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Industry Link is a quarterly magazine published by the Nuclear Industry Association, covering all the latest news and developments within the NIA membership and across the industry as a whole.
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Moving Forward at Moorside
Cavendish Fluor partnership take on magnox & rsrl
Cabinet reshuFFle: meet the minister
Horizon look to future skills
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magazine oF the uk nuClear industry assoCiation
niauk.org Autumn / 2014
nucleAr energy is An engine for growth in the uK.
nucleAr new build will creAte tens of thousAnds of jobs Across
the country At sites And in the supply chAin. decommissioning
will continue to AttrAct the brightest And the best
problem solvers. the nucleAr industry employs over
52,000 people.
Welcome to IndustryLink
page 21
page 14
Nuclear Industry Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 2804518
Registered OfficeTower House Fifth Floor 10 Southampton Street London WC2E 7HATEL +44(0)20 7766 6640EMAIL [email protected]
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visitniAuK.org
This magazine is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, using vegetable based inks.
The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is the trade association and representative voice of the UK’s civil nuclear industry. We represent over 50,000 UK nuclear workers across more than 270 member companies.
After 10 years at St James's Square the NIA will be joining the World Nuclear Association in moving offices to Covent Garden on 26 September 2014. The NIA expect a smooth transition and to be back up and running on 29 September. All contact numbers will remain the same and the new address is Tower House, Fifth Floor, 10 Southampton Street, London WC2E 7HA
digest ofuk energy statistics 2014
SNAPSHOT
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Southampton St
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CHARING CROSS
COVENT GARDEN
The NIA Is movINg!
Editor - Alastair Evans Art Editor - Dan Powney
Contributors Rupert Lewis, Peter Haslam, Keith Parker, Sara Crane, Rachel Dowling, Stephanie McKenna, John McNamara – NuGeneration Ltd, with additional thanks to World Nuclear News
Welcome to the 2014 Party Conference edition of IndustryLink magazine. The NIA team will be spending three weeks on the road; meeting NIA members, Members of Parliament, Councillors, Trade Union officials, third party advocates and members of the public in Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. We will be talking to them about the importance of new build, existing operations and decommissioning and the huge supply chain opportunities in all three. This year we are focusing on the importance of new build to plug the looming gap in the production and use of energy, as well as the vital steps being taken across the UK in decommissioning former nuclear sites. In this edition of the magazine we take a look at the re-shuffled Conservative Ministers in DECC, BIS and the Welsh Office as well as highlighting key announcements by Westinghouse and the Cavendish Fluor Partnership. The European Commission is yet to report back on its State Aid investigation into Hinkley Point C, but progress was made at home in August as the Court of Appeal dismissed a claim brought against the development in Somerset by the Irish National Trust – you can read more on page 23.
Alastair evans [email protected]
Cavendish Fluor Partnership takes ownership of Magnox and RSRL
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2014 | AuTumN — 3
On 1 September 2014, Cavendish Fluor Partnership (CFP) was formally awarded the multi-billion pound contract by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to take ownership of Magnox Ltd and Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL), the Site Licence Companies (SLCs) for 12 UK nuclear sites. CFP is a joint venture between Cavendish Nuclear and Fluor Corporation – the Parent Body Organisation (PBO) for the two SLCs, and responsible for the delivery of the 12 sites to an agreed and defined point for each (either interim end state or into care and maintenance). It is anticipated this contract will provide savings in excess of £1.5bn in the decommissioning programme for the 12 nuclear sites. The share transfer and formal contract follows the NDA’s announcement of CFP as the preferred bidder on 31 March, and subsequent five month transition period. This has involved a major programme to conduct a seamless handover from two PBOs to a new one – including the introduction of the new management team to the SLC management and workforce, and stakeholder engagement, as well as the completion of ‘due diligence’ on the site Lifetime Plans – all with minimal impact on the existing teams and continuity of work taking place at the 12 sites. Transition has also seen preparations for the necessary organisational transformation as well as ensuring all regulatory requirements are met, and the highest level of safety standards implemented. CFP’s detailed planning,
resources, and previous experience in carrying out transitions has been key to ensuring this has been successfully achieved. Following share transfer CFP now brings in a team of more than 30 senior executives from their parent organisations Cavendish Nuclear and Fluor Corporation, to begin introduction of the new programme of work over an initial 12 month period. CFP’s strategy for the 12 sites is characterised by a number of key features. Among these is to undertake the work safely (in line with the two partners’ strong track records in safe delivery across complex programmes) and at minimum possible cost, as well as implementing an optimised schedule and programmised approach, driven by 10 programmes or projects that collectively deliver the mission. Technical innovation is also a feature, drawing and building on experience and proven techniques and technologies. A vital element of the CFP strategy is to have a good team and single organisation running the two SLCs, using a CFP integrated management system. Equally important are long term employment opportunities for the SLC workforce both during the decommis-sioning programme and later within the parent companies, both of which have a strong growth agenda and interest in new build programmes. Kenny Douglas, Cavendish Fluor Partnership Managing Director, said: “After an intensive transition period, we are delighted to be in contract to implement
our delivery plan. Cavendish Nuclear and Fluor have strong track records of delivering enhanced value to their customers at sites across the UK and in the United States, and we look forward to applying our experience and expertise to the 12 Magnox and RSRL sites. “Crucially, we will be seeking to standardise the processes and approach taken and to maximise learning across all locations, integrating the approach and programmes across all the sites, while delivering locally. Every aspect of delivery will be looked at over the period of the contract to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent as effectively as possible.” Douglas continued: “Ultimately the key to achieving the goals and target cost reductions lies in technical innovation, changing operating arrangements, reviewing the organisational structure, and delivering detailed decommissioning and waste management programmes. We look forward to getting the job done – safely, securely and without environmental impact.” NDA Chief Executive John Clarke said: “Today is a significant achievement for the NDA. By introducing a fundamentally different contract, based upon a clear understanding of the scope of work to be delivered across 12 sites over 14 years, we have been able to generate real competitive tension during the competition process. “We are delighted that our approach looks set to deliver a reduction in decommissioning costs of more than £1.5 billion.”
(left to right) Kevin Thomas (Chairman Cavendish Fluor Partnership PBO board, signing on behalf of Cavendish Fluor Partnership), Kenny Douglas (Managing Director Cavendish Fluor Partnership, signing on behalf of Magnox Ltd), John Clarke (NDA chief executive, signing on behalf of NDA), Mike Caswell (Hinkley SSG Chair, signing on behalf of Site Stakeholder Groups), Andy Staples (signing on behalf of Research Sites Restoration Ltd).
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Media Watch
Keith Parker responded to a blog on the Guardian arguing that nuclear must be part of the UK’s low carbon energy mix because renewable sources cannot provide power 24/7.
The Guardian also tweeted the NIA blog, written in response to a Tom Burke article to its 2.5 million followers.
