Industry Link - June 2015

THERE HAS BEEN MUCH CHANGE. A CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY HAS RETURNED TO WESTMINSTER, PROMISING A “SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION IN NEW NUCLEAR.” A NEW DECC TEAM IS IN PLACE, NUGEN HAS A NEW CEO AND HITACHI-GE HAS HIRED ITS DELIVERY TEAM. DESPITE THE CHANGE THE MESSAGE IS THE SAME AND NUCLEAR REMAINS AN ENERGISED INDUSTRY.

MAGAZINE OF THE UK NUCLEAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION SUMMER / 2015

NIAUK.ORG

PowerPolitics: Election Special

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Hitachi-GE gearing up for UK delivery GDF PROCESS PROGRESSING WELL

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Decommissioning

Welcome to IndustryLink Welcome to the summer edition of IndustryLink. Many of you will be reading this at the NIA’s Nuclear New Build Conference which brings together the developers, vendors and all tiers of the supply chain.

During the two day conference we hope you have a chance to meet new people, learn more about the impending opportunities and gain a greater understanding of the broad range of work available.

In this edition of the magazine Peter Haslam takes a look at the makeup of the Parliament that no pundit or poll was able to predict. We have also put together profiles of the Ministers in the Energy, Business, Treasury and Education departments who will be working to deliver the skills needs and nuclear projects for our sector in the next five years.

We have included a number of industry updates on the Nuclear Supply Chain Partnership, Hitachi-GE, NuGen, EDF Energy life extensions and the importance of dealing with the plutonium stockpile.

This is an exciting time for the industry with progress being made by all three developers, work on decommissioning ongoing and a supportive Government in place. The next few months will be testing as we await the Final Investment Decision for Hinkley Point C and lobby for the maintenance of the decommissioning budget – to support sites across the country.

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 60,000 UK nuclear workers across more than 260 member companies.

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

Press Enquiries Sara.Crane@niauk.org TEL 07803 696 786

Registered Office 5th Floor Tower House 10 Southampton Street London WC2E 7HA TEL +44(0)20 7766 6640 EMAIL info@niauk.org

Advertisement Enquiries Rupert.Lewis@niauk.org TEL 020 7766 6642

Contributors Rupert Lewis, Peter Haslam, Keith Parker, Sara Crane, Rachel Dowling, Tristram Denton – Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy Ltd, Neil Foreman – Centronic Ltd, John Dalton – RWM Ltd, Sue Ion – NIRAB, Gareth Davies – Burges Salmon, NuGeneration Ltd, with additional thanks to World Nuclear News

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PowerPolitics:

ElectionSpecial “...THERE IS NO BLANK CHEQUE. ENERGY PRICES ARE STILL VERY MUCH A POLITICAL ISSUE...”

This is not the column I was expecting to write. Like nearly all the pundits and pollsters I was anticipating a close election result, a hung parliament, and protracted negotiations on a potential coalition. I thought these might even still be underway, and that this column might therefore be a vehicle for considering, from a nuclear perspective, all the possible permutations resulting from the various ‘red lines’.

The election of a majority Conservative government has denied us this opportunity. It is nonetheless probably the best outcome for nuclear, particularly so far as new build is concerned. This is because – as explained below – there should now be continuity in nuclear policy, avoiding the delays that could be expected of a new Government reconsidering its approach.

Contrary to all the speculation in the media, there has been no wholesale Whitehall restructuring, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change remains in place, at least pending the Comprehensive Spending Review.

DECC’s retention, and the appointment of Amber Rudd – who is seen as committed to fighting Climate Change – as its Secretary of State, implies no major change to the existing approach to carbon reduction. Given the Conservative manifesto support for the Climate Change Act, and to supporting an international climate deal in Paris this Christmas, this is not altogether surprising.

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Similarly the current approach to energy security looks likely to be maintained, with the Conservative manifesto committing to ‘ensuring reliable energy supplies’ through ‘a significant expansion in new nuclear and gas’.

The manifesto also includes a commitment to ‘halt the spread of subsidised onshore wind’, which as noted elsewhere has been followed up in the Queen’s Speech. Whilst this may disappoint some of our more partisan readers, this is not something the NIA necessarily welcomes. Our view has always been that to effectively meet our energy objectives we need to make the most of all our viable low carbon options – and this means both nuclear and renewables.

What this decision does illustrate however is that there is no blank cheque. Energy prices are still very much a political issue and the Government is committed to keeping bills as low as possible. This means there will be growing attention to striking the right balance between costs and carbon reduction, and therefore growing pressure on all low carbon projects, including nuclear, to demonstrate value for money. We ignore this at our peril. The successful delivery of the new nuclear build projects, starting with Hinkley, will be crucial.

Widening the picture out beyond energy, the new Government’s overriding priority is of course to balance the books, by reducing public spending more sharply than envisaged by Labour, and this

great regret, that it no longer includes Tom Greatrex who lost his Scottish seat.

He was a great friend to the industry and we wish him well.

The position with the Lib Dems is less propitious. Following the general election we have lost some of our key advocates in the party, not least the former Energy Secretary Ed Davey. Like Labour there is now a leadership election underway, and both the current contenders, Tim Farron and Norman Lamb, have a history of opposition to nuclear.

That said it should be remembered that both Ed Davey and his predecessor as Energy Secretary Chris Huhne began from an anti-nuclear perspective and changed their minds when immersed in the arguments. It was as a result of this, and Davey’s strong advocacy, that the party conference came to its decision two years ago to support new build.

Of course it is the SNP, not the LibDems, that are now the third largest Westminster party with 56 MPs. Opposition to nuclear power has long been an article of faith for the party, although in Scotland this has been laced with pragmatism which has enabled them to support the continued generation, and even life extension, at Hunterston B and Torness.

The key message here has been support for ambitious carbon reduction and renewables and the party can be expected to reflect this stance in Parliament. One vehicle for doing this will be through

chairing the Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) they were awarded in the recent inter-party negotiations.

Through their inquiries and reports Select Committees can be an important influence on Government thinking and until the last election the ECCC, under the chairmanship of the pro-nuclear Tim Yeo, was broadly supportive of nuclear power. Whilst the committee will broadly reflect the views of its Conservative and Labour members, a change at the top could have an impact on its direction which might now be more focussed on issues important to the SNP, including renewables and North Sea oil.

So what can we draw from all this?

It is clearly early days, but at this stage we can expect continued commitment to nuclear energy and the new build programme, although the costs of carbon reduction could become an issue. More generally there will be huge pressure on public spending, and the nuclear industry will need to explain very clearly why continued progress in decommissioning is very much in the national interest.

PETER HASLAM Head of Policy NIA peter.haslam@niauk.org

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may have less beneficial implications for our industry. When the NDA’s spending plans – which are largely Government funded – were reviewed in the last Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) the Government accepted, albeit after prolonged negotiations, that there should be no significant cuts.

The arguments for maintaining the programme are no less strong this time, but the pressure will be even more intense. We should get some indication of the prospects when George Osbourne delivers his ‘stability’ budget on 8 July setting out the likely content of this Autumn’s 2016-19 CSR Of course the Government does not act alone but in a parliamentary system, and this looks very different from just three weeks ago.The nuclear industry has enjoyed cross party support over the past few years, but it would be complacent to take this for granted.

Labour has long been supportive, and in fact initiated the current energy and climate change policies in its energy and nuclear white papers. Although there is currently a leadership election underway there are no obvious grounds to foresee this changing - although like any opposition they can be expected to latch onto specifics, and again costs could be an issue.

