Industry Link - April 2015

the average age of an engineer in the uk is 54 and the country is facing a skills gap. with Nuclear decommissioning and new build projects requiring thousands of new workers apprenticeship week highlighted opportunities and industry as a whole to attract the brightest and the best.

Magazine of the UK nuclear industry association sPRING / 2015

NIA.ORG

Skills Takes the Spotlight NNB15 gathers momentum

NuGen gears up for public consultation centronic at 70

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www.nugeneration.com

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

NuGen is committed to: World-class safety Community partnerships UK employment and skills Supply chain excellence

Welcome to IndustryLink

SNAPSHOT

We have entered the final countdown before the 2015 general election in May. The last five years have been incredibly busy for the nuclear industry with takeovers, contracts and significant change delivered through Electricity Market Reform. The coalition government ably steered these controversial market changes through Parliament, which deliver billions of pounds of investment in new nuclear in the next five years.

In this edition of the magazine we have focused on the young people that make up the industry. Apprenticeships have once again been elevated to their rightful status and will allow a new generation of people to take jobs in the STEM sector. These young people were rewarded for their efforts at a glitzy dinner earlier this year and we profile the future leaders of our industry on page 17. We also take a look at some of the vital supply chain companies and NIA members in the existing operations and decommissioning sectors.

2015 is going to be a busy year for the NIA and its members – we look forward to working with you up and down the country and sharing in your success.

osbourne visits mdecon Laboratory PAGE 23

VISIT NIAUK.ORG

Alastair Evans Alastair.Evans@niauk.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 260 member companies.

Nuclear Industry Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 2804518 Registered Office 5th Floor Tower House 10 Southampton Street London WC2E 7HA TEL +44(0)20 7766 6640 EMAIL info@niauk.org Editor - Alastair Evans Art Editor - Dan Powney Contributors Rupert Lewis, Peter Haslam, Keith Parker, Sara Crane, Rachel Dowling, Colin Elcoate – SPX Power and Energy, Centronic Ltd, Delta Controls, M+W Group, with additional thanks to World Nuclear News

IN VIEW

Contract changes at sellafield FEATURE

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Press Enquiries Sara.Crane@niauk.org TEL 07803 696 786 Advertisement Enquiries Rupert.Lewis@niauk.org 020 7766 6642

TEL

Membership Enquiries Stephanie.McKenna@niauk.org 020 7766 6651

TEL

Follow us: @NIAUK

OPINION

“ The industry needs confidence in both the experience and longevity of a supply chain…”

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Cover image: Torness 2014 apprentices © EDF Energy - www.edfenergy.com/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships

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NuGen gears up for public consultation

“ This is a great opportunity for people in local communities to learn more about the planned Moorside Project, including the benefits that this will bring to West Cumbria.

The Olympic-scale development will be truly transformational for our region.”

Jamie Reed MP Member for Copeland

2 — spring | 2015

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uGen, the UK nuclear developer, is gearing up for a major public consultation in May on its plans to build three AP1000® reactors as part of its Moorside project.

The project has moved forward quickly since a change of shareholding in June last year which saw Toshiba and GDF Suez agree to take forward the project on a 60%-40% basis.

Moorside would be capable of supplying 3.6GW of low-carbon electricity - on land to the north and west of the Sellafield complex. This equates to 7% of the UK’s future electricity needs, making it the largest nuclear output from a single UK power station.

NuGen’s aim is to run a thorough public consultation and successfully engage with as many stakeholders as possible, helping people have their say on the project.

The first stage of consultation is set to start in mid-May and is likely to include

more than 20 day-long public events throughout West Cumbria, a permanent exhibition at new offices in Whitehaven, and a specially commissioned interactive web portal set up to help stakeholders get involved in the discussions.

Before NuGen can make an application to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change for a Development Consent Order, a thorough and meaningful consultation should be completed taking into account the views of those living close to the site, local authorities and statutory bodies.

NuGen’s Statement of Community Consultation, is out for review by county and local councils. Once published, it will further outline NuGen’s commitment to engage.

John McNamara, Head of Corporate Communications at NuGen, said the company would be working to get communities involved in the consultation.

“A successful consultation for us will show that people from all walks of life have become engaged with our Moorside project, and have had a chance to comment on our early proposals.”

“This is a chance for us to communicate more details about our project, and for people to register with us to find out more, and to help shape our thinking.”

Recently NuGen announced that West Cumbrian based Copper Consultancy, a leading specialist in public consultation for major infrastructure projects, will be supporting the consultation work over the coming months.

Also, NuGen welcomed news from UK regulators and Westinghouse that the close-out phase of the Generic Design Assessment for the AP1000 nuclear power plant has begun. The target date for completion of the design assessment on the AP1000 reactor for use in the UK, is January 2017.

2015 | spring — 3

Media Watch EW WSSS NNNEEW

NNB15 gathers momentum

At the end of 2014, the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee published its report on small nuclear power, explaining “[the] Government should work with industry to better understand the economics of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and set out a clear explanation of the conditions under which they might become cost competitive.” Concluding, SMRs potentially have a key role to play in delivering low carbon energy.

The NIA published its response to the report in Utility Week and on Politics Home, in which Chief Executive Keith Parker explained SMRs have a potential role to play in the future but it is important the industry and Government’s focus remains on delivering the current new build programme.

In January, BBC Radio 4 looked at ‘How to dismantle a nuclear power station’. With the UK’s final Magnox nuclear power station due to shut down at the end of the year, the programme marked the end of the era for this pioneering British technology. The presenter investigated radioactivity, the various nuclear waste classifications and the range of challenges associated with decommissioning. The programme is available on BBC iPlayer.

The Independent highlighted an open letter, signed by more than 65 biologists calling for the construction of more nuclear power plants as part of a global strategy to protect wildlife and the environment. The letter warns the green movement must accept nuclear expansion if the world is to avoid dangerous climate change.

Commenting on the letter, Keith Parker said, “I am pleased that such an eminent group of scientists have come together to try and help change the negative opinion that some people have about nuclear power. Compared to coal, the power generated by existing UK nuclear power stations avoids 40 million tonnes of CO2 per year.”

Prior to the release of EDF Energy’s Annual Results for 2014, Keith Parker was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Wake Up to Money programme where he gave an overview of the UK nuclear industry. Keith discussed current operational statistics, the UK’s decommissioning and new build programmes and the financing arrangements for Hinkley Point C. BBC South East reported on the work being carried out to dismantle Dungeness A. The site ceased operations in December 2006 and is due to be completely cleared by 2097, when the reactors will be safe enough to remove. Magnox is currently live broadcasting the demolition of the turbine hall on its website – magnoxsites.co.uk A photo article on EDF Energy’s Torness nuclear power station featured in the Daily Mail under the title ‘You get more radiation flying than standing on our reactors'. The story based on an exclusive tour of the plant focused on the strong health and safety culture at Torness, as well as discussing the very low levels of radiation that can be found at the station.

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Nuclear New Build 15 is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

We have an excellent programme scheduled for the day, to be released shortly and a stellar line up of speakers.

NIA’s NNB15 conference takes place in London on 30 June and 1 July. As the UK’s nuclear new build projects reach a pivotal moment, with EDF Energy approaching its Final Investment Decision on Hinkley Point C and the Horizon and NuGen projects gathering pace, NNB15 is the place to be to hear the latest developments.

Hosted by business journalist Steph McGovern, the two day conference will cover topics from supply chain contracts, access to finance, the international perspective, export opportunities and much more.

