the age of these facilities, large quantities of radiologically-contaminated asbestos waste must be managed.
Currently, non-nuclear contaminated asbestos waste goes to hazardous landfill, some contaminated asbestos is allowed in very small quantities in the Low-Level Waste Repository, and the bulk is designated for disposal in a future Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
Nuclear Waste Services will now oversee the AIP to look at how legacy and future waste is managed in the most sustainable and efficient way, utilising innovation and technology development. It is projected that by utilising new techniques and reducing use of landfill, the partnership could help realise multi-million pound cost savings.
Contracts have been awarded to two consortia which now make up the AIP:
● Veolia Nuclear UK Solutions, Cyclife UK Ltd & Waste to Glass sas
● React 2 consisting of Galson Sciences, and Thermachange
Establishing the AIP demonstrates the NDA delivering on commitments in its strategy in relation to Integrated Waste Management. Namely to drive technology development to deliver a range of suitable treatment routes that enable the effective and optimal management of the variety of wastes in the NDA’s inventory.
It also marks the delivery of one of the key NWS strategy [link] milestones to ensure that the right waste form, in the right package, is managed or disposed of at the right facility.
Innovation Partnerships are a new procurement approach for the NDA, providing new ways to harness the power and expertise of the supply chain from research and development through to deployment.
The AIP is already receiving recognition having been shortlisted ‘Innovative Commercial Project’ award at the Government Commercial Function (GCF) awards in November.
“The development of the innovation partnership for the management of asbestos waste is a huge milestone for the NDA group and is equally beneficial for the delivery of NDA’s mission and for the enhanced value this will deliver for the UK taxpayer.
“Delivering this milestone highlights the benefits of working as one NDA group and our collective enduring commitment to our critical mission. I would like to extend my personal thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this to life.”
Emma Ferguson-Gould , Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer, NDA
DR PAUL BANIQUED • PROJECT MANAGER, CRADLE • UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
DR JAMES KELL • ROBOTICS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR • JACOBS
CRADLE rocks with robotics research
Dr Paul Baniqued from The University of Manchester and Dr James Kell from Jacobs reveal how the use of robots in the nuclear industry has inspired a new, international research initiative.
When a rise in temperature was detected inside reactors at the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations in 2006, it was the cue for robots to show what they can do. Excessive heat in the hot box domes— steel structures which separate gases at different pressures—meant that output had to be reduced to 75% of full load, leading to loss of revenue. Carbon deposition was to blame and to restore cooling, a series of new bleed holes needed to be created deep inside the reactor.
A team from Jacobs worked with EDF to develop a strategy to create additional bleed holes using three bespoke, robotic tool packages. These were deployed through some of the reactor’s standpipes, enabling operators to detect the correct height, drill through the standpipe and create the bleed hole in the surrounding nozzle, and then weld a plug into the initial hole to restore the correct gas flow. The solution was successfully deployed on site only six months from project start, and all four reactors were able to return to full power.
Without robots, it’s impossible to implement major engineering change in an environment too hazardous to allow human access. The Hot Box Dome project was groundbreaking at the time, but advances in sensor technology, data analytics and artificial intelligence mean that robots can now make an even bigger difference to nuclear operations and decommissioning.
For the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s Integrated Innovation for Nuclear Decommissioning competition in 2017, Jacobs and nine collaborating organisations developed a prototype of an end-toend nuclear decommissioning system designed for post-operational clean out of disused reprocessing cells at Sellafield. The system enabled on-site characterisation by bringing the laboratory into the cell using a remotely operated tracked vehicle which carried sensors and robotic tools to collect and transmit data for analysis. A robotic laser
cutting system was developed for dismantling of equipment inside the cell.
Now, to take research to the next level, Jacobs and The University of Manchester have founded the Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments (CRADLE). It was set up under the Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council’s Prosperity Partnership programme, which seeks to enable business and academia to harness new technologies and apply them more quickly and effectively.
PhD researchers from CRADLE will work at the university and at Jacobs’ laboratories in Birchwood Park, Warrington, to develop more reliable components and sub-systems for robotic devices, more resilient and verifiable software architectures, and they will build demonstrators of next generation solutions. The human factors and ethical aspects of robotics are also an important part of CRADLE’s remit.