A report published in the British Journal of Cancer showed there is no increased risk of childhood cancer for those living near Sellafield or Dounreay in recent years. The NIA’s comment was included in Nuclear Engineering International.
As part of the Guardian’s Big Energy Debate, Keith Parker wrote a piece on the nuclear contribution to energy security. In the article Energy security: is nuclear power the answer? Keith argues the UK needs a diverse and reliable low carbon energy mix, with nuclear taking a leading role.
You can watch a series of opinions from the Debate’s first Westminster roundtable event on the Guardian website.
Small Modular Reactors were featured in the Newcastle Journal this month. The article quotes Keith explaining, “It is crucial to keep a wide range of technological options open so the UK can build more nuclear plants should demand require it. Small reactor technology could bring a number of benefits to the UK civil nuclear industry.”
The NIA welcomed the Government’s GDF proposals with comments picked up in the Guardian, the Daily Mail, and the Shropshire Star.
Following the announcement BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme featured a piece on the proposals. Professor Neil Hyatt form Sheffield University explained the geological characteristics needed for such a facility and the engineering associated with the project.
The Financial Times produced a video article investigating the European Pressurised Reactor under construction at Taishan in China.
The article highlighted the comparisons between the project in China and at Hinkley Point and discussed knowledge sharing and the country’s wider new nuclear plans.
David Mowat MP for Warrington South and member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee wrote an article entitled ‘Warrington – a nuclear town’.
The piece highlighted the importance of the industry in the region and the role new nuclear has to play in stabilising energy bills and cutting carbon emissions.
NEWSNEWSNEWS
Cabinet Reshuffle: Meet the MinisterBy. rAchel doWlINg
David Cameron carried out his final re-shuffle in July in preparation for the 2015 election. The energy team was shaken up, but Liberal Democrat Ed Davey will remain in post as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (any changes to the Liberal Democrat team will be made after autumn conference season). Cameron has promoted Matt Hancock to the post previously held by Michael Fallon. During his time as skills Minister, Hancock set out plans for high-tech Further Education Colleges to train the next generation of nuclear engineers. The NIA looks forward to working with Mr Hancock to continue the significant progress made by former Secretaries of State and maintain the progress on nuclear new build. Nick Boles, formally the Planning Minister takes over the skills brief with responsibility for apprenticeships and further education. These are vital issues for all involved in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, and will be a key battleground at the 2015 election for all parties.
Matthew Hancock became the MP for West Suffolk following the 2010 General Election – assuming office as the Minister for Skills in both the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education in September 2012. With a remit that crossed two Department’s, Hancock was able to gain insight into the education and business requirements for the UK's skills needs. He has a background in economics, working for the Bank of England before becoming George Osborne’s economic advisor in the shadow Conservative Government – pre 2010. In January 2014, Hancock announced plans for an elite nuclear college to help support the growing demand for nuclear skills: “A new generation of industry-led elite colleges will give our workforce the right skills to lead the way in both nuclear and software. The growing nuclear sector offers vital opportunities for highly skilled workers and we must make sure that the UK is at the forefront of this growing industry”
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Michael Fallon MP
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2014 | AuTumN — 5
MP for Tunbridge Wells since 2005, Greg Clark was previously the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pre-2010. Following the 2010 elections he became a Minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government. After moves to HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, Clark has found himself as the Minister for Universities and Science, where he will continue the work of David Willetts in support of the elite nuclear college and nuclear research and development with NIRAB. In 2010, the Minister stated: “I am pro-nuclear; I believe we need to get on with it”
Stephen Crabb has been MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire since 2005. Previously the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Wales Office until his promotion, he is well versed on the importance of the nuclear industry in Wales, and the benefits it brings to local communities. In early 2009 he held a short debate in the House of Commons which focused around energy security, one of the key concerns that the public voice today. “Wales is already attracting significant investment in new energy infrastructure. From Hitachi’s investment in new nuclear…Wales is proving that it can play a leading role in meeting our country’s energy needs.”
Amber Rudd became the MP for Hastings in 2010 and was subsequently made the Parliamentary Private Secretary for George Osborne from 2012 to 2013, followed by a position as Assistant Whip from October 2013. In her role at DECC she will take on Greg Barker’s full remit, including energy consumers, fuel poverty, carbon budgets and green jobs and skills.
First elected in 2010 as MP for Grantham and Stamford, Nick Boles has since served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of State for Schools and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning at the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG). At DCLG he had experience with planning applications for small scale builds to large infrastructure projects, including nuclear builds. In his new Ministerial position his focus will be on further education, adult skills, apprenticeships and business support.
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China’s first AP1000 vessel
The reactor pressure vessel for Sanmen 2 in China has been completed. Built by China First Heavy Industries (CFHI) under the supervision of Westinghouse the vessel passed a pressure test on 8 June.
The vessel is destined for use in the second of two AP1000 under construction at the site in eastern China. Two further AP1000s are under construction at Haiyang in Shandong province.
The vessels for the first units at Sanmen and Haiyang were produced in South Korea by Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction using some forgings fabricated by CFHI.
French energy policy to limit nuclear
France’s energy minister has announced the country's nuclear generating capacity will be capped at its current level of 63.2 GWe. This declaration follows President Hollande’s manifesto pledge to limit nuclear share of French generation at 50% by 2025. While not calling for the closure of any operational power stations the policy will mean EDF would have to close reactors in order to bring new ones
online. It is anticipated with the first EPR unit at Flamanville due online in late 2016, Fessenheim in Eastern France will be shut down. The draft policy also sets out the milestone of a 40% reduction in carbon dioxide emission by 2030. In that time, renewable energy should account for 40% of electricity consumption and 32% of toal energy use. It also sets out ambitious targets to half total energy consumption by 2050 and expand the use of electric vehicles.
Westinghouse point out overreliance on Russian fuel Westinghouse has urged the European Union to introduce rules that would break Eastern Europe’s dependence on Russian nuclear fuel. Russia currently provides 36% of the EU’s uranium enrichment and reactors in Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic are wholly dependent on Russian fuel. Westinghouse Vice-President for Strategy, Michael Kirst says this “is a clear security of supply issue” and “the utilities that are entirely dependent on Russia are playing a game of gambling here.” Explaining a second supplier was necessary in the case of fuel supply failures or political sanctions. The European Commission said it encourages the diversification of EU
nuclear fuel supplies in an open market and an alternative supplier would be desirable. However, it would not consider the use of quotas to achieve this.
Public support for Polish new nuclear
According to research collected by the Polish Institute of International Affairs, 64% of Poles support the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant. Of those supporting the plans, 57% explained their support was down to the increased energy independence the plant would provide and 42% cited the employment opportunities it would generate. The research shows a vast increase in support from March 2013, when a poll found 52% of the population were in fact opposed to the construction of nuclear power plants in Poland. The most prominent group among those supporting the construction was young, highly-educated individual with higher incomes living the largest cities. The study also found a clear regional pattern, with the highest support for nuclear coming from those in the east of the country. Poland’s energy policy aims to have operating nuclear power plants from 2025 as it moves to reduce its dependence on coal and imported gas.