We hope to have the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change or the Energy Minister following the General Election on 7 May. As in previous years, we have an excellent line up of speakers from both inside and outside the industry. We are delighted to announce that John Cridland, Director General of the CBI will address delegates on his thoughts on the need for new infrastructure development and the opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

Tuesday 30 June - Wednesday 1 July Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

Confirmed speakers include: →→ Lord Hutton, NIA Chairman →→ Alan Raymant, Horizon on the next stage of the Wylfa

Newydd project

→→ John Cridland, CBI on the need for new infrastructure

development

→→ Dame Sue Ion on the future of the nuclear sector post 16GW →→ Simon Carter, UKTI on what the government is doing to help

firms reach international markets

RADIATION PROTECTION PROFESSIONAL It’s your time to move from a technical role to a new career as a Radiation Protection Adviser or Radioactive Waste Adviser.

Achieve your goal with our part-time foundation degree in Radiation Protection — recognised by the Society for Radiological Protection for TechRP membership status.

→→ Jean-Pol Poncelet, Foratom on how the progress made in the

With just 4 weeks on campus each year over 3 years in Lancaster or Workington, Cumbria, it means you can continue to work while studying.

As speakers are confirmed they will be added to the dedicated NNB15 website at www.nia-nnb.glasgows.co.uk where you’ll also be able to see the final programme when it is released.

Our annual summer reception will take place on 29 June – the day before NNB15 opens – at Altitude 360 in London’s Millbank Tower. This venue will also host the Conference dinner on the evening of 30 June. The dinner is included in the ticket price, although additional dinner tickets are also available.

We have reserved a number of rooms in hotels close to the conference venue and hope to see you there. Visit the website to find out all the details and register your place.

Find out more at www.cumbria.ac.uk/rp5 or call us on 0845 606 1144, enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk

UK on nuclear new build is perceived across Europe

www.cumbria.ac.uk/rp5

2015 | spring — 5

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Korea extends nuclear collaboration to Qatar Following a meeting between South Korean president Park Guen-hye and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, an MOU was signed which sets out cooperation on human resources development and research on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Under the agreement, the two countries will conduct a three-year preliminary study to review the feasibility of constructing SMART reactors in Saudi Arabia. The cost of building the first SMART unit in Saudi Arabia is estimated at $1 billion.

Qatar has undertaken its own investigation into the viability of nuclear power and late in 2008 announced that there was not yet a strong case for proceeding, especially in the absence of modern 300 to 600 MWe reactors being available. However, in 2010 it raised the possibility of a regional project for nuclear generation.

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Swiss to create decom agency Swiss nuclear operator Alpiq has founded a new company to offer nuclear decommissioning services in preparation for the post-operation

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stage of the country's nuclear industry, along with radiation protection and decontamination services.

With the first of Switzerland's five operating nuclear reactors expected to close around 2019, Alpiq says it is seizing new opportunities for its power plant business by positioning itself on the Swiss decommissioning market "at an early stage".

The Swiss parliament decided in 2011 not to replace any of its nuclear capacity as plants retire.

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Australia launch waste site search Australian landholders have been given until 5 May to put forward potential sites for a national radioactive waste management facility. Replicating the UK volunteerism policy, the Australian government has called for nominations in all states and territories for a facility to store intermediate level waste and dispose of low-level waste from medical, research and industrial processes.

While Australia does not use nuclear for electricity generation, it has a long history of nuclear research including the operation of the OPAL research reactor which produces radioisotopes for use in medicine, research and industry.

Once the nomination and the preferred site identification are complete, negotiations will begin between the Government and the owner of the preferred site.

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Tepco announce new water purification target Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) has announced more than 90% of the contaminated water stored on the Fukushima Daiichi site will be treated by the end of May. Tepco had originally planned to treat all contaminated water on the site by the end of March, but announced it would need more time in January this year, because of the challenges of implementing new technologies to clean the water and its "safety first" approach.

The company has also reiterated its aim to achieve the goal of reducing the radiation dose at the site boundary attributed to the water storage tanks to below one millisievert per year by the end of this month. It said meeting this target "reduces the overall risk created at the premises, something it recognizes as being very important to the site workers and people of the surrounding communities."

For more details on these and other stories please visit www.world-nuclear-news.org

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The current estimate is that clean-up costs across the UK will be in excess of £115 billion spread over the next 120 years

Contract changes at Sellafield Sellafield became a nuclear site in 1947 and today it is one of Europe's largest and most complex nuclear sites, storing and treating wastes from civil and military programs, and is the top priority in the UK government's nuclear decommissioning programme.

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he Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) was set up in 2004 to deal with the nuclear legacy at Sellafield and sites across the UK. In 2008 the NDA decided to tender for a Parent Body Organisation (PBO) to take on the management of the Sellafield site. Nuclear Management Partners (NMP) – a consortium of URS, AREVA and AMEC – secured that contract to manage the site for an initial five years with an extension option for up to 17 years.

The contract was extended in 2013 and the NMP Chairman Tom Zarges commented that the first five years of the Sellafield contract has presented a "steep learning curve" with "unprecedented" challenges.

These challenges did not go unnoticed by the press or parliamentarians. The high profile Public Accounts Committee initiated an investigation into the contract and took evidence from those involved.

During this process and for the last 18 months, the NMP consortium in-line with its contract continued to make progress, achieving some of the highest levels of performance on site, maintaining the best overall safety

records, delivering savings of £650 million and investing £23 million into West Cumbria.

In January of this year Ed Davey, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change announced to the House of Commons that the NDA would change the commercial model in operation at Sellafield. This meant the removal of the PBO structure and thus the removal of NMP’s contract at the Sellafield site.

Davey went on to comment, “Despite this progress, the NDA has concluded that a change in model is now the best way forward. The current arrangements brought stability to the site from 2009, have allowed for effective planning and delivered important progress on key projects in the last six years. However, it is now clear that Sellafield’s complexity and technical uncertainties present significantly greater challenges than other NDA sites, and it is therefore less well suited to the transfer of full site-wide responsibility to the private sector via a PBO structure.”

Although the PBO model has achieved savings and delivered efficiencies at other NDA sites, the complexities of the Sellafield site mean it is not the best model to

2015 | spring — 7

deliver for the taxpayer. Under the new arrangement, Sellafield Limited will become a subsidiary of the NDA, simplifying the relationship and bring greater clarity and focus on achieving progress and value for money.

The Sellafield management team and board will take on the responsibilities previously held by NMP with the assistance of a strategic partner from the private sector to advise and assist the Sellafield executive team in the work necessary and site activities. These arrangements are similar to the approach taken for complex infrastructure projects such as London’s Crossrail and the Olympics.

There will be a transition period as responsibilities move across from NMP to the Sellafield team and in the run up to the appointment of a strategic partner over the next 15 months. Work will continue on site with the aim of delivering final clearance on site by 2120.

A UK wide view Breakdown of lifetime estimate per site

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THE COSTS OF DECOMMISSIONING THE 17 SITES COVERED BY THE NUCLEAR PROVISION ARE ALL PUBLICLY FUNDED. HOWEVER, THE SECOND GENERATION OF NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS, THE ADVANCED GAS-COOLED REACTOR (AGR) FLEET, ARE OPERATED BY EDF ENERGY AND FUNDS ARE SET ASIDE TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE DECOMMISSIONING PROGRAMME VIA THE NUCLEAR LIABILITIES FUND.

THE TOTAL ANNUAL BUDGET CURRENTLY STANDS AT AROUND £3 BILLION, WITH TWO-THIRDS FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE REMAINDER FROM OPERATING REVENUE.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS WILL BE BUILT BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WITH DECOMMISSIONING PLANS AND COST FORECASTS IN PLACE AT THE OUTSET. THE LATEST GENERATION OF REACTORS ARE VASTLY MORE EFFICIENT THAN THE EARLY DESIGNS AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE CHEAPER TO DISMANTLE.