Like Jacobs, The University of Manchester has a long track record in nuclear robotics. It achieved notable success with LYRA—a tracked remoteoperated vehicle with an onboard robotic arm manipulator, designed for deployment in hazardous confined spaces. Developed in collaboration with Warrington-based company ICE9 Robotic Solutions, LYRA had the ability to take swab samples for radiological analysis while using light detection and ranging—LIDAR—and this led to savings of £3-4 million on the characterisation of a 140m duct at the Dounreay nuclear decommissioning site. It was recognized as one of Time magazine’s top 200 inventions of 2022.
The University is also involved in a number of ongoing programmes, including Continuous Autonomous Radiometric Monitoring Assistant (CARMA2), which aims to deliver an autonomous monitoring robot platform for the nuclear industry. Its sensor rig is envisioned to continuously inspect and map the ground to detect contamination, such as from radioactive liquor, which might otherwise
go unnoticed. Similarly, the Total characterisation for Remote Observation in Nuclear Environments (TORONE) project aims to integrate various in situ analysis technologies into a seamless system, drawing inspiration from NASA’s Curiosity Rover. It seeks to provide a comprehensive characterisation picture to enhance understanding of nuclear environments, from Sellafield in the UK to Fukushima in Japan.
Professor Barry Lennox, Co-Director of the Centre for Robotics and AI at The University of Manchester, says: “The University sees the CRADLE Prosperity Partnership as a strategic move to build on its success in nuclear robotics and extend its robotics and artificial intelligence expertise to critical mission sectors such as space, energy and urban infrastructure. We’re now applying what we’ve learned from nuclear projects and showing that robotics can make a big difference whenever problems with access or environmental conditions make tasks difficult or hazardous, such as repairing water mains or inspecting busy highways.”
Jacobs’ Engineering Development Director, Duncan Steel, who serves as CRADLE Industry Director, adds: “The reasons for launching CRADLE are to progress fundamental research capability at the cutting edge of robotics, but also to deliver impact by commercialising innovation and ensuring that it meets the real needs of industry. Also important to me is that CRADLE will develop skills and talent, ensuring a pipeline of worldclass people in the robotics field and supporting further growth in both organisations. Autonomous inspection and repair systems increase our capability to extend the life of water and energy networks, roads, bridges and railways, which makes infrastructure more sustainable, reduces the need for new build and advances the shift to a net-zero carbon economy.”
To find out more, visit www.cradlerobotics.co.uk or contact info@cradlerobotics.co.uk
New images show Hinkley Point C’s heaviest delivery yet
The first of Hinkley Point C’s eight 520-tonne steam generators was delivered safely to the construction site over the weekend after arriving by sea and road.
The 25m long steam generators will take heat from the nuclear reactors to create steam to power the world’s largest turbines. The generator’s arrival is in time for the fit out of the new power station, which will see the first nuclear reactor installed later this year. It was delivered in February last year.
The steam generator travelled the final four miles by road transporter after arriving from Avonmouth at Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett in Somerset.
Four will be placed in each reactor building, operating at an average temperature of 295°C for at least 60 years. Their design, manufacturing and testing took six years.
Berlin has long been on my list of desired destinations. So, when the opportunity came knocking to support Krantz with a UK delegation visit to the Greifswald Nuclear Power Plant in Northern Germany, via Berlin, you can bet I was the first to volunteer my assistance!
In case you didn’t know, the Greifswald Nuclear Power Plant has a long and unique history. The Russian design type VVER-440/V-230 of blocks 1-4 were built from 1970 and commissioned from 1973. In 1976, construction of blocks 5-8 as type VVER440/213 started. The construction of block 6 was completely finished, with blocks 7 and 8 still under construction, when the decision was made to shut down the site in November 1989, shortly after the German reunification due to lack of safety compared to western type power plants. In 1995, the long-awaited permission for decommissioning of the complete site was given by the nuclear regulatory body of countries, making Greifswald one of the first nuclear power plants in Germany to go through the process.
