Industry Link - September 2015

THE NUCLEAR SECTOR NEEDS TO RECRUIT AN ADDITIONAL 28,000 PEOPLE OVER THE COMING SIX YEARS AS WELL AS DEAL WITH IMPENDING RETIREMENTS. THE WHOLE CIVIL NUCLEAR SECTOR MUST WORK TOGETHER TO RECRUIT SUITABLY QUALIFIED AND SKILLED PEOPLE TO DELIVER THE EXCITING PROJECTS FOR THE FUTURE.

MAGAZINE OF THE UK NUCLEAR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION AUTUMN / 2015

NIA.ORG

BBC 4 inside Sellafield

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SAFETY CULTURE – HAVE YOU GOT IT? DO YOU ‘GET’ IT?

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Preferred bidders for Hinkley Point FIT FOR NUCLEAR

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Welcome to IndustryLink September marks the beginning of the Party Conference season – over the years these have become somewhat formulaic – rallies of the faithful have been overtaken by lobbyists and interest groups. We can expect this to change this year with Jeremy Corbyn in the ascendance, by splitting his party and the Scottish National Party organising its largest autumn conference ever.

The NIA will be represented at all four conferences and hold fringe events at the Labour and Conservative meetings. The conference season is a great opportunity to make the case for civil nuclear power to the Government and opposition parties, as well as party members.

It has been an exciting few months for the industry – in this issue of the magazine we focus on updates from the three developers as well as the fascinating Sellafield documentary screened on BBC4 in August.

We take a close look at the supply chain opportunities through the Fit For Nuclear scheme as well as the matched funding on offer. Skills are highlighted by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear who provide us with a fascinating case study on delivering nuclear jobs and training for staff.

The next edition of the magazine will be distributed at the December NIA #Nuclear – Powering the UK conference – we look forward to seeing you there!

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.

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, Adrian Bull – National Nuclear Laboratory, Jacqui Walker-Sutton – Human Performance and Leadership Ltd, with additional thanks to Sellafield Ltd, NSAN and World Nuclear News

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SNAPSHOT

VISIT NIAUK.ORG

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IN VIEW

HORIZON AND HITACHI-GE ENGAGE UK SUPPLY CHAIN PAGE 4

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

TEL

Membership Enquiries Nikki.Powney@niauk.org 020 7766 6651

TEL

Follow us: @NIAUK IN MEMORIAM: BILL BRYCE

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Cover image: Courtesy of BBC — www.bbc.co.uk

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

NUCLEAR ASSOCIATIONS JOIN FORCES FOR COP21

Contracts awarded for Hinkley Point C The Final Investment Decision for Hinkley Point C moved a step closer as EDF Energy announced more preferred bidders for the project.

Preferred bidders include: →→ Balfour Beatty Bailey – joint venture of Balfour Beatty and NG Bailey, electrical cabling and equipment installation →→ Cavendish Boccard Nuclear – joint venture of Cavendish Nuclear and Boccard, equipment mechanical pipework and installation →→ ACTAN – joint venture of Axima Concept Tunzini Nucléaire and Doosan Babcock, heating, ventilation and air conditioning →→ Laing O’Rourke – construction of worker’s campus accommodation →→ ABB UK – power transmission →→ Premier Interlink WACO UK Ltd – construction of temporary buildings →→ Weir – large pumps for cooling water →→ Clyde Union – main pumps for feedwater system and cooling water system Companies already working on the project: →→ G4S – security →→ Aggregate Industries – construction of the Cannington bypass, Park & Rides and highway improvements Project management contracts: →→ KBR – projects management of site operations and equipment contract management →→ Jacobs – project management of building and civil work →→ Gleeds – contract management services →→ Faithful + Gould – contract management →→ Turner and Townsend – project controls and project management →→ Mace – contract management services Key South West join ventures: →→ Somerset Larder – food producers →→ HOST – campus accommodation →→ Somerset Passenger Solutions – transport →→ Somerset Infrastructure Alliance – site infrastructure services →→ COMA – construction utilities

EDF Energy now estimates more than 60% of the construction cost will be placed with UK firms, an increase from its initial estimate of 57%.

This round of contracts alone has a combined value of more than £1.3 billion. Resulting from its work with the local Somerset Chamber of Commerce, £225 million of this total will be going to joint ventures based in the South West; emphasising the importance EDF Energy places on working with the local community, ensuring they benefit from the Hinkley Point C programme.

EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz, said “Hinkley Point C will be at the forefront of the revitalisation of the UK’s industrial

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and skills base, and we have worked hard to build a robust supply chain to support new nuclear in the UK.” Preferred bidders include a number of joint ventures with French companies, which have helped UK businesses understand the necessary requirements for the project. They will also be releasing their own sub-contracts, allowing more companies the opportunity to work on this project.