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#Nuclear – Powering the UK took place in December, perfectly rounding off another busy year for industry and highlighting the enormous scope of work expected in 2015 across new build, operations and decommissioning.

A distinguished collection of speakers addressed the conference alongside a host of interesting panel discussions. A key theme was growth of the sector and the importance of attracting the brightest and best young people to this flourishing and challenging industry.

Watch #Nuclear footage NIAUK.ORG /nuclear-powering-the-uk

10 — spring | 2015

Nuclear industry showcases UK talent by. PETER HASLAM

Along with almost 400 other delegates I was at the Russell Hotel in January attending the NIA/UKTI Nuclear Industry Showcase. Amazingly this is now the fourth of these events, which as Baroness Verma pointed out has firmly established itself as the premier event of its kind.

For those of you who’ve been on another planet, the aim of the showcase is twofold; first to highlight the huge expertise and capability that exists within the UK nuclear supply chain to assist countries in developing nuclear programmes; and secondly to enable UK companies to learn about the specific situation in overseas countries, and importantly to see where the UK nuclear industry might help.

Going on my own feedback (and that of one or two others) the showcase succeeded in both counts. One delegate even said this was the best showcase he’d attended.

With 100 international delegates coming from countries as diverse as Japan and Poland, there was a wide spread of interest both geographically and in terms

of nuclear development, with information being sought on the initial requirements for launching a new build programme – planning, licensing, financing, programme management, etc. – all the way through to decommissioning and waste disposal.

Over the course of the three days, covering new nuclear build, decommissioning, and innovation and manufacturing sequentially, these areas were brilliantly addressed by our industry speakers. They were all the more effective because they were speaking on the basis of their own experience.

This was possible because the UK really is now at the forefront of developments across the nuclear lifecycle, ranging from exciting plans for a programme of new nuclear build – with three different technologies being developed – all the way through to the clean-up of our older stations and the historic legacy.

Our long tradition and experience in nuclear technology built over 60 years gives us a great deal to offer to international clients and partners, at whatever stage of development they are

at in their own nuclear programmes.

And as a result we now have a very impressive nuclear offer – if you don’t believe me just take a look at the beautifully written UKTI/NIA brochure ‘UK Nuclear Powering the Future www. gov.uk/government/publications/uknuclear-powering-the-future.

Of course one of the benefits of effective presentations is that they provide an opportunity for delegates to explore together the scope for cooperation, to share and exchange experience and to create fruitful and lasting business opportunities.

It is too early at this stage to say whether the last of these has happened.

However it was noticeable that when the bell rang to indicate the end of the coffee break and the start of the next session a large number of people remained in the room in animated discussion. I would like to think this was a sign of new relationships being forged or existing relationships being strengthened.

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“ We have successfully evolved in the nuclear industry as a business, and we are also developing our relationships with our customers.

We don’t position ourselves as a competitor to our customers, but instead operate as a niche supplier working closely with them to understand their needs and requirements.”

Craig Skillicorn Commercial Director

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stablished in 1945, Centronic marks its 70th Anniversary this year. The company began its life in a back bedroom in Kent, and has now grown to be a leading manufacturer of radiation detectors doubling in size over the past five years and with plans to do so again in the next five.

Founded by Gilbert Tomes and Alec Tidmarsh, the business was created from Tomes’ background in television and interest in radiation –based predominantly around the manufacturing of Geiger Müller tubes.

Nowadays, Centronic is still very much focused around radiation detection, continuing to supply Geiger Müller tubes, its original product, alongside its reactor control detectors and with 70% of its business still in the nuclear industry.

Centronic has been heavily involved in the nuclear sector since the get-go; in 1956 it was the first company in the world to supply radiation detectors to a nuclear reactor for commercial electricity generation. Centronic has evolved during this time, growing around a main aim to be a core provider in an international market, whilst building on its heritage.

The company continued to grow through the peaks and troughs of the nuclear industry, which CEO Ian Crawford says is one of the company’s main achievements: “As a company that has been around for 70 years, almost from the beginning of nuclear, we have done well through the good times and bad times for the industry. Looking back 20 years, when nuclear was not growing, we were still supplying to both the national and international markets.”

Ian believes that having a history of working in early nuclear is crucial to the success of maintaining orders, “There are many companies in the nuclear sector, but not so many that can say they have been there from the beginning – 70 years in nuclear is key.”

Being a brand name with heritage and a niche product are key achievements says Les Howard, one of two Technical Directors, “We are vital suppliers of the neutron and gamma monitoring system to the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement – doing our bit to bring safety through innovation to that site.” This contract started out as a general website enquiry for detectors, and developed into a project where Centronic also supplied a detector housing assembly (requiring moderation and characterisation), bespoke nucleonic instrumentation, and environmental qualification.

For Centronic, projects like this allow it to show off its extensive knowledge of the industry’s requirements and to work closely with clients to make sure they get what they want – something it is proud of. Their achievements span every aspect of the nuclear industry, with projects already underway in preparation for the impending new build programme.

With so much success and years of achievements, Centronic plans to grow its workforce of over 100 and continue to support its long standing employees. The average length of service at the company is over 10 years, with a mix of experienced members of staff alongside new faces who are joining all the time. They see future recruitment as a challenge and positioning themselves amongst SMEs competing for new recruits as the new build programmes take off.

On the history of the company, Ian Crawford commented, “Seventy years ago Centronic’s founders discovered a niche market and today that niche market has created a globally successful company. In the next five years the company will double in size again. The next 10 years offers exciting growth for the nuclear industry – and Centronic will be taking full advantage of this.”

Rachel Dowling Public Affairs Executive NIA rachel.dowling@niauk.org

2015 | spring — 13

Image courtesy of EDF Energy — www.edfenergy.com

The decision to extend the life of Dungeness B is only possible because of the collaboration, innovation and technical expertise of EDF Energy and its long-term partners. Customers will benefit from this significant investment through many more years of reliable, low carbon electricity.

Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive, EDF Energy

Dungeness B facts and figures →→Started generating in 1983 →→Operates two Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors capable of producing 1050 MW →→Last year the station produced 4.4TWh of electricity, equivalent to the power used each year by around 40% of homes in Greater London →→The amount of CO2 avoided by this generation is 3.4 million tonnes, equivalent to taking 1.5million cars off Britain’s roads →→Employs 550 people plus another 200 contract staff which can increase four-fold during planned maintenance programmes →→More than 10,000 visits to the visitor centre since opening in 2013

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IN VIEW

10 year life extension for Dungeness EDF Energy will continue generating low carbon electricity at its Dungeness B nuclear power station until 2028, producing enough power each year to supply the equivalent of 1.5m homes as well as securing 550 jobs and work for 200 contractors at the site.

The decision has been made possible by a £150 million investment programme to extend the life of the station.

It comes after extensive reviews of the plant’s safety cases and work with the ONR. Improvement projects at Dungeness B have already included a £75 million upgrade to control room computer systems and £8 million on enhanced f lood defences.

“Life extension means the station will continue to provide hundreds of skilled jobs and provide a launchpad for the apprentices who will begin their careers at Dungeness B. We’ll also carry on contributing more than £40 million to the local economy in Kent and East Sussex.”

Martin Pearson Station Director at Dungeness B

2015 | spring — 15

Skills Takes the Spotlight by. sara Crane

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ational Apprentice Week 2015 took place between 9 and 13 March. The NIA along with the rest of the nuclear industry was out in force promoting the sector’s fantastic range of apprentices.

Figures from NSAN showed that the number of young people studying an apprenticeship grew 300% between 2008 and 2014.