Moreover the shadow energy team under Caroline Flint is broadly unchanged although I should note, with

The Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd became MP for Hastings and Rye in 2010 and was subsequently made the Parliamentary Private Secretary for George Osborne. She took the position of Assistant Whip in October 2013, before becoming Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Climate Change. Her constituency is adjacent to Folkestone and Hythe, the home of Dungeness nuclear power station.

As Secretary of State, her brief involves the overall strategy on energy, consumers and climate change policy; including the international climate change negotiations, taking place in Paris this December.

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Andrea Leadsom MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change Andrea Leadsom has been MP for South Northamptonshire since 2010, and was previously the Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

As Minister for Energy and Climate Change, her remit includes responsibility for new energy infrastructure, the NDA and the Geological Disposal Facility programme. On Nuclear she has previously stated during a back bench debate, that she is in favour of an increase in nuclear power generation.

The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills MP for Bromsgrove since 2010, Sajid Javid was appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury from 2012-2013, Financial Secretary to the Treasury from 2013-2014 and then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

As Secretary of State for BIS, his remit covers business law, trade policy, science, innovation, higher and further education. He is supportive of nuclear power, stating in the last Parliament, “the only realistic way we can meet the expected huge increase in domestic demand for energy is through the domestic production of nuclear power.”

The Rt Hon Lord Maude, Minister for Trade and Investment First elected as an MP from 1983-1992 and again from 1997-2015, entering the House of Lords in May 2015. Maude has held several government posts since the 1980’s, including Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and most recently Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General.

As the Minister for UK Trade and Investment, his remit will cover trade policy, UK Export Finance, trade promotion and inward investment.

The Rt Hon Anna Soubry MP, Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise MP for Broxtowe since 2010, the Minister held several positions in the Ministry of Defence during the last administration.

Her brief includes advanced manufacturing, including low carbon economy, the Business Bank, access to finance and the Green Investment Bank.

The Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury MP for Chelsea and Fulham since 2005, Hands served in the Shadow Treasury team until 2010. Following the 2010 election, he was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to George Osborne, before becoming an Assistant Government Whip in 2011.

As Chief Secretary to the Treasury he will have responsibility for public expenditure, including spending reviews, strategic planning, capital investment and spending controls.

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Jo Johnson MP, Minister for Universities and Science MP for Orpington since 2010, Jo Johnson was appointed Assistant Government Whip in 2012. In 2013 he was promoted to Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, a role he kept until May 2015. He was also appointed as Minister of State for the Cabinet Office in 2014.

In his new Ministerial position, he will cover higher education, science and research (with a particular focus on STEM), innovation and commerce.

New Conservative Government BY. RACHEL DOWLING

David Cameron has formed the first Conservative Cabinet in over 20 years and we have profiled the Ministers which will affect and form policy for the nuclear industry and wider energy sector.

The Energy team has shrunk to three Ministers, from four under the Coalition. The Conservatives highlighted continuity in energy policy and its dedication to Climate Change, when appointing Amber Rudd to Secretary of State – previously a junior Minister at DECC. Andrea Leadsom joins DECC from the Treasury and Lord Bourne takes over as Parliamentary Under-Secretary, but has no nuclear remit. Caroline Flint remains Shadow Secretary of State and Jonathan Reynolds has taken up the Shadow Energy Minister role from Tom Greatrex who lost his seat in May. The Business team has been completely refreshed, and the cross-departmental role between the energy and business has been removed. The new Secretary of State, Sajid Javid, has extensive Treasury experience, and previously had a career in the financial services sector. The Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP and the Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP remain the same – giving continuity and stability to Government policies.

Local Elections The Conservative Party consolidated its position as the largest party in local government, becoming the largest grouping winning 129 councils and regaining chairmanship of the Local Government Authority. The Labour Party won 71 Councils and the Liberal Democrats four.

The Conservative manifesto promises the delivery of more Growth Deals with a strong focus on the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ programme. It also supported Local Enterprise Partnerships to promote jobs and growth.

CUMBRIA

In Allerdale, Copeland and Barrow-in-Furness, Labour remain the largest party.

Mike Starkie, an Independent candidate, has become the first elected Mayor of Copeland. Mr Starkie has previously stated he wishes to work with Government agencies to ensure Copeland remain a leader in nuclear matters and has already appeared at a NuGen consultation event supporting the Moorside project.

SOMERSET

The Conservatives took control of all the Councils in the region except South Somerset, which has no overall party in control.

SUFFOLK

The Conservatives hold all but one Council in Suffolk, with Ipswich held by Labour.

2015 | SUMMER — 5

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Second Yangjiang unit starts generating Unit 2 of China General Nuclear's (CGN) Yangjiang nuclear power plant is now operating commercially. The company said that 168 hours of demonstration runs were completed at Yangjiang at the beginning of June meaning the unit had met the required conditions to start commercial operation.

Yangjiang 2 is the second of four CPR1000 pressurized water reactors being built at the site by CGN. Construction of unit 1 started in December 2008, with work on unit 2 beginning in 2009, unit 3 in 2010 and unit 4 in late 2012. The first unit began commercial operation in March last year. The loading of fuel into the reactor of Yangjiang 2 began in late January and the unit was connected to the grid on 10 March.

With Yangjiang 2 in commercial operation, CGN now has 12 power reactors in operation with a combined generating capacity of 12.7 GWe. The company has a further 11 units in various stages of construction with a combined capacity of 13.4 GWe.

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US funding nuclear R&D The US Department of Energy has selected 68 R&D projects to share almost $60 million. The projects, including some international collaborations, have been selected for their potential to create scientific breakthroughs.

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Approximately $31 million has been awarded to 43 university-led nuclear energy projects through the Nuclear Energy University Programmes.

A further $3.5 million will fund research reactor and infrastructure improvements at nine universities, including upgrades to research reactors at Kansas State University, the University of Florida, the University of Missouri, Columbia and the University of Wisconsin.

Announcing the funding, the Energy Secretary said he remained "convinced" of nuclear energy's ongoing role as a carbon-free contributor to the USA's energy portfolio. Adding, "These awards provide essential funding for nuclear energy-related research and thereby support the long term health of our domestic nuclear energy industry."

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Fukushima Debris retrieval to start in 2021 The Nuclear Damage Compensation & Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation (NDF) expect to start the retrieval of fuel debris from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant in 2021. Set up in 2011 by the Japanese Government, NDF manages a fund to support operators in providing compensation to victims of nuclear accidents.

Speaking in Moscow, NDF Executive Director, Yasuharu Igarashi explained "We expect to select the retrieval method within the next few years, after which detailed design and mock-up tests will follow." NDF has identified

three "priority methods" for retrieving highly radioactive nuclear fuel debris in three reactors at Tokyo Electric Power Company's (Tepco's) Fukushima Daiichi plant. They are: submersion; partial submersion top access; and partial submersion side access.

In addition to fuel debris retrieval, the strategic plan will also include a policy for waste management involving storage, processing and disposal methods.

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Haiyang 1 control room operational The main control room of the first Westinghouse AP1000 unit at Haiyang in China has been declared operational and the plant is on track to be fully operation by the end of 2015.

To reach this milestone, several instrumentation and control systems - all of which were supplied by Westinghouse - were integrated and tested, and multiple commissioning activities completed.

After reaching the milestone, a Westinghouse representative said, "The main control room is a vital element of an AP1000. Once the plant is online and operating, certified reactor operators will work from the main control room to monitor and control plant processes through digital displays."

In addition to the AP1000 units being built at Haiyang, two more are currently under construction at the Sanmen site in Zhejiang province.

Sanmen unit 1 is expected to be the first unit to begin operating.

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

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NIA Jobs Map 2015

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or more than a decade, the Nuclear Industry Association has released an annual jobs map designed to highlight the number of people employed in the civil nuclear industry and where in the country they are based.