Commenting on the announcement Keith Parker, NIA Chief Executive said, “This is another step forward for the UK’s first nuclear power station in a generation and a timely boost for the UK supply chain. Today’s contract announcements

and EDF Energy’s desire to build a UK legacy to secure as much UK involvement in the project will help secure more jobs and investment in the UK nuclear sector.”

To find out about these opportunities, companies can visit the Hinkley Supply Chain Portal at hinkleysupplychain.co.uk.

Another way for UK companies to get involved, whether they already work in nuclear or are interested in doing so, is by accessing Fit For Nuclear (F4N). F4N is run by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and is a unique service designed to help UK manufacturing companies prepare to bid for work in the civil nuclear supply chain. Register at http://namrc.co.uk/services/f4n.

Seeing the headline “SOMERSET PASSENGER SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCED AS PREFERRED BIDDER FOR £50M CONTRACT TO PROVIDE BUS SERVICES TO EDF ENERGY’S HINKLEY POINT C PROJECT” was probably the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to Crosville Motor Services.

We started the process with EDF Energy nearly five years ago and over that time have responded to tenders, been thoroughly assessed by its procurement team and in order to ensure resilience to the contract we’ve formed a 50/50 joint venture with one of our competitors, First Bus, called Somerset Passenger Solutions. This is a first in the bus industry, the complexity of which shouldn’t be underestimated.

EDF Energy estimates around 25,000 job opportunities will be created during the construction of the new power station and at peak construction expect around 5,600 staff to travel to and from the site every day.

Hand in hand with First Bus we currently deliver what’s known as the Interim Service. But in the background we are busy forming a management team for Somerset Passenger Solutions, tendering with bus manufacturers for the supply of 160 vehicles to service the contract and of course starting to ramp up for the future by reaching out to the job centres in the area and other recruitment agencies to ensure the supply of people for this contract.

As a small business, this contract has changed our business into a medium-large sized business and our processes and procedures have been strengthened by the support of EDF Energy.

Key to the success of this contract is the ability to find and train around 300 drivers and 50 administration staff. We have set up a training academy where people can be trained on a free of charge basis. Attitude and aptitude will be the key to finding the right employees, we need people who can multi-skill. In essence they may drive a bus for half of the day, but then may be working on the schedules for the next two weeks worth of journeys or communicating with the Hinkley Point C team via Facebook or Twitter.

This is truly an exciting and innovative approach to travel and is certainly a first for the bus industry.

Somerset Larder is a collection of six local companies who have merged to capitalise on Europe’s largest construction project. Spearheaded by a team of bakers, greengrocers, butchers and bakers, the Larder is tasked with providing a team capable of feeding the workers at Hinkley Point C with local and quality food and drink produce. An enormous task but an incredible opportunity.

At its peak, Hinkley Point C will see more than 8,000 meals served each day and Somerset Larder will provide the site with a full service, one stop catering solution. The catering hub will consolidate all of the local produce from a range of suppliers and we will need a lot of room for the significant amount of food and drink required to feed the army of workers, including 1.5 million eggs, half a million kilos of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, 20 tonnes of cheese and 1.2 million tea bags every year!

In addition to the harvest of food needed for the workforce, the Larder will create over 200 direct new jobs as well as creating a number of openings throughout the local Somerset supply chain. Working with Bridgwater College and HOST Somerset, we launched ‘FAB Futures’ with the aim of attracting, training and developing skills in hospitably and farming for recruits of all ages and backgrounds, including many new apprentices.

The Hinkley Project is vital for Somerset Larder, its adjoined businesses and the local supply chain is working as hard as possible to support EDF Energy so it is ready to take its Final Investment Decision. Every company associated with the Larder understands the importance of energy to our business and everyday welfare and appreciate the need for new low carbon energy to revitalise our ageing energy infrastructure.

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Media Watch EW WSSS NNNEEW

Hinkley Point C has received a significant amount of media scrutiny. Lord Hutton wrote an opinion piece for the Daily Telegraph outlining the need for new nuclear. Keith Parker has responded to several articles and also appeared on BBC Radio Somerset to debate with Energy Analyst Peter Atherton.

Both Lord Hutton and Keith Parker explained the large up-front costs required for new nuclear power provide local, regional and national economies with a number of fiscal and social benefits, as well as securing the UK's energy future as Hinkley will deliver low-carbon, reliable electricity for decades.

Keith Parker was quoted in a NucNet article about the G7 leader’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... although it can’t solve (climate change) alone.”

Horizon Nuclear Power, COO Alan Raymant was interviewed in Utility Week. Alan discussed the Austrian legal challenge against Hinkley, the Government’s commitment to new nuclear and the GDA process. He also spoke about “developing the organisation” explaining this is a particular challenge in regards to recruiting the right skills when engineering skills and those needed for the nuclear industry are in short supply.