Organisations like Sellafield have led the way in developing young talent and has committed to taking on 200 more apprentices next year and EDF Energy plans to take on over 1,000 at Hinkley Point C. We worked with industry to help BIS create an infographic which showed some of these numbers.

National Apprentice Week really came to life on social media – with industry and Government all pushing the great people across the sector.

The NIA, developed several cards highlighting the great young talent across the sector – these cards were retweeted by government departments as well as organisations and people across the sector. In total NIA activity on social media reached over 50,000 people.

One of the most popular stories was on the first female Sellafield apprentices, two of which are still working at the Site, resulting in a blog from BIS which was promoted through social media.

UK Nuclear Sector - Apprentices

Within the nuclear sector: →→Sellafield Ltd has taken on 170 apprentices in 2014 – a

record number. It now has around 500 young people on its apprenticeship scheme and will look to recruit another 200 in 2015. →→More than 25% of those in training at Sellafield are female and the company hopes to improve that figure even further through its current recruitment drive. →→EDF Energy has over 200 people going through its current scheme and will look to take on another 50 in 2015, with girls making up 20% of the current intake. →→Hinkley Point C will create 1,000 new apprenticeships for the nuclear industry.

Across the sector, more and more girls are also choosing an apprenticeship with this number growing each year. The industry, through campaigns such as the NIA’s re:generation initiative and Women in Nuclear UK is looking to promote the opportunities available to the next generation of the nuclear workforce.

The National Nuclear Laboratory has almost 50 young people going through its nuclear apprenticeship scheme and 33% of the intake are female.

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aren Stewart, Pat Spain, Liz Duffy and Anne Chakley - Sellafield's first K female apprentices in 1977 #NAW2015 (CC BY-ND 2.0).

And the winner is... →→North West

Joshua Smith, EDF Energy Heysham 1, who also took the coveted National Apprentice of the Year accolade →→South West James Brown, Rolls Royce →→South East / East David Jones, EDF Energy Sizewell B →→North East William Harvey, Doosan Babcock Ltd →→Scottish Daniel Mosson, EDF Energy Hunterston B →→Welsh – Rhys Thomas, Doosan Babcock →→Supply Chain Apprentice of the Year Hatti Sonley, James Fisher Nuclear →→FD/HND Student of the Year Jessica Batts, EDF Energy Hinkley Point B →→UK Nuclear Graduate of the Year Robbie Lyons,BAE Systems – submarines →→Outstanding Leadership in Skills Neil Baldwin, former MD of Magnox

Skills Awards Show UK Talent The seventh annual UK Nuclear Skills Awards took place on 12 March.

During the evening the nuclear stars of the present and future were announced, and with eight categories focussed on Apprentices, it was a very fitting end to the 2015 apprentice week.

Jean Llewellyn OBE, Chief Executive of National Skills Academy for Nuclear said: “The UK Nuclear Skills Awards highlights the exceptional quality of people of all levels, who are committed to careers in the nuclear sector.

“The talented nominees and winners are a real credit to the sector – and are deserving of this recognition from their peers they are achieving excellence in skills. We wish all the winners continued success in their careers and in acting as such fantastic role models to others.”

Joanna Woolf Chief executive Cogent Skills

Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees/ HNDs and Degrees are key avenues for replenishing and building skills for the nuclear sector. It is extremely important to highlight the real and tangible contributions which these people make to their organisations on a daily basis.

I would like to personally congratulate all of the winners and finalists, they are all examples of excellence in skills development and I wish them all the very best for the future.”

NSAN Nuclear Apprentice of the Year 2015 Joshua Smith – EDF Energy Heysham 1

Congratulations at picking up the overall Apprentice of the Year award, as well as being named North West Apprentice of the Year – how does it feel?

It hasn't really sunk in yet, the whole experience was overwhelming. I am very honoured to be awarded with the North West and National Apprentice of the Year, it's one of those things I didn't think I could ever achieve, but this has only spurred me on to do more and realise I can achieve big things.

What made you decide to study for an apprenticeship?

I chose to study for an apprenticeship because I was young and enthusiastic, I wanted to get out there and work! But I also knew I had to develop the theory behind the work. An apprenticeship covers both parts of this, I have been lucky to undertake an apprenticeship with such a supportive company like EDF Energy.

2015 | spring — 17

What are the benefits you would tell other young people considering whether to go to university or straight into work?

Government focuses on nuclear skills

That route is fine for some people but it wasn't for me; I wanted to be earning and learning. When you say straight to work, it feels like that with apprenticeship but it isn't really, the amount of theory I have absorbed over four years is a lot more than I think, but the beauty of an apprenticeship is that you instantly put that theory into practice.

A lot of friends who have gone to university have told me they struggle to remember a lot of their lectures from the previous week never mind the first year. But the company I am with also support individuals wanting to obtain a degree which is excellent.

You were elected as chairman of the student forum, what did you learn from that?

To be honest this was my first taste of responsibility and leadership since joining EDF Energy and it taught me a lot.

I’ve had to deal with conf lict, solve problems and support the people I worked with.

How do you hope to inspire people through winning this award?

I have seen people in previous years win awards and I thought to myself how have they done that? What are they doing differently to everyone else? And it's quite simple; they make opportunities for themselves, then take them.

EDF Energy talked from day one about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I have become a strong believer in that saying and I hope people will see how much I have pushed myself and do it themselves. I couldn't have done this without the support and encouragement of my peers, so I hope other senior people see this and provide more support to young enthusiastic individuals.

What are the next steps for you?

That's something I need to sit down and have a think about. There are options such as doing a degree, developing as a leader or, the thing that really catches my eye, is moving abroad to explore EDF as a company further. This industry is very exciting and the opportunities are there, like I said earlier I'm making them now so it's up to me with support from my peers to take them. But I am excited about what lies ahead.

18 — spring | 2015

att Hancock meets apprentices at Bridgwater College's Construction M Skills Centre ©Bridgwater College (CC BY-ND 2.0).

The details behind the long awaited National College for Nuclear (NCfN) were announced on 20 March. The college set up in partnership with the government and nuclear employers will train future employees and develop world class skills in the UK’s civil nuclear sector.

Led by EDF Energy and Sellafield Ltd, the college will be based at Bridgwater in Somerset and in West Cumbria - ideal locations near to Hinkley, Sellafield and Moorside. Each of the hubs will be homes for a reactor simulator and virtual reality engineering learning facilities which will offer students the high-tech training needed to meet the skills required in the nuclear industry.

Speaking on the day of the announcement, Energy and Business Minster, Matthew Hancock said, “It’s expected the nuclear industry will need 30,000 new employees over the next decade – and the Nuclear College will equip young people with the skills they need.”

Adding, “Creating jobs and opportunities for local people is front and centre of our long term economic plan to secure a brighter future for Britain.”

The NCfN will work with local schools, colleges and universities, such as University of Bristol and University of Cumbria, developing training and providing inspiration to local people to take up careers in the UK’s rejuvenated nuclear industry. Funding for the college will initially come from the £80 million the Coalition Government has promised for the seven new National Colleges for industry, and will be matched by investment from employers.

Prior to the NCfN announcement, Matthew Hancock opened Bridgwater College’s new Construction Skills Centre. Funded by EDF Energy the centre offers facilities for new civil engineering training in excavation, ground works, concrete pouring, formwork and steel fixing. It also includes an eight-acre outdoor site which imitates a construction site, with industry-standard plant, machinery and equipment.

The new colleges are part of a wider plan, set out in the Government’s overall skills strategy for the nuclear industry.

The ‘Sustaining Our Nuclear Skills’ document illustrates how the Government and industry will work together to develop and expand the UK’s nuclear skill base. The sector is due to expand with major industrial developments all occurring in new build, operations and decommissioning, and these announcements and initiatives come at a crucial and unique time in the UK’s nuclear history.