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2014 | AuTumN — 7
he AP1000 reactors are being built in china, with the first unit expected to be operational this year and all four reactors across two sites online by 2016. The UsA
also has four units under construction with commissioning planned for 2016-17. The three units planned for moorside will have a combined capacity of 3,400 megawatts and provide 7% of the UK’s electricity. The AP1000 reactors were going through the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) in tandem with the EPR, but when no customer was forthcoming, the programme was put on hold. The reactor assessment will continue from the hold point at Stage 4, where 51 GDA issues were highlighted. These points will all have to be addressed before GDA approval can be granted. The Office for Nuclear Regulation has already issued an Interim Design Acceptance Confirmation for the reactor and it is expected Westinghouse will obtain full GDA approval in mid-2016. Westinghouse has learnt a great deal on the builds in America and China as well as spending 20 years developing simplifications covering piping, cabling and valves, all of which mean that fewer components are required, saving time in construction and during checks throughout outages. These changes mean a shorter construction schedule and a greater use of off-site factory manufacture, hopefully guaranteeing ease of construction on site. The modular nature of the planned build at Moorside will allow construction tasks that were traditionally performed in sequence to be completed in parallel. This method of build means installation at the site has a three-year construction schedule - from first concrete pour to fuel load. The simpler design means operations and maintenance are simpler, there are fewer valves to check and no safety
Bringing the AP1000 to the UK
pumps at all, relying instead on numerous passive safety mechanisms. Because of this reformed design, outages are shorter and running time is longer during the 60+ year lifecycle of the reactor. These design modernisations also contribute to a smaller footprint on site than an equivalent reactor generating the same capacity, all of which contributes to reduced costs, and a quicker build. Westinghouse aims to be cost competitive with the fossil fuel generators, a vital move that all low carbon generators need to be aiming towards if they are to play the ever greater role the UK needs. Westinghouse states that “operating nuclear plants in the US are already competitive producers of electricity compared to coal-fired plants” and it is vital the UK looks to achieve the same objective. Westinghouse and NuGen have bold aspirations that are to be commended. The UK needs to fill a quickly shortening capacity margin and it is vital new reactors are built through the 2020’s to fill the gap created by the old generation of reactors going off-line. Westinghouse CEO Danny Roderick is confident of achieving that. In an interview earlier this month he commented that the project is ‘ready to go’ once licensing procedures are complete, “We hope to have shovels in the ground within the next three or four years and we are planning for a four-year construction cycle for each of the three units to be built on the site,” With first power planned for 2024, this is an exciting opportunity for West Cumbria and the UK as a whole, and even more important for UK energy security.
In January, Toshiba agreed to buy 60% of the NuGen UK nuclear joint venture between GDF Suez and Spain's Iberdrola. Toshiba and GDF Suez (who retain 40% of the project) will now begin work bringing three AP1000 reactors to Moorside in West Cumbria.
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The news that new nuclear build developers NuGen is moving forward its Moorside project with increasing momentum has been greeted warmly by the wider nuclear industry. With Toshiba and GDF SUEZ completing a shareholding deal on 30 July, creating Europe’s biggest new nuclear project, Moorside made headline news across the globe. The NIA welcomed the news along with Unions and other key stakeholders keen to see the development in West Cumbria move forward. New owners Toshiba and GDF SUEZ are joined by technology provider Westinghouse, to create a strong-looking joint-venture with financial stability, nuclear operating experience, and globally-renowned nuclear technology. The Moorside project sees NuGen taking forward plans to build three AP1000 reactors at the Moorside site, to the north and west of the current Sellafield site. The first of the three reactors is targeted for commercial operation in 2024 – with all three on-line by the end of 2026. Now NuGen is moving forward to tackle a huge amount of work to ensure the project progresses in a timely and integrated way. New Chief Executive Sandy Rupprecht is relishing the challenge. “We at NuGen carry a huge responsibility to the wider UK and global nuclear community. We are leading on Europe’s largest new nuclear development. With that comes the weight of expectation and the potential to impact on the global nuclear renaissance”, he said. NuGen is aware of this responsibility, and is working hard to ensure the project moves forward utilising world-class standards, he added. “Output from our three reactors will be up to 3.4GW. This makes Moorside the largest new nuclear project in Europe – and the biggest single output from a new build site in the UK. Between 14,000 and 21,000 jobs could be created through the lifetime of the Moorside project across all skills bases. In size, this is an Olympic-scale opportunity for the UK’s nuclear heartland, West Cumbria. We are very mindful of this, and of ensuring we exhibit the highest nuclear culture standards as we move forward.” The scale of the project is certainly eye-catching. The Moorside reactors will provide nearly 7% of the UK’s future
electricity requirements. The project will be the largest-ever private investment in West Cumbria. The three reactors will be fuelled by the Westinghouse UK fuel fabrication facility in Preston – thereby safeguarding hundreds of jobs in the north west of England. Constructing three reactors will make Moorside the biggest construction site in Europe. Now the company is focusing on short and mid-term progress. NuGen is currently mobilising for an intensive period of surface and sub-surface site assessment work at Moorside, due to kick-off in the Autumn. Geophysical and geotechnical works will continue through 2015 with the aim of giving NuGen an accurate picture of the essential characteristics of the site. This will inform site lay-out work and other associated project works. Design acceptance of the AP1000 is also a priority, with Westinghouse leading on that in conjunction with the regulators. Other key early development includes putting in place a new organisation to reflect NuGen’s new shareholding. Recruitment of top-class nuclear professionals to ensure the right team develops will also be important. NuGen is aiming for stage-one public consultation through 2015 as part of preparations towards gaining a Development Consent Order. Work with statutory consultees on a wide range of issues including baseline environmental impact assessment, transport and infrastructure issues, and associated developments are all moving forward. “We are working in a fantastic area in West Cumbria. We are fully aware of the region’s vast array of nuclear skills, research and development expertise, and knowledge of nuclear culture,” said Sandy Rupprecht. “We will work hard during this development phase to ensure all the correct permits and licenses are in place to de-risk our project and successfully deliver to a position for a Final Investment Decision in 2018.” “We know there is much to do. But when I look around the world, nowhere has what the UK has right now. The coming together of political, societal and technical drivers to make new nuclear a reality here is tangible. The world is watching how the UK proceeds, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
Moving Forward at Moorsideby. JohN mcNAmArA ⁄ NUgeNerATIoN lTd
2014 | AuTumN — 9
NuGen is committed to: World-class safety
Community partnerships
UK employment and skills
Supply chain excellence
NuGen is a UK nuclear company owned by Toshiba and GDF SUEZ
NuGen’s Moorside project
aims to develop a new
generation nuclear power
station of up to 3.4GW
on land in West Cumbria,
North West England
www.nugeneration.com
10 — AuTumN | 2014
Following two years of development, the Government has announced its approach for the long term management of higher activity radioactive waste. The recently published White Paper ‘Implementing Geological Disposal’ confirms the Government’s intention to build an underground facility to safely secure waste. It says the UK Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) will provide a safe, secure, and effective way of permanently tackling waste. Underground disposal facilities are seen as the preferred option for waste management by many countries with nuclear power, not just the UK. The NIA now wants to see Government and the developer, Radioactive Waste Management Limited (RWM Limited) engage with experts and the public to consider siting options across the UK. There are a number of steps in this new process: national screening; bringing the process under the 2008 planning act; engaging a community sufficiently to volunteer for exploratory works; drilling bore holes and setting up third party bodies to provide advice – but fundamentally, more clarity and information for communities at every stage of development.