Channel 4’s Science Editor, Tom Clarke entered the Chernobyl exclusion zone to film a feature about scientific studies to understand how nature copes with radiation. The Transfer, Exposure, Effects project funded by the UK Government, is observing the effects of radiation on the wider environment and The University of Salford is using camera traps to study where large animals are, how much radiation they are accumulating, and whether or not radiation is affecting population dynamics.

James Varley reported on the NIA’s NNB 2015 conference in Nuclear Engineering International. In the article, James focuses on the timelines and challenges for each new build developer. In the piece he quotes NuGen’s CEO, Tom Samson who explained the company is “waiting for the fog to lift over Hinkley Point C so we can see the way forward.” On Horizon Nuclear Power he quotes Alan Raymant’s focus on the project, “(this is) important to the fabric of society...and we have to get it right.”

The World Nuclear Association issued a statement following the Austrian challenge to state aid approval for Hinkley Point C. Director General, Agneta Rising, said “It is one thing to have an opinion, it is quite another to try and force your opinion on someone else.”

She continued, “The UK public, indeed people in all countries, have the right to choose nuclear to meet their energy needs and to help address climate concerns if they so wish. It is a pity that the Austrian government has decided not to respect that right.”

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orizon Nuclear Power and its reactor vendor Hitachi-GE are taking great strides forward on its new build project on the Isle of Anglesey. The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones visited the site in June, the Horizon team has grown to over 320, preparations are well underway for the second round of public consultation at the end of the year, and Hitachi’s UK Advance Boiling Water Reactor is making steady progress through the Generic Design Assessment process.

The excitement around the first nuclear new build project in Wales for over 40 years was made apparent at a ‘sell out’ national supply chain event in Llandudno this July.

350 delegates from local and national businesses joined 50 representatives from Hitachi-GE and Horizon at Venue Cymru, North Wales – just 25 miles from the Isle of Anglesey.

Supply chain companies are eager to learn about the project and understand how each of their unique goods and services can be utilised by Horizon and Hitachi-GE. This is exactly what was spelled out by a series of speakers across the day, providing an overview of the project, as well as highlighting potential opportunities and explaining their expectations of suppliers.

“ The huge attendance at this event shows the excitement that Wylfa Newydd is generating among companies from across the region and the UK. We’ve made fantastic progress on the project and we’ve set out today how businesses can help us continue to move forward successfully. This kind of opportunity only comes along once in a generation and we want businesses to be ready to make the most of it.”

Tim Eaton Commercial Director, Horizon Nuclear Power In a demonstration of the backing the project enjoys, Welsh and UK Government representatives joined the event to set out the support available to motivated and aspiring companies to assist their development and readiness to win work from this huge private investment into North Wales and the broader UK. Early action to involve and inspire the supply chain is vital if local, regional and UK businesses are to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the project across at least three generations. Recognising this, the Horizon and Hitachi-GE teams have already signalled their commitment to open and transparent behaviours and supply chain development activities with the launch of the Supply Chain Charter.

Both Horizon and Hitachi-GE have illustrated clearly where the UK supply chain has competitive prospects, giving confidence to the market that it has an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the project. Regular communication and engagement with industry will continue to be made, including through NIA events such as the October new build and decommissioning working group in Cardiff.

National events like the one held at Venue Cymru assist businesses to consider their plans to secure work and place an emphasis on the delivery to agreed cost, quality and schedule. At the event, the advice given was clear.

Horizon and Hitachi-GE look to the UK for skills, services and suppliers

Consider and be clear on the scope of services that you wish to offer the project, draw on these materials to understand the project scope and schedule, consider where potential business opportunities exist, and think about how to propose the strongest possible proposal – then talk to the supply chain teams at Horizon or Hitachi-GE – or both, depending on the scope of work which is of interest. We also suggest that companies make good use of the support and guidance that exists in industry, like the ‘NIA Essential Guide’ which offers solid guidance for companies looking to work in the nuclear sector.

Horizon Nuclear power is the ultimate client for the project, and the intelligent customer. It will place an EPC contract with a delivery team lead by Hitachi-GE, which will be responsible for around 85-90% of the main construction of the power station and associated on-site infrastructure.

This will of course include a high degree of participation from the supply chain. Horizon will also have a direct need for services and works, circa 10-15% of the overall project, primarily in site enabling works and off-site associated developments. Of course, once operational Wylfa Newydd will also require staff and an on-going reliable supply chain for both standard operations and in periods of outage for maintenance and refuelling.

In order to deliver this magnitude of work, engagement with the supply chain will continue to develop at all levels and for all scopes of work. At the Tier 1 level, Hitachi-GE has held advanced discussions over a significant period with a number of companies. In August it was confirmed that Hitachi-GE has entered exclusive discussions with the American firm Bechtel, and Japan’s JGC, regarding potential roles alongside Hitachi-GE in the EPC delivery team for Wylfa Newydd.