2015’s figures show 63,484 people are employed across the sector, a jump of almost 10,000 from 2014 and a number which is only expected to rise 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.

A digital version of the map will be available to download on the NIA website and for more information about the publication contact the NIA on 020 7766 6640.

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Hitachi-GE gearing up for UK delivery

Shunsuke Utena, Executive Officer of Hitachi’s ‘Nuclear Power Projects’ unit – the UK outpost of Hitachi-GE.

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itachi-GE has an enviable record in delivering nuclear projects. On-time and on-budget construction of four plants in Japan have set high expectations, and the Japanese giant is aiming to maintain this record as it leads an Engineering Procurement Construction delivery team for Horizon.

“It’s about carefully developing our understanding, to form a plan which we are confident we will deliver” commented Shunsuke Utena, Executive Officer of Hitachi’s ‘Nuclear Power Projects’ unit – the UK outpost of Hitachi-GE. “We’re building our understanding of the UK construction environment; developing our understanding of the site itself; and enhancing our understanding of the UK supply chain”.

He continues, speaking frankly about the realities of transferring its Japanese performance to the UK: “We understand we can’t do this by remote control – it will not be just another Japanese project – but equally, we’ve got some great experience in Japan which we absolutely must draw on”.

And key to this, of course, is people. Through the course of this spring, Hitachi-GE has been steadily increasing its UK readiness, announcing several further senior appointments within the UK - alongside that of Mr Utena himself.

Now with a mixture of Japanese expats, senior British players, and global expertise within their team, Hitachi-GE looks increasingly like a heavyweight player in UK nuclear – a position it has long occupied elsewhere around the globe.

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Looking at the team, Mr Utena highlights a few of the key members now based in the UK – either at the Paddington HQ , embedded with Horizon in Gloucester or at the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) office, in Liverpool.

“We have myself and our Project Manager – Mr Akahori – here, leading the UK work. Our effort on GDA is led by Mr Tanikawa who divides his time between the UK and Japan – including leading the team of more than 250 people working on GDA in Hitachi City. That programme is co-ordinated from the UK however by Ken Sato, who’s been here now for more than two years. At his right hand is Chas King, an experienced UK project manager, who is helping ensure we can deliver this extremely complex and multi-faceted project, in the most effective way.”

Turning to construction preparation, Hitachi-GE already has an enviable team in the UK- even before the anticipated appointments of top-tier partners. Mr Utena explains that Jun Miura – a senior construction engineer with extensive experience in construction of the Japanese ABWR fleet – leads the team; and is closely supported by Construction Director Jim Byrne, an Irish-Canadian, who began his career at Darlington NPP in Ontario, and has since worked on sites such as Cernavoda in Romania, Qinshan in China and many more.

Mr Utena then turns to procurement, commenting “we understand how much of a priority this is for UK companies – they can see clearly the scale of this project, and want to

find their opportunity. We want to work with them to help that move forward.”

Procurement in the UK is increasingly led by Head of UK Supply Chain Tim Davies. Tim is an experienced player in the UK sector having spent many years in the defence industry, and before that with Babcock International Group and UKAEA. As Tim sets about recruiting his British team – two new hires in 2015 so far – he continues to be supported by senior colleagues from Japan who have by now become familiar to many NIA members, such as Atsushi Yoshida and Katsunori Mizukami.

It’s a strong team, which is clearly growing quickly. When asked about how he expects this to continue, M Utena keeps an open view, “the shape of the team will depend on the exact delivery model – we will bring partners on board and work forward from there – but Hitachi-GE are very clear that we must have the right people in place, to ensure we can continue to progress successfully”.

Towards the end of his discussion with the NIA, Mr Utena was frank about the challenges which lie ahead: “Nobody ever said this will be easy. Building nuclear power stations is a tough business, involving serious investment and a complex array of construction and technical challenges. But we’re developing a proven technology, on a great site, and have an extremely good relationship with our customer, Horizon. This is a strong project, and what’s more, it can provide serious economic opportunities across the UK and in North Wales specifically.

2015 | SUMMER — 9

Media Watch EW WSSS NNNEEW

Delivering success for all nuclear companies BY. NEIL FOREMAN ⁄ CENTRONIC

Keith Parker was quoted in a NucNet article focussing on the G7’s agreement to phase out the use of fossil fuels by the end of the century. Describing it as an “admirable initiative”, Keith explained “All clean energy technologies, including nuclear and renewables have a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions generated by the electricity sector and although the low-carbon energy industry may lead the way, it can’t solve the problem alone.” He added NIA’s own polling shows 65% of the British public see climate change as a serious and urgent problem.

Sizewell starred in an edition of Springwatch, highlighting how the cooling system for Sizewell A power station is supporting the local population of kittiwake seagulls. The infrastructure out at sea provides a shelter and local habitat for the birds.

Following his appearance at NOF Energy’s annual conference, Keith Parker was interviewed by the Newcastle Journal to discuss Hinkley Point C and opportunities for the UK Supply Chain. Keith emphasised the scale of each new nuclear project will create huge opportunities for UK companies and deliver high value jobs.

Speaking on the construction issues surrounding the EPR design, Keith explained the UK’s independent regulator will have scrutinised the Finnish and French builds and “lessons will have been learnt when they are built in the UK. I have every confidence they will proceed.”

BBC Scotland reported waste from Dounreay has been stored in one of two massive new vaults built for storing low-level radioactive waste in Caithness for the first time. Each vault is 36 feet below ground and according to the report they can hold “the equivalent of between 370 and 450 double decker buses.”

The vaults are potentially the first of six that could be built on the site to store waste for hundreds of years.

It was reported that a specially-designed robot had captured the first images from inside one of the reactors at Fukushima nuclear power plant. After initially withstanding the high levels of radiation it became stranded approximately two-thirds of the way through its mission. The pictures from inside the reactor showed steam in the chamber and debris that looked like small rocks and shards of metal. The officials hailed the mission as a success and explained it was now possible to send more sophisticated robots into the reactor core.

BBC Wales reported the Wylfa Newydd project on Anglesey could potentially be worth £5.7bn to the Welsh Economy. The independent research, conducted by Miller Research and commissioned by the Welsh Government, investigated the current and potential capability of businesses in Wales able to win work in the nuclear sector over the next 20 years. The report concluded that 34% of the new build cost could be spent in Wales and that the peak construction workforce could be up to 6,800 people and once operational the station will require over 800 full time staff.

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More than 5,000 SMEs will be needed to supply goods and services to the UK’s £60 billion civil nuclear new build programme over the next decade – this is a huge opportunity for UK PLC. One year ago Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, Managing Director of Nuclear New Build at EDF Energy called for a single point EDF could use to access SME’s and smaller companies to provide goods and services to UK projects.

To meet this challenge I was asked by the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) to form a board of small companies in the manufacturing sector. Some are existing nuclear suppliers and some are experts in oil and gas who could provide expertise to our sector.

We have broadened the remit to incorporate all new build developers and reactor vendors and will be working with the major tier 1 and 2 contractors.

The project aims to make smaller companies visible to all tiers of the supply chain. We have great companies up and down the country who have innovative solutions to assist the new build programme, and by bringing them together we will all benefit.

This is about sharing information, whether that be on timelines from the major suppliers, updates on tender opportunities, or shared learning among smaller companies – by doing this we will put ourselves in the strongest possible position to make the case for UK companies to play a major role in the fleet of new reactors.

We will also be casting our eye overseas. There are significant existing supply chains for all the developers and we need to work with them. Joint-ventures have been highlighted as a key way to secure work and the Bouygues TP and Laing O'Rourke contract on early contractor involvement is no doubt the first of many joint ventures that will help the UK re-build its nuclear expertise, and deliver vital new nuclear infrastructure.