Since the start of its decommissioning journey, Krantz GmbH has worked closely with EWN. They have been involved in various projects for the past 30 years, including the design and installation of HVAC systems on site, such as interim storage facilities, waste treatment facilities, a dismantling hall for big components such as reactor vessels and steam generators, concrete treatment facilities, and they invented new components specifically designed for decommissioning purposes!
The delegation arrived for a welcome reception sponsored by Krantz. This was followed by dinner at a traditional German restaurant, complete with musical accompaniment, which was a great way for the group to get to know each other. Due to an early start the following day, it was back to the hotel for a good night’s rest before boarding the coach at 6:45am on Thursday morning.
Despite the long coach ride to the Greifswald site, we were kept thoroughly entertained by our Krantz goodie bags which not only contained information about Krantz and the work that they do, but also a booklet filled with the biographies of every person on the trip. The best part of this was learning everyone’s interesting fact, an addition encouraged by Bernie Maloney, Sales Consultant for Krantz, to help break the ice! These ranged from Reindeer keepers to cocktail masters, bodybuilders to children’s entertainers, and keen sportspersons to wine bar founders! We also received two quiz booklets written by Bernie and incentivized by the promise of prizes!
Our tour consisted of a visit to block 6, and a tour of the central decontamination and water treatment facility (ZDW). When the decision came in 1989 to shut down the entire Greifswald plant, despite being fully constructed, block 6 was never fuelled, thus allowing us the unique opportunity to safely
enter without any radiation protection measures. Since 2000, visitors have had the chance to visit the Soviet-designed nuclear power plant and discover how such a plant is dismantled at the same time!
Upon arrival to the site, we were split into two groups and after having our IDs checked, we advanced through the gates. My group visited block 6 first, and despite my preparation for the visit and an agenda of what we would be visiting, I hadn’t fully appreciated the uniqueness of our excursion. We were privileged to be guided by knowledgeable scientists and engineers from EWN and Krantz, who gave useful insights and explained the safety features and construction design of the modern Russian power plant.
Even though the design dates back to the 1970’s, the featured technologies included in our tour were incredible and are still used in state-of-theart nuclear power stations today. Block 6 is an extremely valuable resource when it comes to their overall decommissioning strategy, as it is used to test decommissioning and dismantling strategies, and removal of heavy components such as steam generators and cooling pumps etc. Our guide from EWN and our extremely skilled translator from Krantz, were knowledgeable and patient with our many questions! But the cherry on the cake was saved for last when we finally made into the reactor vessel itself, and some even dared to climb inside!
After block 6, we visited the central decontamination and water treatment facility (ZDW), where we donned some rather attractive overalls and hard hats. The complete HVAC system for this building was designed and installed by Krantz. In this facility, various decontamination areas for various decontamination methods were shown which gave an interesting overview of the complex process of decommissioning. It was fascinating to understand the ways Germany is decommissioning and repurposing their nuclear power plants, and despite the country’s somewhat regrettable decision to decommission their entire nuclear programme, it was a privilege to be invited to the site on behalf of Krantz and to see decommissioning up close and personal.
En route back to the coach, we passed the external exhaust air system designed by Krantz which is used to keep the negative pressure inside the reactor building when the ventilation system is shut down for dismantling. The external exhaust air system is a containerized vent plant, which includes an air lock with shower, pre and HEPA filter stage, a fan with 100,000m³/h capacity, ductwork, and chimney with stack monitoring system!
Overall, the visit was a huge hit with our members, and I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit such an interesting and unusual place as part of my day job! Thank you once again to Krantz and the team at EWN for an unforgettable experience.
“THE VISIT TO GREIFSWALD PROVIDED A FASCINATING INSIGHT INTO THE IMPACT OF REUNIFICATION ON THE FORMER EAST GERMANY’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW FIRST-HAND THE INTERDEPENDENCIES AND CHALLENGES FOR DECONTAMINATION, CONTAINMENT, AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS THAT HAVE ARISEN FROM THE DECOMMISSIONING OF THE MULTIREACTOR SITE.”
Mike Twissle Head of Technology and R&D, Tradebe
“HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLIMB INTO THE REACTOR PRESSURE VESSEL WAS PERHAPS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY.”