“ We wanted to be clear about what opportunities exist, how to approach them, and what our expectations will be. We also wanted to hear from companies out there – about what they have to offer, what they can do to support the project, and how they want to engage with us.”

Tim Davies Head of UK Supply Chain for Hitachi Europe’s Nuclear Power Projects unit The company is working to put together a delivery team which will build on its knowledge of deploying the ABWR, adding extensive global experience, and further progress is expected around the latter part of this year. This progress will also pave the way for significant involvement of UK firms throughout the supply chain.

Hitachi-GE has also made significant progress on its Tier 2 development. It is in the third year of a three year phase of preparatory studies, focused on construction preparation and supply chain review. Focus has been on Civil and Building, Mechanical Electrical and HVAC, electrical and ‘other’ packages of work. The studies are nearing completion and a number of major Tier 2 UK companies have played a key role in the delivering work.

The NIA will continue to update members on future activities and milestones on its website and in the monthly newsletter and will work with Horizon, Hitachi-GE and their delivery partners to communicate to the supply chain updates and news on these exciting developments.

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Agreement to extend lives of Belgian units An agreement has been reached between the Belgian Government and Electrabel to extend the lives of Doel units 1 and 2 for up to 10 years. Under the agreement, Electrabel will pay an annual fee of €22 million between 2016 and 2025 for the continued operations.

For operation of the country’s various other reactors – the operators must pay a lump sum of €200 million in 2015 and €130 million in 2016. For subsequent years, starting in 2017, Government will revise the contribution according to a formula that takes into account the evolution of the costs, production volumes and the price of electricity.

Under current Belgian law, nuclear will be phased out of the mix by 2025.

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Vogtle 3 shield building taking shape Georgia Power has announced six of the shield building panels have been installed at the first AP1000® unit under construction at Vogtle in Georgia, USA. Each reinforced panel can weigh more than 10 tonnes and can be filled with concrete. Once assembled the shield will provide structural support for the containment cooling water supply and protect the containment

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vessel, which houses the reactor vessel and associated equipment.

Two Westinghouse AP1000® reactors are under construction at Vogtle, joining two existing pressurized water reactors.

Vogtle 3 is expected to enter operation in 2019 with Vogtle 4 following in 2020.

Two more are also under construction in South Carolina, while four units under construction in China are scheduled to be in operation by the end of 2017.

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Fuel loaded at first Changjiang unit The fuel has been loaded into unit 1 of the Changjiang nuclear plant. Located on China's southern island province of Hainan, the reactor is expected to begin operating later this year.

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced loading a total of 121 fuel assemblies into the 650 MWe CNP-600 pressurized water reactor meant the unit has "officially entered the operational phase."

Initial approval for the Changjiang plant's construction was granted by China's National Developmental and Reform Commission in July 2008.

Construction of unit 1 and 2 began with the pouring of first concrete in 2010.

Changjiang 1 is scheduled to begin operating by the end of 2015, with unit 2 set to start up the following year.

The plant is a joint venture between CNNC and China Huaneng Group, with shares split 51% and 49%, respectively.

The plant will eventually comprise four units, with units 3 and 4 housing either CNP-650 or ACP-600 reactors.

Construction of both those units is scheduled to begin by 2018.

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EDF agree 51% stake in Areva reactor business EDF has announced it will take a stake of at least 51% in Areva’s reactor business. Outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two companies the stake will be taken in Areva NP, the branch of the company responsible for equipment, fuel manufacturing and services for reactors.

The MOU also states a dedicated company will be established, 80% owned

by EDF and 20% owned by Areva. The aim of which will be to improve the preparation and management of projects, as well as the export offering of the French nuclear industry. According to EDF the new company will develop offers that are “more competitive and adapted to client needs, and by harmonising and expanding the range of reactors.”

In addition, the MOU explains EDF, Areva NP and their subsidiaries “will be completely immunised” against any risks related to the construction of the EPR at Olkiluoto in Finland.

A due diligence phase has begun and a binding offer is set to be submitted at the end of 2015. The offer will then be subjected to regulatory approvals and the transaction is planned to be closed in 2016.

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

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Nuclear R&D Why “Little Britain” Won’t Work Anymore BY. ADRIAN BULL ⁄ NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY

In the early days of the nuclear industry, research collaboration across international borders was an alien concept. Nuclear reactors round the world were designed by state-run technology-led organisations and each country did their own thing.

The UK was a perfect example of this – our scientists and technologists worked rapidly to design, build, commission and operate the first of the Magnox reactors, and to develop the full associated fuel cycle of enrichment, fuel manufacture, reprocessing and waste management. Over successive plants – and then through the subsequent AGR programme – the approach was repeated and the necessary technology was developed within the UK by UK capability.