The Nuclear Supply Chain Partnership will allow smaller companies to form loose associations to form bids, as well as

being put in touch directly with our overseas counterparts. We will initially be working with the Burgundy Cluster – a grouping of mechanical and metal industries companies, and PFME, 71 companies who are already part of the French nuclear supply chain.

In order to join the Partnership companies must be enrolled on or have completed the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Fit For Nuclear (F4N) programme. Companies must have a realistic possibility of securing work and we believe this first achievable hurdle is a reasonable step for any company seriously looking at the nuclear sector.

Invitations to join will be issued to all companies that have completed the F4N programme shortly, around 90 companies so far. If you are interested in finding out more about the Partnership please contact alastair.evans@niauk.org at the NIA who will be able to help.

The mission of the partnership is very clear – put UK companies in the strongest possible position to competently and competitively tender for work from all developers. This is a huge opportunity for the UK supply chain, and in the long term offers tremendous export opportunities – but we need to get this fleet of UK reactors right and our manufacturing expertise will assist that.

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NUCLEARSCP.ORG

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

ALASTAIR.EVANS@NIAUK.ORG

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2015 | SUMMER — 11

Government priority must be to deal with Plutonium stockpile The UK currently holds around 140 tonnes of plutonium in safe storage facilities in Cumbria and Scotland. Despite exploratory papers and consultations since 2009, as yet, the Government has still not come to a decision on the best long-term solution for its management. This is an important issue for the industry and the NIA has identified it as one of its key priorities for the new Government.

The Queen’s Speech at the state opening of

Parliament in May 2015 highlighted the need for

securing the UK energy supply, and dealing with

the plutonium stockpile could contribute to this.

Reusing it as a fuel could not only provide low carbon energy to the grid but help to meet the

UK’s carbon reduction targets.

A Government report in January 2014 cited

three credible options for reusing the stockpile

– GE-Hitachi PRISM; Candu Reactor and

Areva’s MOX fuel (details on the next page).

The NIA is pushing Government to make a

final decision on the strategy for dealing

with the stockpile so that one or more

technology can be considered within the

next Comprehensive Spending Review.

“The NIA is keen the Government

sticks to the timetable identified in

the paper which envisaged a decision

being made in September 2015, which

would also include funding and

procurement arrangements, said Keith

Parker, Chief Executive of the NIA.

“This would be great news, not only for

the nuclear supply chain, but for wider

security of supply in the UK.”

Delivering these proposals would

mean that not only will the UK have a

safe and secure process in place to

manage its plutonium, but would be

creating a role-model to the international

non-proliferation debate. Furthermore,

it would also relieve some of the burden at

Sellafield, where it is currently stored.

“We want to see a decision taken early

in the Government, so as not to delay it for

future generations to deal with, and to show

that the Government is committed to the

programme. However, it is vital that there is cross

party and public support for plutonium management

because any programme, as with all nuclear projects,

will span multiple administrations,” Parker continued.

With the UK ABWR and the AP1000 both going

through the GDA process currently and the potential for

the Government to look towards Small Modular Reactors as

well as Plutonium, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, which manages the GDA process could be under added pressure.

Parker concludes: “A clear timetable would benefit everyone.

With discussions about future technology gathering pace, everyone involved in the industry will benefit from knowing what the Government’s plans are. We hope the Department can come to a decision this year.”

12 — SUMMER | 2015

GE PRISM →→ Owned by GE Hitachi →→ Output of 311 MWe – two PRISM

reactors make up a plant with 622 MWe

→→ PRISM is a high energy neutron (fast) reactor

→→ PRISM uses metallic fuel, such as

an alloy of zirconium, uranium, and plutonium

→→ Features advanced passive safety systems and design prevents loss of coolant accident

→→ Supports non-proliferation efforts – once used in the reactor, plutonium takes on qualities that make it effectively unusable for other purposes

ENHANCED CANDU 6 (EC6)

→→ Technology is based on more than

→→ Owned by Candu Energy Inc →→ Target output of 730-745 MWe →→ Projected lifetime capacity factor

30 years of development

of over 92%

→→ Target design life up to 60 years →→ Heavy-water moderated and heavy-

MIXED OXIDE (MOX) FUEL →→ →→ →→ →→

AREVA is the MOX technology vendor Offering a MOX fabrication facility MOX is UO2+PuO2 MOX fuel is manufactured from plutonium recovered from used reactor fuel

→→ Areva had reprocessed more than

water cooled pressure tube reactor

13,000 tonnes of used fuel at La Hague, and recycled 130 tonnes of plutonium into MOX

→→ Evolution of CANDU 6 , which has been operating since the 1980’s

→→ CANDU 6 has 11 operating units in

→→ MOX fuel provides 5% of new

five countries

nuclear fuel used today

→→ Suitability for small and medium sized electric grids

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2015 | SUMMER — 13

14 — SUMMER | 2015

Image courtesy of Magnox Limited — www.magnoxsites.com

IN VIEW

Europe’s largest asbestos removal project One million bags of asbestos waste, enough to fill four Olympic sized swimming pools, have been safely removed from the Chapelcross Site in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The eight year project has been completed a year ahead of schedule and £5 million under budget.

The project which began in 2007 involved stripping 3,300 tonnes of asbestos from the turbine hall, four reactor buildings and 16 heat exchangers.

Prior to the main work starting in 2009, it took two years to erect a structure around the heat exchangers to help the construction of asbestos enclosures and protect the structure from further damage from the elements.

The containment consisted of 506,246 feet of steel scaffolding, along with 194,576 fittings, 276 ladders, 48.84 tonnes of steel strengthening and 24,000 square metres of Powerclad sheeting.

Site Director, John Grierson said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Chapelcross and OCS Environmental Services; the safe, early and cost efficient delivery is testament to the quality of the personnel working on the project. It is a major milestone in moving the site towards a care and maintenance state and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in nuclear decommissioning.”

2015 | SUMMER — 15

New CEO on board as NuGen power forward...

New Chief Executive Tom Samson has taken the reins at NuGen as the company powers forward with Moorside, the UK’s largest new nuclear build project.

Mr Samson is a globally-renowned mega-infrastructure development specialist, and left his post as Chief Operating Officer at Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), based in Abu Dhabi, to join NuGen as the company takes forward plans for new nuclear units on land adjacent to the Sellafield complex.

At ENEC, Samson helped develop the company delivering new nuclear units at Barakah, which will supply up to 25% of the Emirates electricity by 2020.

He will continue to drive NuGen forward to deliver the next generation of nuclear reactors to provide safe, reliable and secure electricity to the United Kingdom, with the planned development and delivery of the Moorside Project, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. NuGen aims to build three reactors capable of producing 7% of the UK’s future electricity at the site, to the north and west of Sellafield, West Cumbria.

UK-born Samson completed his Bachelor of Engineering studies at Edinburgh’s Napier University in 1990 and began his career in Manchester at GEC Alstom as a design engineer working on CCGT power plants before joining Marubeni Corporation.

He takes over from interim Chief Executive, Sandy Rupprecht, who successfully developed and concluded the negotiations that led to Toshiba and ENGIE (formerly GDF SUEZ) becoming new owners of NuGen in 2014 – and who re-established the company as a credible nuclear project developer.

NuGen’s Chairman, Shigenori Shiga said the company was delighted to announce the news.

“We warmly welcome Tom Samson to NuGen. Mr Samson is an internationally-renowned large infrastructure project

16 — SUMMER | 2015

developer. He has a strong track record in project development and successful project delivery in the power sector, a wealth of experience of working in a multinational environment and cross cultures, long-term vision and strong leadership. We are confident his expertise and experience will advance our exciting project.”