Craig Chalder, Managing Director, M5Tec
“IT IS NOT EVERY DAY YOU CAN SAY THAT YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO STICK YOUR HEAD INTO A NUCLEAR REACTOR.”
John Cornwall, Principal Engineer for Ventilation, Sellafield
NEWS FROM THE HUB.
Jacobs to provide engineering support for key uk fusion power programs
Jacobs was selected by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) for its multi-supplier Engineering Design Services framework (EDS).
Jacobs has been appointed to all capability areas on the four-year framework, valued at up to £9 million, which supports the development of a UK industrial supply chain capability by allowing the companies to work closely with UKAEA as it undertakes fusion energy research.
“The EDS framework is intended to support UKAEA with the delivery of strategically important tasks alongside routine support. It allows us to work collaboratively with UKAEA and its supply chain to find solutions to some of their most complex engineering problems. We support UKAEA on the existing framework in four capability areas and we have now built on this to expand our role and become a full-service supplier.”
Andy White, Jacobs Vice President
EDS covers mechanical, process, electrical, control and instrumentation, and systems engineering, as well as computer-based modelling and simulations, and specialist nuclear services ranging from laboratory research to decommissioning and waste management.
UKAEA manages the UK fusion program at the Culham Campus, one of the world’s leading fusion research laboratories. Its programs include the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP),
which aims to build a prototype power plant by 2040 to demonstrate the ability to generate net electricity. This is a key milestone towards harnessing fusion, the reaction which powers the sun and stars, as a new source of safe, clean and near-limitless energy.
Jacobs is also delivering a range of technological and engineering innovation and support to ITER, the world’s largest fusion energy project based in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, France, and now employs more than 350 people working on fusion around the world, in positions ranging from research and development to project delivery, creating new opportunities for physicists, scientific researchers, project managers and engineers in all disciplines.
Approach to managing nuclear waste
The UK is updating its approach to handling nuclear waste and radioactive substances to continue to prioritise safety, the environment and quicker decommissioning.
Changes will encourage innovation in waste treatment techniques—from greater recycling to research into extracting isotopes from nuclear materials for use in diagnosis and treatment of cancers, with the option of disposal made the last resort. This will minimise impact on the environment and help reduce the amount of waste for disposal.
In addition to England and Wales longterm plans to dispose of the most hazardous radioactive waste in a geological disposal facility hundreds of metres underground, the NDA will explore using a facility closer to the surface for less hazardous radioactive waste.
While a geological disposal facility is not expected to be ready until the 2050s, a shallower disposal facility—which is up to 200m below ground—could be available within 10 years in England and Wales allowing for quicker decommissioning which will save around £500 million in storage costs. An approach in line with other nuclear nations including France and Finland.
The framework will also make clear that lightly contaminated rubble and substructures can be disposed of on-site if safe to do so. This will avoid tonnes of waste being bagged up and transported for heavy-duty disposal elsewhere, reducing impact on the environment, with the potential to save a further £500 million over the next 20 years.
Following the example of Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, which have plans to manage spent fuel on site, new nuclear projects will need to ensure they have a robust plan for decommissioning and managing waste.
The most hazardous waste in England and Wales will ultimately be disposed of deep underground in a facility which safely isolates and contains the waste within rock and protective barriers. Less hazardous waste does not need this hyper-secure isolation and can be more quickly and safely disposed of in near-surface disposal facilities. Like a geological disposal facility, this kind of waste facility never needs people to manage it once it has been sealed and closed. These changes were consulted on in 2023 and had input from the public, local government, nuclear industry and regulators.
Teesside University to study benefits & impacts of proposed X-Energy AMR plant
X-Energy Ltd and Cavendish Nuclear have commissioned Teesside University to undertake a study of the potential regional economic benefits of a multi-billion pound nuclear power station project in Hartlepool.
The assessment of the socio-economic opportunities—including jobs, skills, supply chain contracts, and investment—will be led by Professor Matthew Cotton, Professor of Public Policy, a leading expert in socio-political and ethical dimensions of sustainable development.
Early estimates indicate a 12-reactor multibillion pound X-energy project at Hartlepool would directly employ hundreds of people in operations and a peak construction workforce of several thousand in addition to the employment benefits in the wider supply chain.