Instrumentation specialist Delta Controls celebrates 65 years of supporting the power industries

ittle and large: pressure switches from Delta Controls just after the L company's formation in 1950 (l) and the present day (r).

Process instrumentation specialist Delta Controls Ltd has remained a world leader in the design and manufacture of high quality temperature and pressure measurement instruments since its formation in 1950.

Industrial process instrumentation has seen many changes over these 65 years, exemplified by Delta Controls' investment in R&D and its continuous evolution of the product range which now includes some of the highest performing, reliable and accurate transmitters and switches available.

In addition to the fundamental advances in technology which have occurred during these 65 years, Delta Controls' engineers have contributed to significant improvements in the reliability, accuracy and repeatability of the process instrumentation industry, and also to reducing the size of the instruments which have changed from being large, heavy and unwieldy to the considerably more compact and convenient models the company offers today.

Delta Controls made its name in the design and manufacture of process switches for hazardous areas. Today the company offers a comprehensive range of industrial instrumentation to the process and power industries worldwide, focusing on critical applications where safety, reliability and accuracy are vital. In addition to its 'off-the-shelf' products, Delta Controls is known for its custom solutions which meet individual and highly complex technical requirements.

Delta Controls has specific expertise in the nuclear industry, and has provided products, which meet the industry's exacting seismic and radiation standards, for over 40 years.

"Delta Controls was there at the dawn of the nuclear power age, which all started in the UK, and we served the entire fleet of the UK nuclear reactors from the early days of Calder Hall to the latest PWR at Sizewell, as well as the fuel manufacture and reprocessing plants," said Delta Controls sales director Dr Chris Webborn. "We also have a number of overseas customers using our specially developed nuclear qualified products in critical areas of reactor safety."

The company's products are used in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, petrochemical, water and wastewater, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, pulp and paper, and chemical engineering.

The Twittersphere One of, if not the, greatest challenge facing the nuclear industry is the impending skills gap. The average age of an engineer in the UK is 54 and this statistic is one that daunts the nuclear sector more than most, with vast new build and decommissioning projects underway and on the horizon.

The key to maintaining and improving the strength of the UK nuclear supply chain will be to pass on the experience held in previous generations who have successfully delivered projects to the next batch of nuclear workers. Prior to this stage is the need to attract the brightest and best young people to this rejuvenated industry and social media will play a pivotal role.

Twitter and social media is the single most important element of the internet and is now in some cases the only source for information for a lot of young people and one which nuclear employers need to use.

In addition to a headline grabbing press release which illustrated the growth of nuclear apprenticeships in the UK, the NIA produced 12 ‘apprentice cards’ (p16) to showcase the range of opportunities available in the nuclear sector during Apprenticeship Week 2015.

Who to follow?

The cards documented Want information on nuclear those currently doing and other relevant topics? apprenticeship schemes This issue we recommend you and former apprentices follow: now holding senior positions giving prospective apprentices the chance to @Apprenticeships quickly read about what @edfecareers each job entails and get @SelLtdcareers some useful advice. @re_genuk This is just a brief example of how to engage and raise awareness with young people but there are a host of others. For instance the great blog about the first ever female apprentices as Sellafield who are still working at the site nearly 40 years later!

@NuclearAMRC: Registration now open for @NIAUK nuclear new build conference #NNB15 www.nia-nnb.glasgows.co.uk

@NIAUK

@NIAUK: Charles started his career as an #apprentice and is now a Director @UKNNL! Read his story #NAW2015 @Apprenticeships Twitter Count Followers: 2,405 Tweets: 2,945

2015 | spring — 19

20 — spring | 2015

Securing the Supply Chain to the Nuclear Industry Nuclear power is a long-term investment that can deliver safe, secure, resilient, low carbon power for future generations.

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eing a supplier to this industry is an equally longterm commitment. The industry needs confidence in both the experience and longevity of a supply chain. Companies need to continue to research and develop technologies that meet standards for the future and assist with ensuring rigorous testing of latest innovations to continuously improve safety, efficiency and reliability. This is an insight from a supplier’s point of view about the challenges and opportunities in serving the nuclear power industry.

A supplier to the nuclear power industry needs a manufacturing facility which can deliver the engineering excellence, full testing capability and the supporting design and qualification justifications required with each project.

Nuclear operators need to be assured of the reliability of the solution provided and of its ongoing support throughout its lifetime. Maintaining knowledge and experience, a complete understanding of global standards and regulations, and technology that offers proven, reliable performance, are all key parts of being in this industry’s supply chain.

Knowledge and experience are contained within the people employed. Proactive management of employee demographics is vital to ensure this is carried forward into the foreseeable future. Having experienced personnel who have long served the industry is of no use if there is not a scheme to promote passing this legacy on to future generations.

At the SPX ClydeUnion Pumps facility in Glasgow, this is managed through a combination of strategies for people retention; succession planning; proactive resourcing of new, experienced personnel, and an acclaimed apprenticeship and graduate training scheme to bring new engineering talent into the industry.

Investing for the future Increasingly stringent requirements such as ASME, RCCM and HAF604 for example are aimed at increasing overall plant safety.

Proven technology that has a good installed base and track record needs to be balanced with capturing the benefits of new innovations in both product design and manufacturing techniques. This involves a great deal of investment in research, development, testing and onsite facilities.

So with the need for experienced engineers, expert manufacturing capability, detailed project management, continued research and development, extensive testing capability, and comprehensive aftermarket services; it becomes obvious that companies in the nuclear supply chain are heavily invested in the industry. Alongside the demand from nuclear operators for longevity in the supply chain, for the long-term.

Partnerships that help secure the supply chain To keep the UK supply chain secure, a strong relationship exists between customers and their suppliers. With more limited supply chain options because of the approvals and experience required, companies such as SPX continue to invest its expertise in supporting its supply chain partners with their accreditation. Fostering such partnerships throughout the supply chain helps to keep it robust and secure as well as helping to advance safety and reliability.

The global nuclear industry is working towards better sharing of knowledge and experience through the use of common reactor designs and centres of excellence. Experienced, global manufacturers such as SPX support this work with their commitment to ongoing research and ever more rigorous testing of solutions.

At its Glasgow facility, for example, SPX installed a full submergence tank so that it could carry out extensive testing of its TWL safety pump under simulated flooded conditions.

This enabled it to prove the pump’s operation in different scenarios to establish its reliability and ongoing operation under conditions such as those experienced at the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

Common designs and shared experience between different countries through centres of excellence help improve the safety and reliability of nuclear plants. This is furthered by suppliers proactively searching for continuous improvement of products and services. Latest manufacturing techniques offer the potential to reduce lead times and project risks while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Overall, success in the UK nuclear supply chain requires many different attributes alongside experience and manufacturing expertise. It also needs a proactive response to increasingly stringent regulations; ongoing investment in product research and state of the art manufacturing facilities; global partnerships; a strong, financially sound business, and comprehensive, responsive global aftermarket service capability – all of which combine to a long term strategy of supporting the nuclear power industry well into the future. dr colin elcoate VP Global Business Development - Power SPX Power and Energy

2015 | spring — 21

Election in the Balance

In the next edition of IndustryLink we will bring you a full break down of the new site MP’s, Ministers and their shadows.

On 7 May 2015 the electorate will cast their judgment on the progress the coalition has made, and whether they see Mr Miliband offering a realistic alternative as leader of this country.

Unlike many elections over the last 50 years – that would be the last point to make, but the insurgent parties UKIP, the SNP, and the Greens will have more air time and possibly more importance than ever before.