Mr Samson will now lead as the company takes forward NuGen on the path to becoming a leading UK power producer.

NuGen started its 10-week public consultation on the proposed Moorside Power Station with the first public exhibition at the newly-opened Moorside Information Centre in Whitehaven’s Civic Hall.

Jamie Reed, newly re-elected MP for Copeland, performed the opening with a ceremonial ‘switch-on’ of the Civic Hall exhibition. He said: “I’m extremely pleased NuGen has taken the step of opening this facility in the centre of Whitehaven, bringing the consultation to the people of West Cumbria and making it very easy for them to have their say.”

It was recently announced a 22nd and final consultation event will be held at the Sellafield site. In an event specifically aimed to help staff and contractors working on the site to have their say on NuGen’s plans for the Moorside Project.

Top: Jamie Reed started the public consultation with a ‘switchon’ of the Moorside Information Centre Centre: Copeland mayor, Mike Starkie, with Jamie Reed and Sandy Rupprecht at the opening of the Moorside Information Centre NuGen’s new CEO, Mr Tom Samson Bottom: More than 130 people visited the first public consultation event on NuGen’s plans for the Moorside Power Station

2015 | SUMMER — 17

SNAPSHOT

Tata Steel awarded unique Sellafield contract In another example of Sellafield Ltd utilising the local supply chain, Tata Steel has been awarded a contract worth £20 million for the provision of ‘packages and gamma gates’ at Sellafield. The gates are specialist containers and doors which will be used to provide shielding during the transfer of waste from the legacy storage plants to modern, purpose built stores.

“I am delighted to have a local company demonstrate the capability, capacity and commitment to meet the programme requirements. It means we can also expect a range of benefits to West Cumbria and the local supply chain, which ultimately is what we, and local stakeholders, want to see in the region” said Paul Foster, Sellafield Ltd Managing Director.

“It’s a brilliant new contract” said Stuart Bowe, projects director at Tata Steel.

“It has come off the back of the quality work we are already doing at Sellafield and will give us something to work off in the future.”

18 — SUMMER | 2015

Under the contract, Tata Steel will modify and refurbish an existing fleet of packages and gamma gates. The gates are essentially high-integrity steel containers and doors used to provide shielding during the safe transfer of waste from the legacy storage plants at the site to modern, purpose-built stores.

The packages and gamma gates will be used in the decommissioning of the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo, one of the four oldest nuclear waste stores at Sellafield. Nuclear material will be moved from the silo and transferred to a new Silo Direct Encapsulation Plant, where it will be packaged for safe, secure storage.

Three silo emptying plants are currently being built and the first will be delivered to the Sellafield site, after testing later this year and will be available for solid waste retrievals in 2017.

takeholder Relations Director at Sellafield, S Rory O’Neill and Projects Director at Tata Steel, Stuart Bowe, seal the upcoming £20m deal with a handshake.

2015 | SUMMER — 19

A trip to the Far East BY. PETER HASLAM

L

ife in the NIA is never dull and in April I found myself in Beijing as part of a Government and UKTI Nuclear Outward Mission organised to coincide with the China International Nuclear Exhibition.

This was an extremely interesting few days, not least because it was my first chance personally to see the world’s new economic superpower in action. China’s modernisation is obvious from the moment you arrive in central Beijing. The drab buildings and swarms of bicycles of popular imagination are no more, replaced by ergonomically designed state of the art high rises. If you ignore the appalling traffic, and occasional pollution, this could be any modern (and upmarket) US city.

China’s incredible economic progress extends across all infrastructure, the energy sector included, and it is now the world’s fastest growing nuclear nation.

It has an impressive track record in delivering new nuclear programmes, and very ambitious plans for the future.

One of these ambitions is to become involved in our UK nuclear programme, first by contributing to Hinkley Point C as financial partners. This could then pave the way for involvement in future projects

20 — SUMMER | 2015

by giving them experience that will support their long term objective of becoming nuclear developers here in the UK. In this context EDF Energy arranged a supply chain event at which the (Chinese) CGN and CNNC representatives spoke about their enthusiasm for collaborating on the project with UK and French companies. This was echoed by the new EDF Chairman Jean-Bernard Levy who looked forward to long term co-operation between the UK, China and French nuclear industries using the industrial skills of all three countries.

Of course both the UK and China have long experience and traditions in nuclear energy – in the UK’s case dating back to the construction of Calder Hall in 1956.

We therefore believe that both countries have a great deal to offer each other, and welcome the prospect of the Chinese working with us as the partner of choice.

The proviso of course is that this must be an equitable and reciprocal arrangement. We would want to see the Chinese companies partnering with UK companies, and UK companies having the ability to compete fairly in China.

With a view to helping achieve this the NIA signed an agreement with

its opposite number in China (CNEA) on future co-operation between our two organisations. One of the initial deliverables will be to provide a forum for reviewing progress on the commitments made at the Sino-UK civil nuclear seminar which immediately followed the signing ceremony.

This seminar, which included key Chinese and UK companies including Amec Foster Wheeler, Atkins, NNL, Lloyds Register and some leading SMEs, looked at how the companies could access their respective markets, and ultimately third markets, to the benefit of both industries.

It resulted in a series of recommendations that will now be followed up in the UKTI China working group.

All in all this was a pretty positive visit, although as with most international agreements the proof will be in the pudding. It was also remarkable as the last hurrah for Hergen Haye, at least as Leader of the UK Government delegation.

Having seen him perform at consecutive events I believe there are few better or more committed advocates for UK nuclear, and it must be hoped he remains engaged, albeit in a different guise, in the UK nuclear scene.

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GDF process progressing well John Dalton from Radioactive Waste Management Ltd updates on the progress since last year’s white paper on geological disposal.

FURTHER INFORMATION In order to keep up-to-date with developments please subscribe to our e-bulletin at:

NDA.GOV.UK/RWM/SUBSCRIBE

22 — SUMMER | 2015

I

n July 2014 the Government set out in a white paper a revised geological disposal policy, in line with internationally agreed best practice, for the permanent disposal of radioactive waste materials.

The Government's review of the site selection process identified, among other things, the importance of providing upfront information on issues such as geology, socio-economic impacts and community investment. It was also clear that, an open process engaging local communities is crucial to the success of site selection. The white paper reflects much of the advice received during the consultation, and proposes a way forward markedly different from before.

The white paper states key principles and commitments that will shape the subsequent process of working with communities to identify and assess potential sites, and sets out three initial actions which need to be completed before any formal discussions with communities can begin. These are:

→→ National geological screening

Establishing a process of national screening, based on known geological information. This process will be led by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM Ltd), drafting national screening guidance that will be evaluated by an independent review panel in an open and transparent manner, before being applied across the UK (except Scotland).

THURSDAY 3rd

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Table bookings events@nuclearinst.com Sponsorship enquiries VeronicaLekavicius@niauk.org

→→ Land-use planning

In England, bringing geological disposal facilities (GDFs), and the bore-hole investigations that support their development, within the statutory definition of 'nationally significant infrastructure projects' as set out in the Planning Act 2008, in order to provide an appropriate process for planning decisions and making public consultation an integral part of this process.

A generic National Policy Statement will be developed to support the planning process, providing the framework within which the decision to construct will be taken, and giving further upfront information to inform discussions with communities.