The course set down in the White Paper allows RWM Limited to establish an upfront process of national screening, based on known geological information. This information will then be evaluated by an independent review panel in an open and transparent manner, including
engagement with local communities. This was highlighted as
one of the key problems with the initial GDF process in
Cumbria. The developer has committed to ensuring local communities interested in hosting the
GDF have greater clarity and more information
about its development before becoming actively involved in
the process. Participating communities would benefit extensively from this multi-billion pound project. A GDF will generate around 570 direct jobs over its duration, with the workforce rising to more than 1,000 during construction and early operations. The Government has committed to providing benefits and maximising the significant economic gain a GDF would provide, highlighting contributions towards investment in education and
skills, improved transport infrastructure and improved recreational facilities. Investment would be managed locally to ensure it is tailored to the community’s needs. This is so as to bring long-term, meaningful benefits focused on a positive economic and social legacy from the development. Formal discussions are expected to begin in 2016 once communities have been identified through the initial stage of screening, where advice and guidance will be available. The White Paper makes clear that The GDF should be considered an infrastructure project of national significance and therefore should fall under the auspices of the 2008 Planning
Act. The Act introduced new process for decision making around
‘Nationally Significant Projects’ for energy,
transport, water and waste. Successive governments have rightly tried to establish a permanent
solution for the radioactive waste generated by our
military and existing civil nuclear programmes. It is vital
momentum is maintained throughout this new process to secure a long-term solution to the storage of nuclear waste.
community investment of up to
£1 million per involved community, per yeAr
in the eArly stAges
up to £2.5 million per yeAr for the
community or communities thAt
progress to investigAtive worKs
around 2 YEARS
CLOSURERadioactive waste
safely disposed
CONSTRUCTIONSite identified, jobopportunities and local investment
UP TO £1Ma year per
community involved in process
£££...Continued investment OPERATION
Continued opportunitiesand local investment
Site investigations
UP TO £2.5Ma year
per community
Talking to communities, providing information
and invest ment
Designing andplanning for
a facility
100 +YEARS
15-20YEARS
National geologicalscreening
Preparing to workwith communities
Developing land-useplanning permission
Clarity on the search for a GDF site
2014 | AuTumN — 11
Annual Dinner
Thursday
The GreaT room, Grosvenor house hoTelTables - [email protected] | Sponsorship - [email protected]
4
2014December
doors
7 PmdInner
8 Pm
Speakers confirmed
G
uest Speaker
Rory Bremner
atthew Hancock, Business and Energy Minister is the
first major speaker to be confirmed for #Nuclear – powering the future, the new name for Energy Choices. Taking place on 4 December at London Victoria’s Park Plaza Hotel, the Energy Minister will deliver the keynote address. Also confirmed to speak are Vincent De Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy, Alan Raymant, Chief Operating Officer of Horizon Nuclear Power and Sandy Rupprecht, CEO of NuGeneration Ltd. George Beveridge from Sellafield and the NDA’s Adrian Simper will join a panel to discuss decommissioning, whilst Bruce McKirdy will address National Geographic Screening on behalf of Radioactive Waste Management Limited. UKTI’s Simon Carter will discuss export alongside Tim Stone; and John Jenkins will speak about the work of ONR. The NIA is still waiting to confirm further speakers. Registration for delegates wishing to attend is open and there are still several sponsorship opportunities available.
Visit the website to find out more: niauk.org/nuclear-powering-the-uk
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une 2014 saw the arrival of China’s Premier Li Keqiang to London, accompanied by an energy delegation with a keen focus on nuclear power. The UK and China have
a long-standing bilateral agreement to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear power and both countries recognise the important role nuclear energy has in an energy mix that is sustainable, secure and cost effective. The civil nuclear partnership between the two countries was strengthened through the signing of a joint statement on civil nuclear power – building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of civil nuclear cooperation signed in October 2013. This agreement affords China the opportunity to build and operate their own, UK based nuclear power stations providing the Office of Nuclear Regulations requirements are met in full. An opportunity that presents countless economic benefits to the UK, including the creation of thousands of jobs and investment in the UK’s well established supply chain. The bilateral agreement confirms the interest of the Chinese investment in Hinkley Point C – with a key paragraph of the statement stating “The UK Government welcomes investment and participation from Chinese companies in the Hinkley Point C project and progressive involvement more generally in the UKs new build nuclear programme.”
EDF and the China General Nuclear Power Company have successfully executed a build programme to time and to budget across China and the knowledge developed across these projects will be vital in ensuring UK projects come in on time and on budget.The two Governments also signed a new, four way, MOU setting a framework for working together on investment, technology, construction and expertise. The MoU was signed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), International Nuclear Services (INS), China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA). The CNNC are potential investors in Hinkley Point C and the CAEA are the Chinese government department responsible for the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear safety and security, and international relations. This MoU will establish a partnership on the wider nuclear fuel supply chain cycle; working together to develop and export innovative solutions in areas such as waste treatment and decommissioning - expanding a pre-existing market which could see British companies benefit exponentially. It continues to highlight the importance for both countries working together with regards to the UKs new nuclear build programme and China’s own domestic programme, and the
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opportunities for UK and Chinese companies. Rolls-Royce signed an MOU with State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC), the Chinese nuclear reactor vender. This agreement will see Rolls-Royce cooperate closely with SNPTC in the field of civil nuclear power, in the UK and overseas markets. It will also explore possible collaboration in areas such as engineering support, provision of components and systems, supply chain management and instrumentation and control technology. With the majority of the UKs nuclear fleet due to retire in the next 15 years, investment in new nuclear capacity is needed urgently. This bilateral relationship will help the UK's nuclear industry strengthen considerably. It will ensure the delivery of safe and sustainable energy and broaden nuclear export opportunities, strengthening the supply chain both nationally and globally.