This is the most ‘open’ election for a generation. The Conservative Party require a uniform swing of 2% to gain the necessary 20 seats to hold a majority in the Commons. The Labour Party require a national swing of only 5% to secure the additional 68 seats required for a majority.

All commentators will tell you that the 2015 election is not about a national swing - but about winning the key marginal seats. Labour will be challenged for their seats across Scotland by the SNP and the Conservative party will be challenged across the sea front constituencies by UKIP.

22 — spring | 2015

Because of this multi-party politics we have seen the influence of smaller parties booming, some might say disproportionately, impacting the political decision-making process in the run up to the election. The Labour party tabled an amendment in January to limit fracking – arguably to neutralise the rise of the Greens and the Conservatives have been forced to talk about immigration and Europe by UKIP…not comfortable ground for them at present.

Extensive polling has been conducted in the last six months by independent pollsters and interested parties alike. We have taken a look at the relevant nuclear constituencies around the country and can say with some certainty (as of March 2015!) we do not foresee many changes.

Ian Liddell-Grainger whose constituency includes the Hinkley Point site has a majority of nearly 10,000 which should be relatively solid. Nearby in Stroud, the Labour MP defeated in the 2010 election, David Drew is standing again and has to overturn only 1,300 votes against the incumbent Conservative

Neil Carmichael. Polling indicated that the constituencies that host Bradwell, Dungeness and Oldbury will all return their sitting Member of Parliament.

Polling conducted by Lord Ashcroft and analysis from Iain Dale both suggest that Labour may take the Morecambe & Lunesdale seat from David Morris where the Heysham reactor is located.

In Scotland, well these numbers change by the day, but it appears the SNP may do very well indeed, unseating both the Labour MP Katy Clark and the Liberal Democrat John Thurso MP. It is going to be a very late night on 7 May…

Alastair Evans Public Affairs Manager NIA alastair.evans@niauk.org

SNAPSHOT The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, met with MDecon staff in the new MDecon laboratory at Thornton Science Park near Chester.

Formerly the Shell R&D Facility the park has been redeveloped as a science, business and academic centre of excellence for the north west.

The Chancellor visited to take part in the official opening and MDecon was pleased to be involved. The park is forecast to generate an estimated £205 million per year to the regional economy and MDecon is one of the first companies to move its operation to the facility.

Matt Tuck, MDecon Managing Director, introduced the Chancellor to the MDecon team, the technology being developed, and explained the value of the services offered to industry.

Mr Tuck commented, “This is an exciting endeavour at a great location.

We anticipate that the Park will rapidly be recognised for the excellent facilities it provides and MDecon is pleased to be associated with the venture.”

In opening the laboratory on the park MDecon is building on its existing technical team and providing opportunities for post-graduates and technical

personnel as part of the company’s continuous development programme.

The Park is central for much of the refining and process industry in the north west, and the MDecon laboratory will provide a valuable local asset.

The MDecon capability in metals decontamination and the management of arising waste provides considerable opportunity for cost reduction in plant operation, lifetime extension or decommissioning projects. The capability is equally relevant to other sectors including oil and gas, water, nuclear, and pharmaceuticals.

Chancellor of the Exchequer visits MDecon Laboratory NIA Priorities for Government By. Keith Parker

The next five years offer an incoming Government a chance to position the UK at the forefront of the global nuclear industry.

We therefore felt it was vital that the voice of the NIA was heard in the run up to the election on four key topics for our industry.

Investment stability and the need to provide certainty for energy investors is the first of our asks. This amounts to maintaining Electricity Market Reform, delivering nuclear new build, as well as considering how the British Business Bank can deliver support for our supply chain.

Maintaining the decommissioning programme is a vital ask if we want to deliver to the timelines set out for the programmes across the UK, as well as delivering work for thousands of supply chain companies.

Plutonium disposition is a problem that has been ignored for too long. The Government took the initial step of funding research into the viable options for dealing with plutonium, but they must deliver an answer on this tough topic.

Finally, education, skills and employment must be at the centre of all our work if we are to have the pipeline of skilled staff to deliver the breadth of projects in the UK and overseas.

Further information You can find the NIA Priorities for Government document on our website

NIAUK.ORG/briefing-papers

If you would like to talk about our next steps for the work please contact

alastair.evans@niauk.org

2015 | spring — 23

NEWS IN BRIEF

New Year Honours The Nuclear Industry Association would like to congratulate all those awarded Honours in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list particularly Gwen Parry-Jones, Safety and Assurance Director, Nuclear Generation, EDF Energy on her OBE for services to Science and Technology and Neil Baldwin, previously of Magnox, on his MBE for services to the Nuclear Industry particularly Civil Nuclear Engineering and Decommissioning.

Keith Parker, Chief Executive at the NIA commented: “The nuclear industry and its supply chain has a wealth of talented individuals who build, maintain and decommission the UK’s nuclear power plants. I am pleased their efforts have been celebrated, and their role in ensuring the UK’s nuclear sector

remains a safe and secure form of energy generation, but also for their efforts to promote science and technology and to encourage more women into the sector.”

Visit GOV.UK for a full list of honours awarded that recognise the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom.

Other notable recipients include:

CBE

Michael Sheffield: Lately Group Chief Executive Officer, Kier Group plc, for services to Civil Engineering, Construction and Charitable Fundraising.

Stephen Fox: Chief Executive, BAM Nuttall, for services to Civil Engineering and Construction.

Andrew Wyllie, FREng: Chief Executive, Costain, for services to Construction and Engineering.

MBE

Mark Crowther: Former head of International Nuclear Services’ (INS) Japan business, for services to the British nuclear industry in Japan.

BEM

Ms Rebecca Baldwin: Co-founder, Women's Network, DECC, for services to Gender Equality in the Workplace.

SPX Awarded Contract to Supply MHSI Pumps to China

24 — spring | 2015

SPX Corporation has been awarded a contract to supply China Nuclear Power Engineering Company (CNPE) with ClydeUnion brand safety injection pumps for units 5&6 at CNPE’s Fuqing nuclear plant, which will deploy the latest Chinese reactor design, Hualong One. SPX will supply ClydeUnion Pumps Medium Head Safety Injection (MHSI) pump packages.

By securing this contract, SPX became the only non-domestic supplier of pumps for the CNPE project.

"It is exciting to be part of this project for one of the first deployments of the Hualong One Generation III reactor. We have a good working relationship with CNPE and this latest contract is another reflection on the expert engineering capability SPX consistently delivers for nuclear class pumps," said Colin Elcoate, VP Business Development, SPX Power and Energy.

The MHSI pump packages use multi-stage, centrifugal, radially split Nuclear Class II pumps. This pump design includes adapted suction technology that allows low net positive suction head (NPSH) on large flow ranges.

The new Hualong One PWR merges two leading designs to form a standardized reactor that will be widely deployed throughout China.

China is, additionally, targeting key export markets with this reactor design.

DSRL contract for Aquila Aquila Nuclear Engineering Ltd, part of the Calder Group, has recently been awarded three contracts from National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) for the design and build of rigs to be used with shielded caves. These rigs and equipment include: A Residual Stress Rig system is used to accurately bond strain gauge assemblies onto irradiated components, employing a master slave manipulator (MSM) within a shielded cave. Using NNL’s functional requirements as the design input, Aquila presented concept designs, verified process requirements, developed engineering schemes and will take this onto manufacture, assembly and test.

Aquila is developing a range of Analysis Breakdown Equipment to receive and process irradiated components to allow for the size reduction, preparation and inspection. The equipment is being developed in conjunction with NNL in order to achieve the best integrated package of works.