N.I.Enterprises Ltd is a commercial division of the Nuclear institute is a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 6769447 Registered Office: CK International House, 1-6 Yarmouth Place, London W1J 7BU • T +44(0)20 3475 4701 • E admin@nuclearinst.com Nuclear Industry Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 2804518 Registered Office: Carlton House, 22A St James Square, London SW1Y 4JH • T +44(0)20 7766 6640 • E info@niauk.org

  

→→ Working with communities

Developing the process of working with communities, including: — deciding on an approach to community representation — providing high-level information on community investment — establishing a mechanism by which communities, the developer (RWM Ltd) and Government can openly access independent third party advice on key technical issues during the siting process

Work is progressing on all of these initial actions and stakeholders will be asked for their views and opinions.

RWM Ltd will consult on geological screening guidance later in the year. Government is developing consultation plans on the scope of GDF Appraisal of Sustainability (and Habitats Regulation Assessment) and has established a Community Representation Working Group which will call for evidence later in the year.

This new siting process is designed to create an environment for community engagement. It will provide much more information to communities as they engage. With greater clarity on issues like geology, economic development, planning, community investment and community representation, communities will be able to engage with more confidence in the process to deliver this nationally significant infrastructure project.

         

  

2015 | SUMMER — 23

In 2012, the NIA board approved a plan which put in place the strategic direction for the NIA over the next three years with three main priorities: →→ Effective communications both at a public and member level →→ Co-ordination of industry positions and policy responses and →→ Supporting and promoting the commercial interests of the

UK supply chain.

BY. KEITH PARKER

24 — SUMMER | 2015

While energy and electricity prices have been a concern for many consumers, and became a hot topic in the media, the urgent need to attract major investment to replace critical energy infrastructure remains vital. Of course, the NIA has argued consistently and forcefully that nuclear has a crucial part to play in the transition towards a secure, low carbon and affordable energy future.

Far reaching Government measures since then, including Electricity Market Reform, have encouraged investors to see the UK as a good place to do nuclear business.

Now, three years later, the UK is in the enviable position across Europe of having a cross party consensus for nuclear new build, as well as broad-based public support. The new build plans are firmly entrenched in the Government’s energy policy and promoting the UK’s experienced supply chain to the world is a key priority.

But we can’t be complacent. Despite the achievements and progress we have made, support for nuclear cannot be taken for granted and as such, the NIA continues to make the case for nuclear with a range of influential audiences in Government, Parliament and the media.

However, we are also at the forefront of measures to deliver nuclear projects in the UK successfully to time and to cost. NIA created a Programme Management Board involving industry, Government, the regulators and trades unions to undertake and co-ordinate this work. We are also behind the formation of the Supply Chain Partnership designed to help improve the prospects for the smaller firms who want to work in the sector.

The Nuclear Industry Council, chaired jointly by Government and NIA’s Chairman, Lord Hutton has helped strengthen the industry’s bond with Government and is taking forward work to chart the strategic direction for the sector. During this time, the NIA has streamlined its governance and appointed a new Board of Directors to oversee the association’s direction and activities.

But, our work doesn’t stop in the UK. We continue to work with FORATOM, of which I am currently President, on our programme to influence European institutions and promote the nuclear industry across Europe. We have also a range of reciprocal agreements with nuclear associations in China, France, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and work closely with UKTI to promote the interests of our members in overseas markets.

As we reach the end of this three year period, it is right to look back and focus on a number of achievements which have been documented in our 2015 Strategic Review. However, with a new Government elected in 2015, we need to plan for the future. The immediate priority will be ensuring a consistent approach to energy policy to preserve continued investment in UK companies. To this end we have developed a Priorities for Government paper to put the case to the incoming government on what it needs to focus on to position the UK at the forefront of the global nuclear industry.

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We have adopted and continually deliver a right first time approach, providing optimum value for all our current and future partners within the UK nuclear industry.

Find out more at www.nsgltd.com 2015 | SUMMER — 25

As the new build programme progresses, attention is turning to the future generation of nuclear technology across the whole sector – including energy generation and waste management. The Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB), established in January 2014, produced its first annual report in February, outlining key recommendations for the Government which would secure a robust Research and Development (R&D) programme in the UK. NIRAB is chaired by Dame Sue Ion, a prominent figure in the UK nuclear industry.

WHAT IS NIRABS ROLE FOR DELIVERING R&D? NIRAB doesn’t have a role in delivery of R&D as it has no funds and is not an executive body, rather an advisory body for Ministers, Government (DECC and BIS) on priorities for UK nuclear R&D and innovation.

Over the first year of its operation NIRAB has concentrated on identifying where the gaps are which would prevent the realisation of the Industrial Strategy and to propose programmes to plug those gaps.

IN CONVERSATION ...

DAME SUE ION

THE UK HAS A 20 YEAR GAP IN FUNDING FOR TARGETED MISSION LED R&D, WHY IS THIS?

26 — SUMMER | 2015

It’s partly an unintended consequence of the privatisation of the UK’s electricity supply industry in the 1990’s together with the decision to partly privatise through the creation of AEA Technology and completely change the mission of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

The other significant factor was the policy of successive governments throughout the 1990’s and the first decade of this century which firstly sought to place the accountability with an increasingly fractured industry base and secondly to emphasise policies which signalled an abandonment of nuclear power as part of the UK’s future energy mix.

It wasn’t until 2013 in response to the very critical 2011 House of Lords report that a concerted effort was made by Government in partnership with Industry to develop the Nuclear Industrial Strategy. Underpinning the strategy was a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the UK’s position with respect to nuclear R&D.

HOW WOULD THE UK BENEFIT FROM FURTHER FUNDING IN NUCLEAR R&D? Without further funding in R&D it is difficult to see how the Nuclear Industrial Strategy will be realised. It’s not just about R&D but it is essential to earmark funding for key aspects of what we require as a nation in the nuclear sector where the private sector would find it difficult to justify any investment in the short term due to the long timescales involved and the policy uncertainties.

Here I am thinking about objectives such as obtaining and sustaining a position in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development and deployment, developing the next generation of more efficient and accident tolerant fuels, securing a position in international initiatives to develop and deploy Generation IV rector systems and fuel cycles, and keeping options for recycling open.

All of these would enable key UK industry players to secure a place in the supply chains underpinning the global nuclear sector.

We would regain a position of making and selling our technology and services instead of just buying from overseas. We would actually be keeping our options for the future open rather than closing them by default.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY IN THE FUTURE? There are many! Firstly it is important that industry is able to deliver well against existing commitments whether that be the efficient and effective clean-up of our past legacy or successful delivery of the new nuclear projects at Hinkley, Wylfa Newydd and Moorside.

It is also important for UK companies to gain substantive positions in an increasingly competitive global supply chain.

The SMR opportunity offers us a once in a generation prospect of joining at a stage in the development and deployment where we can add and gain significant value Recruitment of the right talent from apprentice up to postdoctoral level presents the sector with particular challenges given the age profile of the existing workforce. A robust R&D programme is the essential fuel in the skills pipeline from Universities into the technical and engineering departments of our major companies.

ARE THERE ANY AREAS WHERE FUNDING IS REQUIRED MORE THAN OTHERS? There are particular gaps in R&D which would underpin next generation reactor systems and in advanced fuel cycles to keep the reprocessing option open. These range from complex modelling and simulation to advanced materials and complex chemistry and chemical engineering associated with highly radioactive environments. Investment in more efficient and accident tolerant fuels may be required to convince fuel fabricators to construct the next generation of fuel fabrication plants in the UK.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE UK WAS UNABLE TO PUSH AHEAD WITH ITS NUCLEAR R&D PROGRAMME? We would have to review the Nuclear Industrial Strategy and considerably reduce our aspirations. It would be unrealistic for instance to think that we could regain a position as a top table nuclear nation when we have nothing to offer in advanced systems and fuel cycles. Our industry would be denied the opportunity to gain a robust and sustainable position in the global supply chain.

HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY SUPPORT THE R&D PROGRAMME? The nuclear sector has always been one where there is a partnership between Government and Industry investing for the future. It is vital that industry, articulates what it sees as the long term priorities for investment.

NIRAB’s membership has representatives from industry right across the spectrum from fuel manufacture, enrichment and generation through to reactor and fuel cycle waste management and decommissioning. The NIA and Nuclear Industry Council have also been pretty vocal in articulating what they see as essential actions needed from Government and must continue to do so.

Industry can help NIRAB and the community generally by helping to build and articulate the business cases and justification for investment in specific R&D programmes and projects. Finally the expectation is that Industry will itself invest in R&D where the policy framework provides sufficient confidence that a market exists.

The Twittersphere Social media was expected to play a pivotal role in the General Election and one party pinned a great deal of hope on that assumption. David Axelrod, President Obama’s former political adviser and one of the Labour party’s chief election strategists identified Twitter and Facebook as key tools for election victory.

He thought with limited funding for traditional advertising, a strong message on social media would attract young voters and mobilise following party activists.

In hindsight the strategy did not work and it highlighted one of social media’s flaws as a communications tool – you are often already preaching to the converted. While your content can be shared and re-tweeted to a wider audience, the majority of your core, direct audience is one which already supports your opinion. As a result social media can often give you the wrong impression that you’re argument or belief is one that is supported by a substantial proportion of the public.

You may argue, and even the collection of prospective Labour leaders have argued, the Labour party message was not strong enough during the campaign and as a result it was always destined to fail. A point which only reinforces the one above; the Labour party’s social Who to follow? media channels coupled with Want information on nuclear the erroneous opinion polls and other relevant topics? distorted how much traction This issue we recommend you the party thought it was follow: gaining amongst voters.

The other issue is social media and especially Twitter @andrealeadsom is not a platform for rational @nick__bourne debate. For complex issues @AmberRuddhr such as nuclear energy, 140 @Anna_Soubry characters is not enough text to outline a clear and coherent opinion – despite the introduction of emojis! Thus resulting in often emotive and illogical statements as opposed to substantive thought.

Twitter and other channels are great for communicating facts, news and information but it cannot and probably should never be the core element of a company’s communications strategy.

@HorizonNuclear: We won Project of the Year at the #geawards for our work with @atkinsglobal & @StructuralSoils Well done team!

@NIAUK

@afneil: Our ageing nuke stations working hard tonight as wind provides only 3% of our electricity needs Twitter Count Followers: 2,571 Tweets: 3,221

2015 | SUMMER — 27

NEWS IN BRIEF

EDF ENERGY AWARD AMEC FOSTER WHEELER MAJOR CONTRACT Amec Foster Wheeler has been awarded a contract

by EDF Energy to provide project management services to all of its operating nuclear power stations and technical offices in Gloucester and East Kilbride.

The contract for five years plus two optional twoyear periods is worth up to £15 million a year and is one of the largest project management contracts in the UK nuclear industry.

Clive White, President of Amec Foster Wheeler’s Clean Energy business, said “this framework agreement further reinforces our long-standing relationship with EDF Energy.

“Our highly skilled work force of project managers, drawn from our extensive pool of expertise across Amec Foster Wheeler, is key in ensuring that the UK’s existing nuclear power stations are truly world class in terms of safety and performance and can continue to generate safe, reliable electricity in the years to come.”

Fukushima water treatment milestone Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) has announced 97% of the contaminated water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site has been treated to remove strontium, a highly reactive chemical element which is a by-product of nuclear fission.

Tepco originally outlined plans to treat all of the contaminated water on site by the end of March 2015 but announced it would need more time in January this year.

Attributing the extension to the challenge of implementing new technologies to treat the water and the need for a “safety first” approach.

Tepco chief decommissioning officer Naohiro Masuda said, “This is a significant milestone for improving the environment for our surrounding communities and for our workers. It reduces risk and will make people inside and outside the facility more secure.”

Horizon Nuclear Power has appointed former Magnox Site Director Greg Evans as its new Operations Director for Wylfa Newydd.

Greg joins the team from Centrica Energy, where he was Director of Nuclear and Renewables for five years before becoming Director of Operational Support.

In his new position, he will be responsible for developing Horizon’s operational capability, helping prepare the organisation for generation in the first half of the 2020s. Greg will also perform a senior representational role for Horizon on Anglesey, liaising with local organisations, as well as key groups across the region, Wales, the UK, and internationally.

Speaking about the project, Greg said: “Wylfa Newydd is crucial for the UK’s energy future and I’m excited to be joining the team delivering it.

Nuclear power has played a vital role in supplying the UK with secure, low-carbon electricity since the 1950s and this new development will help ensure it does so for another 60 or more years. I’m also proud to be part of a project that continues the long tradition of nuclear power on Anglesey and will be a significant contributor to its economic and social life for decades to come.”

Horizon appoints Operations Director 28 — SUMMER | 2015

New Cogent Skills Chair Jeremy Haigh, European Chief Operating Officer, Research & Development at one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Amgen, has been confirmed as the next Chairman of Cogent Skills.

His areas of expertise include clinical research, leadership in biosciences and organisational and workforce development and he takes over from Tom Crotty, Director of chemical group INEOS. Following his appointment Jeremy said, “The UK is a world leader right across the science-based industries which collectively make a significant contribution to innovation and economic growth in this country.”

“I am very pleased to take on the role of Chairman, to lead and support the work of Cogent Skills, and to help realise our significant ambitions for scientific and technical skills development in this country.”

Joanna Woolf, Cogent Skills CEO, welcomed Jeremy as Chair, “Jeremy will help to shape our work and support us in delivering the increasingly sophisticated mix of skills which sciencebased industry employers require now and in the future.”

Cogent Skills is the new brand for all parts of the Cogent Group including its subsidiaries the National Skills Academy Process Industries and the Technical Apprenticeship Service.

It is the UK’s strategic body for skills in the science industries, led by sector employers to design and deploy skills solutions for industries.

Oxford Technologies join UKTI Tokyo trade mission

O

xford Technologies, Prince William the Duke of Cambridge, and other delegates took part in a Robotics Trade Mission to Tokyo.

Organised by the British Embassy and UK Trade and Investment, the mission highlighted the capabilities of UK companies and academic institutions through a series of site visits and events.

Following the successful visit, Mark Sharpe from Oxford Technologies said, “The mission provided an excellent opportunity to increase our understanding of the Japanese market and to showcase the UK’s expertise in this area.”

“Knowledge of the UK’s experience and capability in nuclear decommissioning has been growing in Japan where there is an enthusiasm to learn from UK experience in this field and we believe there are great opportunities for specialist companies, such as Oxford Technologies, who have a proven track record in this area.”

Mini submarines recover historical medical kit

An operator controlling the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

In what could be a set-up for a James Bond scene, mini submarines are being used to recover medical isotopes from storage ponds at Sellafield.

There are hundreds of different nuclear fuels and waste types in Sellafield’s historic storage ponds and these include cobalt isotope cartridges produced for medical purposes such as lifesaving radiotherapy treatment and the sterilization of medical supplies.

Head of Pile Fuel Storage Pond, Paul Nichol said: “We reckon there are about 800 of these cobalt cartridges, which were produced for a wide variety of medical and industrial uses.

These included external beam radiotherapy, sterilisation of medical supplies and medical waste, sterilisation of food and industrial radiotherapy including weld integrity radiographs.

“These particular cartridges were irradiated in the early Magnox reactors at Calder Hall and Chapelcross have been safely stored in the pond since the 1950s and 60s. There are also a small number of cobalt isotopes that were discharged from the Windscale Pile reactors when they were shutdown and de-fuelled after the Windscale Fire in 1957.”