The work is part of a £6.68m programme funded by X-energy, and by the UK Government which awarded the firms £3.34m in April this year from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund. X-energy is proposing to build its Xe-100 advanced modular reactor plant by the early 2030s, next to Hartlepool’s existing nuclear power station which is scheduled to close this decade.
NUVIA awarded beach and environmental monitoring contracts
NUVIA has been awarded three contracts for the Detection, Mapping and Retrieval of Radioactive Particles from Beach Environments and Environmental Monitoring.
NUVIA’s expertise within radiation protection and environmental monitoring and extensive experience in nuclear environments, means the organisation is uniquely poised to successfully deliver these contracts for NRS Dounreay and Sellafield, in a safe and timely manner.
This adds to the existing scope of work NUVIA is delivering at Dounreay and Sellafield, as part of the wider decommissioning programmes taking place on the sites. The contracts will run for 4 years from 1 April 2024 with the option to extend for a further 2 to 3 years.
Sign-up for Rainbow Forum Submission deadline Wednesday 31
July
Submit your response to dan.powney@niauk.org
Pride month is well under way and the Nuclear Rainbow Forum is looking for volunteers to step forward and dedicate some time to supporting and promoting our fabulous LGBTQIA+ community across the industry. They are seeking people to step forward to take the Forum to it’s next exciting stage of growth and renewal. Visit https://bit.ly/3Rfldql and complete an expression of interest form. So why not give it a click and take a look .. looking costs nothing! If it’s not for you then please consider sharing it with your networks … the door to the Rainbow Forum is open to everyone.
Rolls-Royce SMR launch innovation challenge
Rolls-Royce SMR has issued a challenge to industry, calling for ideas around monitoring and data collection during the transport of modules used to construct its Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
A contract worth up to £100,000 is available for the winner with an opportunity to supply systems, techniques, technology and services to the programme, which will deploy a fleet of RollsRoyce SMRs around the globe.
Rolls-Royce SMR’s unique ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant is a British solution to a global energy crisis—with each plant producing enough stable, affordable, emission-free electricity to power a million homes for at least 60 years.
UK factories will produce hundreds of prefabricated and pre-tested modules ready for assembly on site into a complete power station— drastically reducing cost and time when compared to large ‘gigawatt’ scale nuclear power plants.
The challenge, launched in partnership with Innovate UK Business Connect via its Innovation Exchange programme, will seek proposals on how to track the modules throughout their journey from the factory and monitor changes in real time.
“This is a chance for specialists in the nuclear industry, and much further afield, to come on board and use their expertise on our ‘once in a generation’ project… We are looking for the best innovation that the UK has to offer.”
Greg Wilkinson, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Research and Technology Manager, said:
To find out more about the challenge and how you can get involved, visit https://bit.ly/4c3ljJj. To apply, log in or register at https://bit.ly/3VaOIup.
NEW MEMBERS
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
BIRD & BIRD LLP
twobirds.com
The nuclear industry’s complex regulatory framework and rapidly evolving landscape mean that businesses need legal advice that goes beyond consent, compliance and corporate governance. Working across the nuclear industry, our specialist nuclear energy lawyers provide comprehensive, commercial advice. You’ll benefit from our expert nuclear law capability, built over years of supporting nuclear operations.
Cameco is one of the largest global providers of the uranium fuel needed to energise a clean-air world. Our competitive position is based on our controlling ownership of the world’s largest high-grade reserves and low-cost operations, as well as significant investments across the nuclear fuel cycle.
ALPHA SAFETY alphasafetyco.com
With decades of experience, Alpha Safety specialises in technology for the containment, characterisation, and management of fissile materials. Our capabilities include the manufacture of waste handling and storage containers, specialist filters, criticality warning systems, modular containment solutions, and advanced characterisation equipment, all supported by expert consultancy services..
FOREPOINT
forepoint.co.uk/nuclear
Forepoint has worked in the nuclear industry for over 30 years, helping its clients communicate complex messages to both internal and external stakeholders. Enabling them to enhance public perception, attract talent, secure investments, and engage more effectively with stakeholders overall.