“ Today is another demonstration of the next big step in the relationship between Britain and China - the world’s oldest civil nuclear power and the world’s fastest growing civil nuclear power.”
george osbourne mP chancellor of the exchequer
“ This is another significant step forward in demonstrating our commitment to delivering our new nuclear programme.”
lord deighton commercial secretary to the Treasury
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The NIA polled 1,300 young people ahead of launching the re:generation campaign. The results were varied, but showed young people need to be told more about the sector in order to consider it as a career choice. When respondents were told about the variety of jobs in the sector 30% said they were more likely to consider a career in the nuclear industry. When given more information, 27% who previously thought they weren’t studying a relevant subject, were more likely to consider a career in the nuclear industry, 41% of those not previously aware of the career options in the nuclear industry would consider it as a future option and 14% who previously stated that they weren’t interested in the nuclear industry, would be more likely to consider it. Many new recruits will be required to deliver the nuclear new build programme through to 2030. New recruits are also needed to decommission the UK’s current power stations as they’re switched off in the next 15 years. As with most engineering sectors, the nuclear industry is facing a skills shortage as employees retire and too few new recruits join the industry.
NIA research shows young people need more information about nuclear
IN VIEW 32% of those questioned would be open to working in the nuclear industry. Of these...
48%
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2014 | AuTumN — 15
scotland 39%
north East32%
Yorkshire &the humber29%
East Midlands29%
East of England33%
London36%
south East32%south West
31%
West Midlands34%
Wales21%
north West37%
northernIreland22%
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horizon Nuclear Power has signed a memorandum of Understanding with grŵp llandrillo menai and announced a further £90,000 of funding for the successful cwmni Prentis menai apprenticeship scheme. These measures will support the future provision of skills and training programmes across Anglesey and North Wales. The agreement with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai – Coleg Menai, Coleg Llandrillo and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor – marks the beginning of a formal commitment between the Grŵp and Horizon to develop training programmes to equip the future Wylfa Newydd workforce with the skills it needs. Under the new agreement, Horizon will consult with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai on its training and skills requirements. This will include the development of joint skills training initiatives to provide development to the local and regional workforce. It will also pave the way for outreach programmes with primary and secondary schools across Anglesey, encouraging students to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects and access careers or training opportunities in the energy industry.
The award winning Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria, was reopened at the end of May by Professor Brian Cox and Baroness Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The re-vamped museum charts the history of the area from the early settlers through to the Romans and into the development of Whitehaven as one of the UKs most prominent ports in the UK. The re-opening of the museum included a new exhibition, The Sellafield Story, which charts the rich history of the Sellafield site from its early days as a munitions factory and its role in supporting the development of a nuclear deterrent, to the pioneering start of the UKs civil nuclear industry, reprocessing and the decommissioning challenges that the site faces today. Professor Cox said: “The new exhibition is absolutely wonderful. It’s really important to engage young people with science and engineering, and this museum does that spectacularly well. “It was fascinating to learn some new things about how the nuclear industry was pioneered in West Cumbria and I think people visiting the museum will be able to understand much more about the role nuclear power has played in our past, how safe it is and how important it is as part of the energy mix in the future.”
Horizon look to the skills future
Professor Brian Cox explores what the exhibition has to offer
(L-R): Glyn Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai signs the MoU with Richard Tuffill, Chief Financial Officer of Horizon Nuclear Power
mark Tippett, horizon’s learning and development manager
This agreement further demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the people of Anglesey and North Wales are able to take full advantage of the jobs and business opportunities our project will create in the short, medium and long term.
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south gloucestershire and stroud college have secured government funding for a new campus at the former nuclear power station at Berkley in gloucestershire. The Gloucestershire Renewable Energy, Engineering and Nuclear (GREEN) project has been awarded £5 million from the Government’s Growth Fund which will be matched by a £5 million investment from the College. This funding will go towards the first phase of the estimated £40 million re-development project which will see the 14 acre Berkley site transformed into a state-of-the-art campus, focusing on engineering and technology with an emphasis on low-carbon energy generation. The investment in the college comes from the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership and Stroud District Council, whilst the project has been strongly supported by the local MP, Neil Carmichael - who has fought hard to ensure the project was promoted in Westminster. The state-of-the-art campus will open its doors in September 2016, with the transformation of existing buildings into purpose built training centres. The Berkeley Campus will be developed over the next five years into a campus which will incorporate education, training, business start-up and research facilities in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire and will focus on the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the county.
New Engineering Training Centre at Berkley
Whitehaven's Beacon Museum reopens
Baroness Verma is introduced to the new Sellafield Story exhibition at the re-vamped Beacon Museum
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Following two successful events in June, the UK’s Women in Nuclear chapter continues to grow from strength-to-strength. The positive feedback from attendees has meant more events are planned for the rest of the year. The this will include a speedmentoring event to be held during the NDA Supply Chain Event on 6 November in Manchester. The speedmentoring event, supported by the NDA, will match 12 mentees, both male and female, with high profile and senior mentors from across the sector. Each mentee will have five minutes with each of the 12 mentors to talk through a pre-prepared career business question. There will be two sessions during the day. Places are limited but if you are interested in being a mentee please email [email protected] with the question you would most like to pose by 31 October.
Women in Nuclear – “12 heads are better than one!”
FURTHER INFORMATIONDetails of future events will be posted on the WiN UK website: www.womeninnuclear.org.ukand on Twitter:
@WiNuclear
Only a month after the NIA launched its re:generation campaign to help young people understand the opportunities available in the nuclear sector, one of the people profiled was contacted through LinkedIn to find out more. Samantha Dawson, Business Manager at HR Wallingford, received the LinkedIn message from a student who had seen the campaign. Sam said: “Knowing that that the re:generation campaign has already started to generate traction, inspiring someone to reach out and contact me to ask for career advice is fantastic and clearly demonstrates why this campaign is so important. “I’m pleased re:generation is showing signs of success so early on and I hope it encourages more young people to connect with the industry.” Encourage your colleagues to sign up and follow the campaign on social media @re_genUK and on facebook.com/regenerationcampaign.