Dorothy Gradden, Head of First Generation Magnox Storage Ponds explained: “It is often forgotten that radiation has many uses outside of the nuclear industry and it has brought many benefits to medicine over the decades, however like any nuclear waste, the material still needs to be disposed of in a safety conscious manner, so the same rigorous principles apply.

“A few years ago remotely operated vehicles were thought of as expensive toys, but they are now becoming an integral part of our plan to clean up for our legacy fuel storage ponds.

We are now seeing the removal of decades-old material from Sellafield’s legacy ponds on a daily basis, significantly reducing the hazard at these historic facilities.”

2015 | SUMMER — 29

NIA groups merge for super-event in Wales On 8 October, the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) will host a joint new build and decommissioning group meeting for its members in partnership with the Welsh Government in Cardiff at the Mecure Hotel. This free event is open to NIA members and companies based in Wales looking to win work in the nuclear sector.

The meeting which is due to attract over 200 delegates will focus on nuclear new build, existing generation and decommissioning in Wales, Cumbria and Somerset. Edwina Hart, Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science in the Welsh Government will give the keynote address.

In addition to the various speakers there will be an exhibition area and delegates will have the opportunity to speak to several companies at the top of the supply chain during the various breaks.

Furthermore the night prior to the conference, as is traditional with the new build and decommissioning group meetings, there will be a drinks reception and pay your own way dinner at the same venue. More information will be distributed to NIA members in the coming weeks If you have further questions or would like to attend please contact nikki.powney@niauk.org

Sustainable Nuclear Energy Conference 9–11 April 2014, 12–14 April 2016,Manchester, Nottingham, UK UK Call for papers now open Calling for papers under the following broad themes: ■■ current reactor systems ■■ future or alternative reactor systems

and fuels ■■ advanced fuel cycles ■■ new challenges in decommissioning,

waste management and disposal ■■ advanced uses of nuclear fission

Visit www.icheme.org/snec2016 for more information C0379_15

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30 — SUMMER | 2015

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2015 | SUMMER — 31

NEW NIA MEMBERS

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Exova Exova is one of the world’s leading laboratory-based testing groups. Exova test and advise on the safety, quality and performance of their products, systems and operations. With over 90 years of experience, Exova have over 4,000 global experts operating from 121 facilities in 23 countries to support 25,000 customers worldwide.

WELCOME

Atomic Acquisitions Ltd Atomic Acquisitions is an integrated group of companies servicing the nuclear sector. Formed in 2007 this goal is being pursued through active partnerships and investments.

Atomic Acquisitions provides independent,authoritative advice to the Civil Nuclear Industry. We bring together a recognised team of leading industry experts who have shaped the energy sector over the last two decades.

We help corporate and government agencies across the globe take decisions through our in depth Knowledge of financial, contractual, technical and planning issues. We translate objectives into project deliverables.

We pride ourselves in the provision of leading-edge strategic decision evaluation processes, establishing governance and assurance programmes, M&A support and supply chain negotiations. We facilitate the development of integrated nuclear road maps.

Bergen Pipe Supports Bergen Pipe Supports Group specialises in pipe support equipment for power plants - both conventional and nuclear, petro-chemical, oil, gas, LNG, renewables & water treatment industries, as well as commodity hardware for commercial and industrial applications. Their extensive range of products and over 100 years of manufacturing experience enable them to offer a fully comprehensive package of support solutions.

32 — SUMMER | 2015

Global Energy Group Global Energy Group provides integrity, construction and manufacturing solutions for the nuclear sector. They fabricate and assemble process plant modules, pressure vessels, tanks, pipework and structural fabrications. They fabricate in carbon steel, exotic alloys and reactive metals to the highest nuclear quality grades. They provide QA and QC services including supply chain oversight on a worldwide basis.

SEPAM UK SEPAM offers 35 years of experience delivering Program, Project Management, Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Advanced Technologies and Facilities Management.

SEPAM operates globally. The company is active in the Nuclear Sector providing Design Engineering, and technical support in the New Buildings, using the knowledge acquired in Power Generation, O&G, and Infrastructures.

VA Business Solutions Ltd VA is an independent consulting group manned by a team of experienced industry professionals who have been solving complex business problems since 2002. We are experienced across a range of Industry sectors including manufacturing, energy, technology and automotive.

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WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff have combined and are now one of the world's leading engineering professional services consulting firms. Together they provide services to transform the built environment and restore the natural environment, and their expertise ranges from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings to designing sustainable transport networks, and from developing the energy sources of the future to enabling new ways of extracting essential resources.

They have approximately 31,000 employees, including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors, program and construction management professionals, and various environmental experts. They are based across 39 countries worldwide.

A Chance Encounter...

If Chelsea had finished the job against Liverpool in normal playing time, James Smith would never have boarded the 11:30 from Paddington to Bristol late on Tuesday 27 January.

He would never have had the opportunity to offer Gareth Davies, the NIA Decommissioning Group Chair, the use of his phone charger and a certain conversation about the nuclear sector would never have taken place.

The pair chatted about university life, and post University career moves. A keen advocate for the nuclear sector and the South West, Gareth (who had joined the specialist Nuclear Team at Burges Salmon after working closely with the Team’s Head and Bristol University alumni Ian Salter for several years at the Imperial College Reactor) explained the potential the nuclear industry had to offer new graduates.

James, already with a graduate job offer in place with one of the big consultancy companies, felt that fellow Bristol University students would be interested to learn more about the nuclear sector and its career opportunities, and decided he would explore the opportunity further.

James’ girlfriend, Ruby, had been interested in a career in alternative fuels since school and, being in the final year of her Masters degree in Chemistry at Bristol University, was excited to hear about James’ discussion. A few weeks later James and Ruby visited the Burges Salmon’s Bristol offices to discuss the potential of Gareth and some colleagues giving a talk to students about the wide diversity of stimulating and rewarding career paths on offer in the nuclear sector, especially in the South West.

During that discussion, Ruby was invited to the NIA Decommissioning Group meeting which was being hosted

by Burges Salmon in Bristol on 26 March. This, it was hoped, would provide Ruby with an opportunity to hear about some of the current sector issues and provide her with an opportunity to meet with some of the 120 NIA members who had registered to attend.

On the day, Ruby was introduced to the group at the start of the meeting, and was made to feel very welcome.

By the end of the day, Ruby was able to see that the nuclear industry provided significant career opportunities, along with the potential chance to work alongside some excellent international companies, many of whom were South Westbased.

Before the meeting, Ruby had been unsure as to which career route she wished to follow when she graduated, whether it was renewable or nuclear energy, and whether it was a science, consultancy or perhaps a different role altogether. Numerous presentations throughout the day provided information on different topics and issues – legal and professional services, operational, strategic and policy driven.

Combine this with the opportunity to talk and interact with members working in wide-ranging roles within the sector, and it soon became clear in Ruby’s mind that the nuclear sector was the one for her. Having been challenged at the start of the day to collect a large number of business cards, after the meeting, Ruby set about emailing her new contacts.

Not unsurprisingly she received some swift responses particularly from Peter Sibley of Hydrock NMCL. A meeting at their Bristol offices was soon arranged and Ruby was subsequently offered a post as a Graduate Consultant - a fantastic opportunity to begin her new post-university life with a vibrant, successful and growing company, headed up

by Bristol University alumni Dr Brian McConnell.

Excited at the prospect of building her career and learning about the sector, being Bristol-based, Ruby is hoping in addition to continue helping create links between Bristol University and the South West nuclear sector, particularly around promoting its opportunities, and introducing and attracting young talent.

Her proposed approach however is unlikely to rely purely on chance encounters.

2015 | SUMMER — 33