ANSYS UK LTD ansys.com
With ever increasing global demands on the energy and power sectors, along with the pressure from environmental and sustainability requirements, Ansys simulation solutions enable the nuclear sector to deliver better solutions, faster, cleaner and safer.
GREENSABRE CONSULTING LTD
greensabreconsulting.com
Greensabre Consulting is an international specialist consultancy that provides initial and ongoing strategic and technical advice and support to investors and asset owners exploring the potential use and application of nuclear technology as part of clean energy systems.
BOUYGUES TRAVAUX PUBLICS bouygues-construction.com
Bouygues Travaux Publics is an expert in complex projects involving tunnels, engineering structures and road, port and rail infrastructures. Operating in France and many other countries, the entity has acknowledged expertise in managing large-scale projects with high added value and in setting up PPP projects.
BRITISH NUCLEAR great-british-nuclear
Great British Nuclear will support the government’s ambition to deliver up to 24GW of nuclear power in the UK by 2050. This could mean nearly a quarter of the UK’s total power demands being met by low-carbon, secure nuclear energy, supporting the UK’s energy security, and contributing to our net zero targets.
SITEASSIST siteassist.co.uk
SiteAssist is an AI-powered platform for high-risk industries. It specialises in easy-to-use, yet complex digital solutions that seamlessly connect its customers’ on-site delivery processes to ensure maximum safety and enhanced efficiency. SiteAssist has the tools and expertise you need to succeed.
GREAT
CAMECO UK cameco.com
SIRIUS ANALYSIS LIMITED
sirius-analysis.co.uk
Sirius Analysis specialises in the delivery of analysis to enable its customers to make informed investment decisions and deliver effective projects, using its core skills in Operational Research, Cost Analysis, Systems Engineering and P3M.
GARETH
NIA International Group and GIFEN – Paris Workshop
In early March, the International Group had its first official overseas meeting, a joint Workshop with GIFEN—the French nuclear industry trade association—hosted by NIA member Stephenson Harwood at their Paris offices, and facilitated by PA Consulting.
The Workshop was one of many initiatives planned and undertaken since the NIA/ GIFEN Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in March 2021.
Both NIA and GIFEN acknowledged then and restated at the Workshop the importance of continued engagement between their members to increase understanding and stimulate interest in each other’s markets, to encourage collaboration and joint working in both the UK and France, and joint initiatives in third country markets.
This Workshop was the first in a series of events (in Paris and London) organised by the NIA and GIFEN for their members to look collaboratively, for example, at supply chain issues, identify solutions to unlock capabilities and provide mutual support.
MARR CONTRACTING
marr.com.au
Marr Contracting are world leaders in the design and delivery of heavy lift luffing tower cranes and complex craneage services. Not just a crew and cranes for hire, we’re big thinkers and problem solvers who love a challenge.
Both the UK and France share mature and buoyant nuclear sectors, ambitious decades-long future growth plans, but importantly challenges in identifying resources to deliver those opportunities. Anne Falchi (EDF/ GIFEN) set the scene with an overview of the French market and opportunities for the UK supply chain.
The aim of the Workshop was practical; to identify, through actual member experience, the barriers (some perceived) and successes of both UK companies working in France, and French companies working in the UK. Then during the Workshop actively explore how these barriers can be overcome, how to utilise the successes, learn from them and ultimately make the journey to working in France or the UK a smoother and more successful one. We heard first hand from Mott MacDonald, NSG, Numerga, ONET, ABMI, EKIUM, and Clemessy UK of their experiences.
The Workshop was at capacity, with participating companies, large and small, from across the UK and France nuclear supply chain.
Further events are planned in Paris in September and October, and in London on 7/8 October, details will be shared shortly.
ITI GROUP
itigroup.com
Through digital technology, industrial automation and increased safety and security, ITI Group helps clients achieve tangible business value from innovative, intelligent solutions.
Many thanks to those who joined the Workshop—it was both worthwhile and enjoyable. If you are interested in participating in or hosting future events—or have a particular subject you would like to cover, then please let us know.
ISH ishco.co.uk
iSH delivers programmes that build on West Cumbria’s nuclear heritage, to expand its technical capability, developing a regional industrial cluster and showcasing it to the world.