In parallel, we also developed a unique and very successful approach to nuclear licensing and regulation which is different from those used elsewhere in the world.

As a result, and with the exception of the two Magnox units which were sold to Italy and Japan, those first generations of gas-cooled plants bear little similarity with any other reactors in the world, and therefore cannot fully benefit from international best practice or transfer of expertise.

As the industry has matured over the decades, however, a number of things have changed. Globally, the sector is now no longer run solely by Government agencies. Commercial companies are involved to a much greater extent. Many of these companies are international players with interests and operations spanning many different nations, who therefore have an interest in seeing the same (or very similar) technologies being deployed in different countries.

There is therefore a driver to have these countries work together to develop or optimise such technology. If a country has experience in working on a technology it opens the door to deployment as there is an indigenous skill-base already present.

Furthermore advances in communication technology make it much easier nowadays for rapid and effective sharing of information and experience between countries in “real time”.

For the organisations developing technology there are other major reasons why international collaboration represents the right way forward. Firstly – and most obviously – cost. Developing nuclear technology has been shown to be an expensive business. Cost-sharing by a number of countries helps to spread the burden and allow projects to proceed which otherwise would be beyond the budgets of any individual player. This can be via well-established groupings under the auspices of the IAEA or EU Framework programmes, or else via customised bilateral or multi-lateral relationships to meet a specific need.

Linked to cost is the effective utilisation of specialist nuclear R&D facilities. It has never been feasible for every nuclear nation to have a complete suite of all the specialist nuclear R&D and testing facilities which it might need. These facilities – and the associated equipment, much of it highly automated and heavily shielded, are very costly to construct and operate and an individual national programme would struggle to achieve full utilisation of the space and people. Collaboration between countries with complementary facilities is very helpful in achieving more cost effective research.

Finally – international collaboration represents an excellent way of sharing knowledge, experience and insight between the individuals from different nations in a non-competitive context. Whether simply through regular project meetings or through secondments, international R&D collaboration is a great way to help train up the next generation of the nation’s nuclear workforce.

For all of these reasons, the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB) put a strong focus on international collaboration in its report earlier this year. It recommended that: “…a strategy is established for how the UK should engage in international collaborations on nuclear energy R&D”.

Within the National Nuclear Laboratory we already have R&D collaboration agreements or productive links with many countries, including the US, France, China and Japan.

Securing funding for a national nuclear R&D programme, as recommended by NIRAB, will be the key to turning these links (and others) into genuine strategic collaborations, which can help return the UK to the “top table” of global nuclear nations.

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BBC 4 goes inside Sellafield

For the community in West Cumbria, hosting the most complex nuclear site in Europe–perhaps even the world–is something they’ve grown used to. But for the rest of the UK, Sellafield remains a mystery.

An often maligned name that is neither understood nor completely trusted. Or at least it did–until Sellafield Ltd invited the BBC to go behind the razor-wire fence and tell the world the real story.

All Images courtesy of Sellafield Ltd — www.sellafieldsites.com, and BBC — www.bbc.co.uk

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nside Sellafield, broadcast in August to hundreds of thousands of people across the UK tells the story of the UK’s nuclear industry through the prism of Sellafield, the nuclear pioneer.

Presented by Professor Jim Al-Khalili, an acclaimed author, trusted broadcaster and a theoretical physicist at the University of Surrey, the project was over two years in the making – requiring government and regulatory approval before it could even begin.

So highly guarded is the security of the site that each member of the filming crew, including Prof Al-Khalili, had to submit to intensive background screening before they could be granted access. The result was an unprecedented level of access, which made for a great documentary.

Prof Al-Khalili said: “I have always been fascinated by Sellafield – it was a place I always wanted to visit and to better understand.

“We spent over two weeks on the site and every day I saw something that made me go ‘wow’. It was an amazing experience, and I am very proud of the documentary we made.”

The programme came about after a chance conversation between a member of Sellafield Ltd’s communications team and an independent television producer. Head of Media for the company, Darren Ennis, explained: “Previously when the team would engage with people, particularly London based journalists, and tell them about the site and about the history of the place, it was a case of quoting facts and figures which they simply refused to believe.

“It is difficult to get people to believe the facts without them seeing for themselves that one of the most potentially hazardous places in the world is also one of the safest. Like the fact that a Sellafield worker gets a lower radiation dose in a year than a pilot gets, or mention that if you took our radiation monitors – the ones which rarely pick up anything above background here at all – to Grand Central Station in New York they’d go off the scale because of the granite there.”

The Sellafield Ltd team had been trying to think of a way to get some of that information out there, to dispel some of the myths and mystery, when they took a call from a Mark Tattersall, a producer from an independent film company called Artlab Films.