Aquila is also modifying a proprietary XY Hydraulic Press to be operated by a MSM. The equipment receives a component and via remotely controlled X and Y drives, accurately positions the component to allow samples to be punched out at specific locations for further inspection and testing. For more information, contact dbarker@aquilaeurope.eu.

Success brings success through Innovus

Jobs Map 2015

W In the past 18 months the Innovus programme has enabled over £2 million of new investment into developing innovation in Cumbria. The programme received an extra boost in February with Government announcing it will invest a further £1.5 million from the Regional Growth Fund.

Innovus was developed and is delivered by The University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute and the National Nuclear Laboratory. The new funding will lead to further investment totaling over £2.5 million into developing new technology based projects in Cumbria, creating new high-value jobs.

Already Innovus has led to some fantastic ideas becoming commercial realities including the application of scallop dredging techniques to accelerate the safe cleanup of Sellafield’s legacy storage ponds. By enabling the development of ideas such as these, the significant potential for pioneering new technologies to create jobs for the Cumbrian economy becomes reality.

Innovus assists local businesses in developing new technologies and innovations by offering financial support, technical and business advice and access to facilities. The scheme aims to reaffirm Cumbria as a hub of technology innovation and commercial opportunity, building on the world class science, research and development that is based in the area.

The scheme is open to applications for support and funding at www.innovus.org.uk or email innovate@innovus.org.uk.

ith the general election due in May and the Nuclear New Build 2015 conference taking place at the end of June, the NIA has started collecting data for the annual Jobs Map earlier this year. This data will be launched at NNB15 and this year the NIA wants to make it better than ever, using it to highlight the number of apprentices and graduates who find a high-quality career in the sector.

For over a decade the NIA has released an annual Jobs Map, a highly successful tool which clearly displays the range and diversity of companies across the UK and the number of employees engaged in the civil nuclear industry.

The Map is designed to give Government and decision makers up-to-date and accurate figures, reflecting the vital contribution NIA members and their employees make to the UK economy.

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 £1 billion of business per annum for UK-plc.

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.

The success and value of the Jobs Map is thanks to membership participation. Initial emails were sent out from Dan Powney to main member in early March and the deadline for submissions is Friday 10 April. If members have not received the request for information or would like to submit data for 2015 please email dan.powney@niauk.org.

2015 | spring — 25

Applying Global Expertise at Sellafield The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority estimates the cost of dealing with the UK’s nuclear legacy at £115 billion - and growing. One company, M+W Group, believes that new thinking and ways of working are required if this critical issue is to be effectively addressed.

L

eading a consortium working in partnership with James Fisher Nuclear, the major global engineering and construction company recently secured its first major project at Sellafield; the Box Encapsulation Plant Product Store Direct Import Facility (BEPPS/DIF).

The new £150 million storage and processing facility will play a key role in dealing with the site’s intermediate level waste (ILW) treatment and storage.

Designed to be highly automated, when complete in 2017, the new facility will handle retrieved hazardous waste, incorporating secure above-ground storage for the ILW including fuel element cladding, contaminated equipment and radioactive sludge.

New Build Group

26 — spring | 2015

New thinking and global expertise M+W Group has a long track record working internationally in high-tech facility construction. It has also worked extensively in the nuclear industry overseas having been involved in the original nuclear fleet in Germany. However, the BEPPS/DIF project at Sellafield is a breakthrough contract in the UK nuclear decommissioning market.

Bill Macaulay, nuclear operations director at M+W Group, comments: “Sellafield is not only the UK’s largest nuclear site but also among the most complex facilities in Europe.

The BEPPS/DIF project will enable M+W Group to apply our expertise delivering major complex facilities to the UK nuclear sector.

“With our specialist team based at our centre for nuclear excellence in Manchester, and with our experience in innovative design, procurement, project management and construction our aim is to set a new benchmark in the nuclear sector.”

With momentum building towards construction of the UK’s first new nuclear power station for a generation, the NIA's New Build Group met in Warrington. Updates were given by the three developers, all of whom had achieved several milestones since the last meeting.

Horizon Nuclear Power signed an agreement with the Office for Nuclear Regulation on procurement of reactor equipment for Wylfa Newydd. Furthermore the company’s chosen reactor design, the UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (UK ABWR) completed its passage through the justification process following approval from both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

NuGeneration signed a cooperation agreement with the Treasury to promote financing for its project at Moorside and EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project cleared another hurdle after An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland were refused permission to appeal the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change’s decision to allow EDF Energy to build.

Sponsored and hosted by the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), the event attracted over 100 NIA members all keen to hear from the developers and a host of other notable speakers.

EDF Energy’s Nigel Knee announced the steps still to be taken before the project’s final investment decision, details

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy

Engaging with the supply chain M+W Group understands that the local supply chain will be a critical success factor for the BEPPS/DIF project.

As a result, the company is actively involving supply chain partners at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure delivery of the challenging fast track programme. Keeping the project stakeholders informed is also key and M+W Group has also already started an engagement programme with local schools and surrounding communities.

Bill continues: “A close working relationship with the client and early engagement with the supply chain are essential on a scheme like this. We are committed to delivering each element of the programme on time and to the very highest quality and compliance standards.

“We believe the significance of the BEPPS/DIF project goes beyond Sellafield. It will be an important step towards helping to address the decommissioning of the UK’s nuclear legacy well into the next century.”

The APPG has been ably led for the last five years by the Chair John Robertson MP and the Vice-Chairs, Stephen Mosley MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger MP and David Mowat MP. Following the election in May the NIA will work with Parliamentarians to reconstitute the group and organise a programme of activities for the coming years.

We now regularly bring together over 100 people to hear presentations at the APPG, but we are often short in number of Members of Parliament. We aim to remedy this in the coming years, maintaining our strong presence from industry, but building up a larger representation from members of the Commons and Lords.

2015 Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology – Dealing with a major nuclear incident The Autumn Statement and R&D with Energy Minister Matthew Hancock MP, Lord Hutton & Dame Sue Ion.

2014 Engineering for the Future: Engaging with STEM presented by the Chair of the Engineering APG Lord Broers, Sara Crane NIA and David Drury of EDF Energy Understanding radiation with Julian Hamm, Andrew Sherry and Gordon Bryan Focus on West Cumbria – a look at the new build and decommissioning sectors in the North West

of the Hinkley Point industrial delivery team and some of the opportunities for the UK supply chain. Tris Denton, Hitachi-GE discussed the company’s role in the Horizon project, the programme schedule and the Generic Design Assessment timetable for the UK ABWR. John McNamara, NuGeneration presented the developers unique delivery approach and the dates they have set themselves for various project milestones as well as the reasons for relocating to Manchester.

Following the publication of the Energy and Climate Change Committee’s report into Small Nuclear Power as well as the NNL feasibility report into small modular reactors, Fiona Rayment was invited to give a UK view into SMRs. Fiona outlined the various pros and cons of a small modular reactor programme in the UK and conclude that whilst the economic case looks very strong, the question is whether these advantages will remain once engineering reality intervenes.

John Ransford from the Manufacturing Advisory Service presented the Fit for Nuclear programme to the group outlining what it is, which companies are eligible and the process to support SMEs in the supply chain.