Nuclear specialists with international expertise in M&A and supply chain.
Consultancy with strategic bases in the UK, France, and Spain.
We provide comprehensive coverage across Europe and North America, ensuring global support for your business needs. We are here to support you through the whole life cycle from market reports/ growth strategy development to delivery and completion.
To explore how we can support your business growth, email us at contact@numerga.co.uk for a confidential discussion or visit us at www.numerga.co.uk
LINCOLN
HILL • DIRECTOR OF POLICY
“We like nuclear, but can we afford it?”
That is our challenge in a line. The Labour Party has swept to power with a massive majority, sweeping up almost all of the “nuclear seats” in Scotland and England with that. They won power on a commitment to stick to tight fiscal rules and spending plans and in a higher interest rate environment. These factors had already reduced Labour’s previous green investment commitment, and they impose stringent parameters on public capital investment going forward.
The Labour Party of course is pro-nuclear, and more forthrightly and clearly so that it has been for many years. The party’s leadership, MPs and particularly their affiliated trade unions recognise that nuclear provides essential clean, reliable, baseload and creates good jobs in the places that need them.
Indeed, the Labour manifesto says that “we will ensure the long-term security of the sector, extending the lifetime of existing plants, and we will get Hinkley Point C over the line. New nuclear power stations, such as Sizewell C, and Small Modular Reactors, will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs.” The specific, named commitment to Sizewell C is very welcome, because specific projects at specific sites reaching Final Investment Decisions are what counts in the end ultimately.
There are, however, huge demands on public finances for both current and capital spending. Almost all public services are seeking more investment to withstand intense pressure. A Labour Government has to decide, if we want new hospitals, new schools, new prisons, new homes and other infrastructure, how much can we afford to spend on nuclear?
Our first response is that it is an investment we cannot afford not to make. The UK still has fundamentally the same weak, gas-dependent energy system that led us into crisis three years ago. The Government spent £56 billion just to get us through one winter (2022-2023). Already, people are looking nervously at the gas market and projecting bill increases in the autumn. If we do not make long-term investments at some point, we will continue to pay enormous short-term costs from recurrent crises beyond our control.
The other answer is growth. Economic growth is the “get-out clause” from fiscal constraints that Keir Starmer has already used to bat back criticism
from the Institute for Fiscal Studies. More growth equals more tax revenue, more jobs, lower benefits payments, which equal more money to invest in green infrastructure. The fact on our side is that nuclear projects indisputably generate growth. The latest economic impact assessment of our industry found that the Gross Value Added per full time equivalent nuclear worker was more than £100,000. The sector contributes £4.5 billion to the exchequer. The overall multiplier of economic activity is 2.6: for every £1 spent in the nuclear industry, an additional £1.60 of economic activity is created. Think about this then: Hinkley Point C has pumped £5.3 billion of investment into the South West. That means close to £8.5 billion in extra growth has likely been created. Then think about that multiplied by Sizewell C, Wylfa and SMRs.
Fortunately, we also have a phalanx of Labour MPs for the nuclear sites who can make these arguments to their political leadership. All of the generating stations, even Sizewell, now have Labour MPs. Cumbria has switched back to elected Labour MPs, and Warrington, Chester, and Teesside are also red. They know, and they have in many cases staked their campaigns, on the importance of nuclear jobs to community prosperity and growth.
The further tension is inevitably between UK content and job creation, and lowest cost delivery. The more we develop, and really revive, dormant and decayed UK industrial capabilities, the more we will contribute to our GDP and drive growth in our old heartlands. But that will cost money and require development.
Labour’s 2030 clean power target puts a premium on speed, and a premium on life extension over new investment, that complicates this picture. It is certainly an understandable dilemma for Governments whether to go all out for the ultimate output, or to ensure that the process of getting there generates as many collateral benefits as possible.
We will make the argument that we will need clean power not just in 2030, but in 2050 and indeed in 2130. Net zero is not a race to the tape. It is something we have to hit and then sustain for all time. The best way to do that and ensure sustainable economic growth is to build up the capabilities to create new assets as well as the long-term assets themselves. If we want to make a green prosperous future for Britain, the nuclear renaissance must be made in Britain as well.