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Both parties met and each was impressed with the other’s commitment to finding a way to work together, and after months of meetings and workshops, even a pilot film, it looked like nothing would come of the idea.

In collaboration with the NDA and following a workshop with DECC, Sellafield Ltd went back to Artlab with a proposal for a science based programme, tackling the history of the nuclear industry at Sellafield and shot over a much shorter time period.

Mark pitched the idea to the BBC – who loved it.

Mark said: “What the show became was a much more reasoned and adult discussion about the history of the industry in the UK, told from the site which has been at the heart of it.

With hindsight that had always been the right thing to do. “The story is almost too complex to tell on BBC 2 or in half hour segments on satellite TV. When we talked to the BBC again we agreed that a BBC Four documentary would be the perfect place to tell this fascinating story.”

That wasn’t the end of the process – vetting had to be carried out and filming dates agreed and managed – not to mention a complex contractual agreement covering everything from when and where meals would be provided to rights to use archive footage. But after much preparation and planning the filming passed off without any major issues.

Darren said: “When I saw the genuine look of wonder on Jim’s face each time we took him into somewhere he hadn’t been before, we knew we were on to a winner with someone who really understood what we wanted to get across in the show.

“There were so many more stories we could have told, epitomised by the 65 hours of filming crammed into just one hour. We are very much looking forward to continuing to tell the story of Cumbria as a centre of nuclear excellence through the pioneering prism of Sellafield.”

This is an abridged version of an article which originally appeared in Sellafield, the Sellafield Ltd magazine: www.sellafieldsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Sell-Magazine_Q1.pdf

KEY STATS

680,000

VIEWS ON FIRST SCREENING

MADE THE PROGRAMME 40+ PEOPLE

~2 YEARS

PRODUCTION FROM CONCEPT TO BROADCAST

~65 FOOTAGE HRS FILMED

2015 | AUTUMN — 9

Get your business noticed by Hinkley’s preferred bidders with Fit For Nuclear EDF Energy has announced preferred bidders for major work packages at its proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point.

A number of the Hinkley Point C contractors have contacted Fit For Nuclear (F4N) to explore how they can develop their UK supply chains for impending work on the new-build site.

Importantly, many are keen to source as much as possible from UK companies – and are seeking innovative UK offerings.

If your company is considering breaking into or expanding its presence in the nuclear sector and you haven’t already registered your company to begin the F4N process please do so as soon as you can.

Being recognised as ‘Fit For Nuclear’ will be an excellent opportunity for you to promote your business and make your company visible to the key contract holders for the Hinkley Point C project.

F4N itself is not a formal qualification, but a journey of business improvement, recognised and highly sought after by top tier industry leaders including Areva and EDF Energy. You can view full details of the F4N journey online. The fully funded process will take around six months to complete and you will be supported through every step, but the journey will demand commitment and drive from your senior management team.

The programme has been developed by the Nuclear AMRC with the support of its nuclear industry partners and is delivered to businesses in England in partnership with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), part of the governmentbacked Business Growth Service.

Eligible manufacturers who demonstrate a commitment to business excellence through the programme can also claim an average £10,000 match-funding for business excellence and research and development projects.

If your business wants to be visible to the new nuclear teams — start your F4N journey now.

To find out more, call the F4N team on 020 7728 5264, email fitfornuclear@mymas.org or visit www.fitfornuclear.co.uk.

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£1.5m of funding available to help manufacturing companies take a share of the significant opportunities presented by the UK's Nuclear Energy market.

Funding for Skills Development for the Nuclear Sector

NSAN member William Hare Ltd has been able to provide training to an additional 121 employees thanks to receiving over £23,000 in funding through Give2Gain.

Give2Gain is an ongoing initiative to support growth in supply chain capability in the nuclear sector.

Now incorporated as part of the Nuclear Industrial Partnership and supported by funding from Government’s Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot, the project uses an innovative credit system in which employers are awarded credits for activities they undertake to develop a talent pipeline for the industry; such

as taking on apprentices and graduates, having active STEM ambassadors and offering student placements. Credits earned by employers are then used to receive up to 50% match funding for their training needs.

In a recent survey of employers taking part in the first year of the programme, 81% stated they had carried out more and diverse training as a direct result of Give2Gain. One business in particular described how the ability to access funding had been a catalyst for them to increase their own investment in training: “Knowing that we could fund half of the activity [through Give2Gain] made it

a much easier decision for us to find the investment to deliver the other half.”

The Nuclear Industrial Partnership continues through to September 2016 and there are plenty of opportunities for employers to access funding to support skills development in a variety of areas including: Traineeships; Apprenticeships; Bursaries and Workforce Development.