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our science and engineering students from the US took part in an exchange with young Sellafield trainees to learn about how the different countries approach
education and work. The students are from different universities across the United States, and are taking part in the URS/Nuclear Management Partners’ International Intern Exchange programme. Jackie Wilder, a fifth year Chemical Engineering student from Hampton University in Virginia said: “It’s so different in the UK, we [in the US] study everything until college.” re:generation representatives asked her why she chose science and her response was clear: “I love science. My parents tried to push me to dance, but I didn’t want to be a struggling artist.” She joined the engineering club at school and it was there she decided her degree would be in chemical engineering. Jackie believes that working abroad will allow her to apply the practical knowledge she gains to the rest of her career. In contrast to Jackie’s experience, Brittany Jowers studying at the University of South Carolina was pushed to do science, as her family have careers in science. She majored in Biology and said she didn’t know anything about nuclear until her third year and “fell in love with the subject.” Zina Jones decided to retrain when she moved to the US. Originally a maths teacher in her native Russia she retrained taking a technical college route enrolling in the Radiation Protection Technology programme. She finished the two year programme in May with an Associate of Applied Science in Radiation Protection Technology. Zina said ”I love what I chose, and I chose it because nuclear is the future.” Lumumba Harnett recently graduated from Hampton University in Virginia with a BSc in Electrical Engineering and
begins a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Kansass in the autumn. His love of maths led him to choose electrical engineering, but not before much discussion in school about his future career options, finally making the decision at 17: “This allows me to combine maths and science as well as challenging myself.” The students worked across different parts of Sellafield and LLWR, putting their theoretical knowledge into practice. All agreed that completing an internship has given them invaluable experience which they’ll take back to their studies. Gemma Goulding and Lorna McDonald travelled over to the US, from West Cumbria to work at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, funded by NMP, the owners and operators of Sellafield. Frazer Shand from the Nuclear Graduate Programme also headed over to the US to work for URS to develop the internship programme for future years. Gemma is completing a foundation degree in nuclear engineering through the West Lakes College in Workington. “I have only ever worked at Sellafield, so I am keen to learn about the way in which they view and deal with nuclear energy and waste,” said Gemma about the exchange. Lorna passed her foundation degree in nuclear related technology in December 2013 and began a top up degree to take her to a BEng Honours in Plant Engineering in January this year. She was looking forward to “seeing how differently the Savannah River site works in comparison to Sellafield.” Lorna believes that the experience of working at another nuclear site as well as broadening her nuclear knowledge in areas she has not been involved in previously will be beneficial in the long term.
US placement students visit UK and hear about re:generation
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UK ABWR on track for 2017 GDA completion
SR3C has been acquired by Hyder Consulting.Not heard of us? Keep your eyes out because we’re growing in the nuclear industry.
Worked with us before? The good news is we’re still the same business, with more to offer our clients.
Hyder and SR3C...stronger together.
To find out more, visit www.SR3C.co.uk
Harnessing the power of fusion.
Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy’s Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR) has completed Stage 2 of the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA). The process which is carried out by the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales concluded in late August and Stage 3 of the assessment began in September 2014. The regulator published its findings in a number of reports and concluded at this stage there are no “fundamental safety, security or environmental issues” with the UK ABWR being deployed in Britain. The GDA is an important aspect of the regulatory procedure for new reactors in the UK and it remains on track to be finished for the UK ABWR in 2017. Horizon Nuclear Power which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. has plans to build the reactor at Wylfa on Anglesey in Wales and then at Oldbury, South Gloucestershire. Following the announcement, Hitachi Europe General Manager for Licensing Ken Sato said, “Progression to Step 3 shows the significant and sustained progress we have made. We are delighted to have met this important milestone and be on schedule for completion of the GDA by the end of 2017. “GDA is rightly a thorough and rigorous assessment, and we look forward to providing further, increasingly detailed, submissions to the regulator throughout the coming months.” The ABWR is already licensed in the USA and Japan. Four units have been built in Japan and two are currently under construction in Taiwan.
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SNAPSHOT
The NIA welcomed figures showing low-carbon sources of power are supplying more to the UK’s grid than ever before, now making up a third of all electricity generated. The Department of Energy and Climate Change Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES), shows electricity generated from nuclear power increased marginally to 20% and electricity from renewables reached 15%, meaning low-carbon sources accounted for more than a third of the energy mix. In addition, electricity generated from coal fell 3% and gas’s share of the grid fell by 1%. The move to low-carbon sources means that CO2 emissions fell in 2013 by 2%. However, the UK’s dependence on foreign sources of energy reached record levels in 2013. Imports were up 2.3% from the previous year maintaining the UK’s position as a net importer of energy. The NIA wants to see a positive outcome from the Hinkley Point C state aid investigation to ensure this dependence does not grow further.
Low-carbon sources making up more than a third of the grid
NIA Decommissioning Group
NIA member companies Nuvia and National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) kindly hosted the NIA Decommissioning group in Birchwood Business Park back in July. During the course of the day we heard from Areva, CANDU and GE Hitachi on their reactor designs for plutonium disposition, and the plans of the NDA. A new taster session was introduced to give member companies the opportunity to give a three minute overview of their company with comments and feedback welcomed at their stands during lunch. This feature will appear at the next Decommissioning Group meeting which is scheduled to take place on 2 October at the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) in Buxton, Oxfordshire.
Member companies are again offered the chance to join a facility tour with HSL opening their doors to NIA members to view ‘real incident material’ in the incident store, impact test tracks, large scale fire-testing rigs and a high pressure hydrogen-testing rig. The Decommissioning meetings are jointly chaired by Andrew Munro and Gareth Davies. Feedback and ideas for developing the group are welcomed and Andy can be contacted on [email protected] and Gareth on [email protected]. Opportunities for individuals to nominate themselves for roles within NIA groups only become available every few years. If you are interested in finding out more, getting involved, speaking,
sponsoring or participating in NIA group meetings please send an email to [email protected] NIA group meetings remain a crucial opportunity for members to come together, learn and network with each other. These groups are only available to NIA members and key stakeholders.
STEPHANIE mckENNA Member Relations Manager NIA [email protected]
Gas 27%
Renewables 15%
Other 1%
Coal 37%
Oil 1%
Nuclear20%
Source: DECC, 2014 Digest of UK Energy Statistics
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→ Leading nuclear energy experts
→ Key industry and government representatives
→ Nuclear new build, decommissioning and export opportunities
→ Policy and legislation
→ Regional developments
→ Youth engagement
niauk.org/nuclear-powering-the-uk
get in touchif you are interested in a package or require further information
ViSitniauk.org/nuclear-powering-the-ukcall020 7766 [email protected]
Untitled-1 2 04/06/2014 15:22:28
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→ Leading nuclear energy experts
→ Key industry and government representatives
→ Nuclear new build, decommissioning and export opportunities
→ Policy and legislation
→ Regional developments
→ Youth engagement
niauk.org/nuclear-powering-the-uk
get in touchif you are interested in a package or require further information
ViSitniauk.org/nuclear-powering-the-ukcall020 7766 [email protected]
Untitled-1 2 04/06/2014 15:22:28
Over the past few months the NIA has analysed our social media output. Working to gauge our influence and reach in the twittersphere. Our following continues to grow averaging almost 100 new followers in the past two months including Members of Parliament and other influential accounts. NIA tweets in July and August generated over 100,000 impressions. Meaning our tweets reached that number of unique timeliness and potential readers. In the same time frame, the account also spawned over 200 retweets, 200 link clicks, 30 replies and 20 favourites. Away from the statistics we now know what has worked and what hasn’t. As expected, high profile handles, images, videos, links and hashtags are crucial to a successful tweet. As a result our most successful tweets have been our infographics and articles printed in the @guardian along with @DECCgovuk infographics explaining the new long term plan to safely mange the UK’s radioactive waste. Whilst the above numbers are relatively impressive considering a comparatively small number of followers, as a trade association we are looking to generate more interaction with the public – in essence more replies. It is vital that as an industry we connect with the public and communicate our subject matter in a prompt and clear manner within the instant world of social media. Party conference should be the perfect platform for us to start this initiative utilising our stand and fringe events to their full effect. The NIA’s re:generation campaign has been using social media to convey its message and while it is early days the accounts grow in influence every week. Using Twitter, Facebook and soon Instagram we have been working hard to showcase the range of job opportunities in the nuclear sector. Follow the campaign @re_genuk and watch our video profiles at www.regennuclear.com.