Further information All of the presentations are available for NIA members to download online

State Aid; UK Government update with the former Energy Minister Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP Energy Costs with Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Rt Hon. Caroline Flint MP

2013 Candu Energy briefing Policy Briefing with Baroness Verma Breakfast Briefing with Energy Minister John Hayes MP The UK’s Nuclear Industry Strategy – Implications for nuclear R&D and for skills development with Paul Howarth & Andrew Sherry

2012 Briefing with Energy Minister Rt Hon. Charles Hendry MP Briefing with Adrian Simper NDA and David Powell GE Hitachi NNL Briefing with Paul Howarth NNL TUSNE Briefing

2011 Briefing with Energy Minister Rt Hon. Charles Hendry MP An overview of the Energy Bill with Greg Barker MP

NIAUK.ORG/working-groups/new-build

If you are interested to hear more about the new build group please contact

rupert.lewis@niauk.org

Centrica Briefing with Greg Evans

2010 Parliamentary dinner

2015 | spring — 27

NEW NIA MEMBERS

find out more about benefits of NIA membership at niauk.org/ membershipinformation

ESG ESG is the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services. ESG offers an unrivalled range of technical expertise and services through a nationwide network of UKAS accredited laboratories, consultancy services and field based operations.

Pryor Marking Technology Pryor Marking Technology provides a full range of solutions for traceability, identification and marking. Established in Sheffield in 1849, Pryor offers standard punches and affordable marking machines but also has extensive experience designing bespoke automated systems using laser, scribing and punching, incorporating robotic marking and automatic vision control and verification.

welcome Adelard LLP Adelard is an independent specialist consultancy founded in 1987. Its mission is to provide an exceptional standard of consultancy, backed by an internationally recognized research program. Adelard work primarily in the area of computerbased safety-critical systems with some important exceptions in our work on security, corporate memory and software reliability, and have a reputation for solving difficult problems.

Chadbourne & Parke LLP A New York-based international law firm, Chadbourne & Parke partners with clients to promote their business objectives around the world, offering a full range of legal services and delivering innovative and effective results drawing on local expertise and relationships in its international platform of 11 offices across four continents.

The company has developed a unique focus on emerging markets and offer significant experience and depth in energy and infrastructure, international disputes, Latin American corporate and finance transactions, corporate M&A, and bankruptcy and financial restructuring.

28 — spring | 2015

GEL Laboratories UK Ltd The UK subsidiary of America’s leading provider of customised analytical chemistry, radiochemistry and radiobioassay services to the nuclear industry.

GEL performs analysis in support of environmental monitoring, deactivation, decommissioning, and hazardous/mixedwaste characterization. GEL offers comprehensive environmental laboratory services from its single-site laboratory in the USA.

Kurion Limited Kurion Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kurion, Inc. Kurion creates technology solutions to access, separate and stabilize nuclear and hazardous waste to isolate it from the environment. Kurion’s suite of technologies and engineering capabilities offer a platform to address the most challenging nuclear and hazardous waste sites worldwide. Founded in 2008, the company is headquartered in California, and has facilities in Washington, Texas, Colorado, Idaho, Warrington, and Tokyo.

SIG plc Europe’s leading supplier of specialist construction materials has launched a new offering focusing on the UK Nuclear markets. SIG Nuclear offers the combined knowledge and expertise from some of its key businesses, a group of over 45 key manufactures and suppliers.

Contractors are able to access the combined services of these businesses – with SIG acting as a conduit with all suppliers on the project. As well as opening a pool of expertise to the principle contractors, the service means all procedures – invoicing, logistics, ordering and management – are overseen by a single point of contact.

Supacat Limited Supacat is an SME operating predominantly in the Defence sector, however over the last eight years has been diversifying into other niche engineering sectors including marine and renewables sectors. Supacat can offer expertise in engineering into the nuclear sector with in house capabilities including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, electronic and system engineering.

OPINION

PowerPolitics “the more important point from the nuclear industry’s perspective is continuity in energy security and climate change policy”

As I write, we policy geeks are excitedly awaiting the publication of the political party manifestos. There have so far been few leaks, but energy is clearly going to be an issue. Listing general election priorities in January, Ed Miliband included ‘Fighting for a Britain where everyone plays by fair rules, including the most powerful like energy companies and banks’. This suggests utilities are now up there with the financial community as an abuse to be tackled.

To an admittedly partial observer this seems a little unfair, although soundings from (non-industry) friends – my wife included – indicates the line has considerable public sympathy. Against this background we can probably rely on the Labour manifesto reiterating the commitment to create a fairer energy market by freezing energy bills until 2017, replacing Ofgem, and breaking up the Big Six. As the trade association for UK nuclear the NIA has avoided involvement in this debate. It will nonetheless be interesting to see how this is taken forward if Labour form the next Government, particularly if the Competition and Markets Authority inquiry into the supply and acquisition of energy in Great Britain concludes the abuse is not as clear cut as anticipated.

However the more important point from the nuclear industry’s perspective, given the long-term nature of investments and the need for investor and business confidence, is continuity in energy security and climate change policy. Reassuringly the Labour front bench has made clear its continuing support for the Coalition’s electricity market reform arrangements

(and CfDs) to encourage low carbon investment as well as the role of nuclear as part of a balanced energy mix.

In this context the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition recently announced their agreement to work across party lines to tackle climate change. Their joint pledge included a commitment to seek a fair, legally binding, global climate deal which limits temperature rises to below 2C, to agree carbon budgets in accordance with the Climate Change Act, to accelerate the transition to a competitive, energy efficient low carbon economy and to end use of coal for power generation.

This new commitment is clearly helpful in maintaining confidence in the run up to the general election and beyond that to the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP 21) in December.

Before leaving the election I should note that the NIA has drawn up its own document setting out the priorities for a new Government, including investment stability as the first point. Other asks are the need to maintain a progressive decommissioning programme; the need to make progress in dealing with the plutonium stockpile; and to increase the number of young people studying STEM subjects and doing apprenticeships to regenerate the workforce.

We believe that if these are adopted by an incoming administration it can sustain progress on new build and tackling the challenges around decommissioning and position the UK at the forefront of the global nuclear industry, to the great benefit of both the nuclear industry and UK plc.

Manifestos apart there has been some clearing of the decks as this Parliament reaches its conclusion. The Government has responded to the Energy and Climate Change Committee’s report into small reactors providing detail of the work underway (Phase 2) to make a policy decision. Realistically this will really only get underway after 7 May but could potentially result in one SMR design beginning the Generic Design Assessment process in 2017.

Turning finally to a European perspective – and resisting the opportunity to comment on the (poor) case for an in out referendum – I should note that the new Commission has recently launched an ‘Energy Union’ initiative, with a view to creating ‘a resilient Energy Union with an ambitious climate change policy at its core to give EU customers secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy’.

Whilst internal EU politics mean there is little overt mention of nuclear, the emphasis on security and decarbonisation is very helpful – as well as completely unsurprising given the events currently unfolding in the Ukraine. Hopefully this new approach will lead to a more explicit recognition of nuclear’s benefits as the policy discussion proceeds.

Peter Haslam Head of Policy NIA peter.haslam@niauk.org

2015 | spring — 29

Tuesday 30 June - Wednesday 1 July Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

www.nia-nnb.glasgows.co.uk Nuclear New Build 2015 (NNB15) conference and exhibition will be held over two days in the heart of Westminster, showcasing the best of the best of new build in the nuclear sector.

Why you must be involved?

The NIA’s NNB15 is the leading nuclear new build conference and exhibition run by the industry for the industry. The Conference will attract delegates from across the nuclear sector at home and abroad.

The UK is leading the way in creating the landscape for nuclear new build and this conference will demonstrate and celebrate progress being made, building confidence in successful delivery of new nuclear build projects in the UK. While showing progress in the sector, NNB15 will provide a forum to hear from developers and the supply chain, establish links across the industry and unrivalled networking opportunities. With more than 350 people forecast to attend, it will be the leading conference of 2015.

Hosted by Steph McGovern Business Journalist

Nuclear Industry Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 2804518.

Registered Office: 5th Floor, Tower House, 10 Southampton Street, London WC2E 7HA

www.niauk.org