FURTHER INFORMATION To find out more, please speak to your NSAN Regional or Business Development Manager to see how your business could benefit, or visit www.nsan.co.uk

EMPLOYER CASE STUDY – WILLIAM HARE LTD In addition to drawing down funding, William Hare Ltd has also increased its STEM activity as a direct result of the project. Upon registration, its credit score enabled it to access 40% match funding. However, it then chose to register five new STEM ambassadors and increase its apprentice intake, which has now boosted its credit score to 50%.

By offering funding, Give2Gain aims to enable companies to train more people more quickly than they would have been able to with existing training budgets. The funding provided through Give2Gain has allowed William Hare Ltd to instigate a Human Performance programme across the company and, as a result, increase efficiencies and reduce accidents.

In addition, William Hare Ltd has been able to increase training in project management, mentoring apprentices and aspects of the CoNP (Certificate of Nuclear Professionalism) thereby strengthening its workforces’ abilities to react to the changing needs of the nuclear supply chain.

Farewell to a Friend BY. KEITH PARKER

I am sad to report that Bill Bryce died on 30 July after a long illness. Bill was NIA’s longest serving Board member, from 1996 until he retired in 2013, and served for a time as interim Chairman.

He was a tireless supporter of NIA’s activities and interests and a great advocate for the nuclear industry.

During this time he lobbied assiduously for Government support for the nuclear new build programme and contributed to several important NIA papers highlighting the capability of UK Industry to construct new nuclear plant in the UK. He was the founding Chair of the NIA Nuclear New Build Working Group and led the development of NIA’s SC@Nuclear supply chain development programme. He used his many contacts and friends in the industry to organise the joint NIA/Nuclear Institute/Institution of Mechanical Engineers New Build conferences in 2010 and 2012. Bill also chaired the Nuclear Issues Group for six years, a small group of industry and academic experts which met quarterly to debate issues around nuclear energy.

NIA presented Bill with a special award in July 2013 in grateful recognition of his outstanding services to the Association and the wider industry.

As a student at Glasgow University, where he graduated in Aeronautical Engineering, Bill was an active sportsman, winning one of the Scottish Universities Boxing titles. He remained a keen and accomplished sportsman throughout his life and was proud of having a below 10 golf handicap for over 50 years; he was also a keen long-distance cyclist. Bill had an abiding love of Jazz, having played in a Skiffle group as a student, and he would frequently move on with friends and colleagues to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club after NIA social events.

Bill joined the Babcock Research Centre in the 1970s overseeing research programmes across a wide range of technologies, including nuclear plant. In 1987 he was appointed Director of Babcock Energy’s Nuclear and Defence Engineering Department.

He was responsible for the manufacture of major components for the Sizewell B PWR Programme including the 350 tonne steam generators and the high integrity pipework, some of the largest and most complex nuclear components fabricated in the UK. After Sizewell B, Bill became involved in the EU programme to enhance the safety of reactors in Eastern Europe.

Although Bill retired in 2004 he continued to play a key role in some of the early discussions to position Doosan Babcock as one of the key companies supporting nuclear new build.

Bill retired again in 2013 but even the onset of his illness could not diminish his active support for the nuclear industry.

Bill made a huge contribution to NIA and the nuclear industry throughout his long career. He was a good personal friend to many of us, and will be sorely missed. He will always be remembered for his deep knowledge of the industry and his unfailingly helpful attitude.

He was also great company.

12 — AUTUMN | 2015

Safety culture is that assembly of characteristics and attributes in organisations and individuals which establishes that, as an overriding priority, nuclear (plant) safety issues receive the attention warranted by their significance.

Modified from the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators definition of Safety Culture

Safety culture − Have you got it?

Do you ‘get’ it?

BY. JACQUI WALKER-SUTTON HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND LEADERSHIP LTD

E

very hour of every day each of us will make an error, or create an ‘error likely situation’ about five times an hour.

Now most of those errors or situations have little or no immediate consequence. BUT, for any industry, whether nuclear or oil or gas or in a manufacturing company it is only a matter of time until the ‘perfect storm’ of accumulated errors arrive.

Sometimes, to go forward, we need to look back. In the nuclear environment, the concept of ‘Safety Culture’ was developed by the international community after the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Since then, the nuclear industry has had other significant incidents, most recently of course Fukushima. But after Chernobyl, the nuclear community’s perspective on safety culture expanded as its recognition of the complexities of the concept developed.

The aim now is to make safety culture robust, resilient and sustainable, enabling safety to become the prime focus for all activities in the organisation, even for those which might not look safety-related at first.

So, how do I get a ‘safety culture?

Safety culture is a very fashionable phrase at the moment.

Everybody wants one, but they either already have one (or so they say) or they don’t know how to get one. There is a lot written about culture, national culture, organisational culture, professional culture, individual and group culture. Gosh, what a lot of culture.