The Twittersphere
@apprenticeships: 98% of Sellafield Ltd's apprentices end up in permanent full-time roles with the company
Who to follow?Want information on nuclear and other relevant topics? This issue we recommend you follow:
@re_genuk@WiNuclear@matthancockmp@CITB_UK
@NIAUK
Appeal against Hinkley Point C thrown out
The Department of Energy and Climate Change were back in court in July - this time at the Court of Appeal - in response to the Irish National Trust’s (An Taisce) challenge against the grant of a development consent order (DCO) for Hinkley Point C. An Taisce argued that the Government should have consulted the Irish government on the transboundary effects of the project but failed to do so. The High Court heard the application by An Taisce in December 2013 where it was ruled that consultation was not necessary. This led to the most recent appeal before Lord Justices Sullivan and Longmore and Lady Justice Gloster. Judgment was issued on Friday 1 August and upheld the decision of the lower court – that consultation was not necessary. The case, and the lengthy judgement, focused on use of the word ‘likely’ and whether Ireland should have been consulted if environmental effects from the project were considered 'likely'. It was agreed by both parties that there was a low probability there would be an accident at a new nuclear power station in the UK – it was put at a one in 10 million chance, or a one in 2.4 billion chance in any particular year - which the Department for Energy and Climate Change calculated was about five thousand times less likely than a meteorite of at least 1km in diameter hitting the earth. The definition of likely is not the one you would find on Wikipedia – ‘such as well might happen or be true; probable or probably’ but made up of previous decisions, or precedents. The claimants argued that 'likely' meant the same for the purposes of the Habitats Regulations (which is quite strict) and the Environmental Impact Assessment regulations (which was being considered here), but the judges disagreed. This is not the final stage in this process. An Taisce may appeal to the Supreme Court of the UK, the final court of appeal for all civil cases in the United Kingdom.
Twitter Count
Followers: 1,991Tweets: 2,126
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Powering up for diodelaser cladding research
AMEC has been awarded a four-year framework contract by Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) at the Dounreay nuclear site in Scotland. Under the Professional Services Framework Agreement, AMEC will offer a range of professional consultancy services to help in the decommissioning of the former nuclear research facility on the Caithness coast. These include design services, safety case preparation, environmental support services, project management, specialist engineering, decommissioning studies, waste strategy services and technical support. “AMEC has been providing technical services to DSRL for a number of years and this new contract will allow us to significantly expand our services to a very important client as we continue to grow our nuclear business,” said Clive White, President of AMEC’s Clean Energy Europe business. “We look forward to developing our relationships with the local supply chain around the Dounreay site, which will play a key role in helping us to deliver this contract.
AMEC awarded Dounreay contract
Trials have begun of an additive manufacturing technique that could revolutionise the production of large casings and vessels for nuclear applications. The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Sheffield is developing techniques using its new diode laser cladding facility. Diode laser cladding can rapidly lay down high-quality layers of special alloys, and the Nuclear AMRC is working with industrial partners to apply the technology to nuclear pressure vessels. Compared with current methods such as conventional wire or strip cladding, diode laser cladding can cut production time from weeks to hours.
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nnovus, an innovative technology scheme, has partnered with sellafield ltd to help businesses develop new technologies with the aim of speeding
up the decommissioning of sellafield safely and at a lower cost. This new partnership will allow businesses to apply for a share of £397,500 development funding. Innovus is managed by the National Nuclear Laboratory, Dalton Nuclear Institute and supported by Britain’s Energy Coast and the NDA, with the aim to establish Cumbria as a hub of technology, innovation and commercial opportunity. Innovus received a quick surge in applications following its Nuclear Decommissioning Opportunities event in March; resulting in Sellafield’s investment in the Innovus scheme. Businesses learned about the competitive advantage provided through the development of innovative technology and the multiple opportunities the nuclear industry can provide. Adrian David-Johnston, programme and engagement manager at Innovus commented: “Sellafield are looking to encourage innovative technology solution to one of the most complicated scientific and engineering challenges in the country. “This funding will enable businesses with ideas for accelerating decommissioning at Sellafield to develop those opportunities. Given the similarities between the nuclear decommissioning challenge and challenges faced in other industries, such as oil and gas, the opportunities for technology transfer and subsequent commercial success are overwhelming.” Professor Neil Smart of Sellafield said: “The deployment of innovative technologies at Sellafield is challenging. However, businesses engaging with the rigorous process developed by Innovus, will be guided through the technology development journey with Sellafield facilitating innovative technologies to be deployed at Sellafield on an accelerated basis.” Any business wishing to apply can go to the Innovus website (www.innovus.org.uk) or email [email protected].
New Funding for Technologies to Accelerate Sellafield Decommissioning
#HAPPyFUKUSHIMA
Pharrell Williams released his track ‘hAPPY’ in early 2014 to great acclaim. It spurned numerous spin off versions – the most interesting to the NIA being ‘happy – Fukushima.' created by hitomi Kumasaka she comments that she made the video to point out that “Fukushima is also happy!” “many people might think that Fukushima has been unhappy after 3/11. But it's not true. With this video I want you to know that we are also happy and healthy just like you. Please enjoy our dance and share our happiness!” The video has garnered interest from the daily mail, and daily Telegraph and has racked up nearly 600,000 views, a significant number of which have been from the NIA offices!
The Committee on Climate Change published its sixth annual report to Parliament in July on progress towards meeting carbon budgets. The report confirms that the UK comfortably met the requirements set down for the period 2008-2012 although this was put down to the impact of the economic downturn. For the future, the Committee identified a number of promising policy initiatives with the potential to drive progress in reducing the UK’s carbon footprint. These included energy from new nuclear plants which have a vital and cost effective role in decarbonising the UK.The report went on to comment ‘The agreed strike price [for Hinkley Point C] offers good value for money and the potential for significant cost savings from a new nuclear programme in the UK.’ The full report is available online at: www.theccc.org.uk/publication/meeting-carbon-budgets-2014-progress-report-to-parliament
Transition to a Low Carbon Economy
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Jobs Map 2014
his year’s figures show 54,515 people are employed across sector – a figure that is expected to steadily increase as the
nuclear new build programme gains momentum. With more jobs created annually, through apprenticeships and graduate schemes, the civil nuclear industry is increasingly shown as an attractive prospect for young people at the beginning of their careers and for those looking for a new challenge and direction. The British civil nuclear industry provides long-term, stable and high quality careers and is currently thriving, with expertise spanning across the supply chain – including the decommissioning sector which is world class, highly skilled and generates more than £1billion of business per annum for UK GDP. Looking to the future, the nuclear new build programme will lead to substantial industrial employment benefits, considerable opportunities for the UK nuclear supply chain as well as a boost for UK manufacturing, engineering and construction.
For more than a decade the Nuclear Industry Association has released an annual jobs map showing how many people are currently employed in the civil nuclear industry and where in the country they are based.
T
visitniAuK.org/niA-industry-mAps
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Oxford Technologies LtdOxford Technologies is a world-leading developer of remote handling systems for extremely hostile environments, with proven expertise and a track record of providing innovative solutions in key sectors including nuclear fusion, nuclear decommissioning, space and high-energy physics. With extensive expertise in remote handling, from the specification, conceptualization, design and development to the implementation and operation.nuclear power sites to greenfield status.
Prima Uno Planning & Programming Ltd Prima Uno is a specialist project planning, project controls and forensic planning consultancy offering clients a fully independent managed service. Prima Uno specialise in programme management, assurance, benchmarking, strategic, integrated planning, execution performance and dispute resolution services for public and private sector clients in the UK. They have worked on high profile projects such as Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, London 2012 Olympics, Terminal Five Heathrow, Transport for London and on various nuclear decommissioning projects.
NEW NIA mEmBERS
MDecon LtdMDecon is a UK based SME with technical specialists that have been involved in nuclear operations, decontamination and decommissioning since the 1980's. We provide service and consultancy based integrated waste management, engineering, decontamination, science, and project management. MDecon provides problem solving capability to collaborative working, and task focused innovation around existing technology.
Nuclear Management PartnersNuclear Management Partners (NMP) is the parent body organisation for Sellafield Ltd, bringing together the global experi-ence of URS, AMEC and AREVA to deliver the safe acceleration of hazard and risk reduction at Sellafield. On behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, NMP together with Sellafield Ltd, is cleaning up the most complex nuclear site in Europe.
DAS LtdDAS Ltd augments client capability to make and implement critical decisions. Our people distil the complex infrastructure issues facing companies and government into clear practical outcome focussed implementation actions. Wholly independent of third parties, our consultancy support spans Project & Programme Management, Commercial & Procurement Support, Due Diligence, Engineering, Business Change, Safety Cases, Risk Management and Investment Case Verification. Visit www.das-ltd.co.uk for more information.
welcome
not A member of the niA?
To find out about the work of the NIA and benefits of membership please visit our website at www.niauk.org for further details including information on our extensive working group programme, our monthly updates and our exclusive online trade directory. To discuss the membership options available to your company please call Stephanie McKenna on 020 7766 6640.
2014 | AuTumN — 29
OPINION
PowerPolitics“hAncocK is something of An unKnown
quAntity in the energy world, but As A rising stAr...will be A good Addition to the decc teAm”
PETER HASlAm Head of Policy NIA [email protected]
The dog days of summer - with Parliament in recess and politicians taking well-deserved holidays – are traditionally news light and somewhat silly. This year has been no exception, with the media’s attention focussing on such existential issues as David Cameron’s Cornish beachwear – were those really Boden shorts? – and his propensity for visiting fish shops. Nonetheless there have been important developments, not least a much larger than expected Ministerial reshuffle. Whilst the headlines led on the new roles for William Hague and Michael Gove, and the promotion of Liz Truss and Nicky Morgan, DECC saw Michael Fallon replaced as Energy Minister by Matthew Hancock. Hancock is something of an unknown quantity in the energy world, but as a rising star and someone familiar with the nuclear case (his West Suffolk constituency in next to Sizewell B) he will be a good addition to the DECC team. His experience as Minister for Skills and Enterprise should be particularly helpful as we gear up for new build. In other changes Greg Barker stood down as Climate Change Minister to be replaced by Amber Rudd. Her appointment at a lower Ministerial rung of Parliamentary Secretary has been interpreted by some as a downgrading of the climate change issue. Only time will tell, but it is worth noting that Ed Davey remains Energy and Climate Change Secretary – at least until any LibDem reshuffle – and will continue to lead in international negotiations. My own experience of Government is that such theories are nearly always cock up rather than conspiracy. A significant policy announcement was the publication of the Government’s White Paper setting out its framework for managing higher activity radioactive waste through geological disposal.
There were serious flaws in the original siting process, which led to a lack of understanding of the risks and benefits of the GDF project. DECC has made a real attempt to address this in the new arrangements, including an initial two year programme of working with communities to facilitate an understanding on the key issues, as well as national geographical screening, before formal discussions begin. There has been disappointment in some quarters that all this will lead to further delay, but experience surely shows us that it is more important to get this right. At a more political level Labour has returned to the energy prices issue which played so well for them at last year’s party conference. There is of course now a Competition and Markets Authority investigation underway into the supply and acquisition of energy in Great Britain, but its initial findings are unlikely to be published until after the general election on 7 May. In a speech entitled ‘The Choice: Energy’ Caroline Flint reiterated Labour’s proposals to freeze energy bills until 2017 whilst the ‘energy market is reset to protect consumers’, but with the important addition that the new regulator it intends to set up will be given the power to revoke energy companies’ licences where there are ‘repeated instances of serious and deliberate breaches of their licence conditions which harm the interests of consumers’. It is not NIA’s role to engage in this debate, although we would note from the broader industry perspective, uncertainty is an investment disincentive and it is important these issues are resolved as quickly as possible. That said, it is important to note in terms of the new nuclear build programme, there is a strong political consensus both on the role of
nuclear and on the CfD arrangements envisaged under the Energy Act to facilitate the financing of new projects. I noted in my last column that NIA was appearing before the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee to give oral evidence to its inquiry into the scope for developing small nuclear reactors in the UK. The NIA’s line was that the primary focus was on supporting the UK’s current new build programme which is crucial to meeting carbon reduction and energy security objectives, but beyond this we should keep a wide range of technological options open including SMRs which could potentially bring significant benefits to the UK nuclear industry. The Committee will be resuming its inquiry after the Parliamentary Recess. Finally the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has initiated an inquiry into the resilience of electricity infrastructure – including generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure – with a special focus on the future contribution of science and technology. Whilst the NIA is not in a positon to comment on the UK’s resilience, we shall take the opportunity to emphasise nuclear’s long term role in providing security of supply – and thus protection from international fuel crises – and to underline the importance of electricity market reform in delivering new nuclear build (and other low carbon generation)
30 — AuTumN | 2014
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