But what does it mean? Safety culture according to industry experts such as James Reason means; →→ Flexible culture – where the organisation is able to

reconfigure itself quickly and effectively in times of crisis →→ Reporting culture – an organisational climate where people

are prepared to report their errors and near misses

→→ Informed culture – where those who manage and operate the

systems have current knowledge about the human, technical, organisational and environmental factors that determine the safety of the system as a whole

→→ ‘Just’ culture – An atmosphere of trust in which people are

encouraged to provide essential safety related information; and where they are also clear about how the line must be drawn between acceptable and unacceptable behaviours

→→ Organisational learning culture – Where an organisation must

have the willingness and the competence to draw the right conclusions from its safety information systems and the will to implement major reforms (even if it isn’t the ‘right’ time)

→→ Human performance – A suite of behaviours, practices,

tools and techniques to support proactive error prevention in the workplace

Have you got all that?

Why then is safety culture so fashionable? Well, you only have to look at the conventional and industrial health and safety statistics to see the numbers of accidents and lost time injuries has reduced considerably over the last few years. Organisations need to reduce their tolerance for error to ensure they deliver quality improvements and cost reductions.

But, therein lies the problem. To have a strong safety culture you need people to behave in a way which might be quite different to the way they behave now. What do we mean? Well, pretty much every organisation we know has said, ‘Safety is our first priority’. You will have seen those statements too on websites, in your own workplace and elsewhere. However, the facts vary when we visit those same organisations.

The executives tell us, ‘yes, safety is always our priority and woe betide anyone who doesn’t work safely on my watch’.

But when we go out with managers and leaders in the workplace we see (far too often), that productivity is what they reinforce. ‘just do what you can’, ‘can we get it done today’, ‘never mind those issues, let’s just get on with it’, or ‘this job needs to be out of the door tonight, so let’s make it happen folks’.

Having a robust safety culture means that as a leader, you don’t even think about saying those things to your teams. It means you know people need to work safely and that means not compromising safety for productivity - ever.

People are what make your organisation function the way it does, behaviour is what you see and hear, culture is about how you want people to behave. Your organisation is just an enabler to help people do the good job they intended to do when they set out for work. As leaders, you’re there to help bridge the gap between what people need to do and what gets in the way.

Sadly, you don’t get a safety culture off the shelf and have everything working as you think it should. And if it is so easy, why doesn’t everyone have it? And why doesn’t everyone ‘get’ it?

2015 | AUTUMN — 13

Image courtesy of NuGeneration Ltd — www.nugeneration.com

MOORSIDE FACTS AND FIGURES: →→Moorside Nuclear Power Station would be capable of supplying 7% of the UK’s electricity needs. →→The three AP1000® reactors would generate 3.4GW of electricity, delivering the largest nuclear output from a single UK site – enough to power six million homes. →→Construction of the new Moorside reactors could create between 14,000-21,000 jobs over the lifetime of the project – with more than 1,000 full-time jobs on-going for the life of the plant. →→NuGen expects to be in a position to make a final investment decision on the Moorside project by 2018. This would be followed by two years of site preparation, with first nuclear concrete in 2020. The first reactor is targeted to come online in 2024 – with full commercial operation of all three reactors targeted by the end of 2026.

14 — AUTUMN | 2015

IN VIEW

NuGen preparations for Moorside NuGen is preparing to start the characterisation of its Moorside Site in the Autumn. This will inform the site layout, support NuGen’s planning application and help secure necessary permits and consents.

Paula Madill, NuGen’s Head of Environment, said: “NuGen is making excellent progress with its site exploration work. This, along with the feedback from the first stage of the public consultation, will help inform the proposals which will become the basis of the second-stage public consultation in around nine months’ time.”

NuGen has been evaluating the feedback from the first stage of the public consultation, during which more than 1,800 people attended 26 consultation events at locations across Cumbria to have their say on early-stage plans for Moorside nuclear power station.

Tom Samson, NuGen’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The feedback is essential in helping us develop our proposals in the best way for Cumbria. In reading some of the comments we’ve received, I’m more convinced than ever that we have the right team, the right location and the right technology to make this project a success.”

2015 | AUTUMN — 15

Energy and Climate Change Select Committee BY. RACHEL DOWLING

Following the General Election, Angus MacNeil MP has become the first Scottish National Party (SNP) MP to chair the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee (ECC).

Following his election, the full line up of the cross party group was announced, with a number of new MPs and two returning members.

The SNP position on nuclear is clear; it is happy for the current generation of Scottish reactors to continue generating, but do not support new build or future nuclear programmes in Scotland. For now however, MacNeil’s focus appears to be on the scrutiny of decisions taken against renewable energy.

In an article written soon after his appointment, MacNeil hinted the priority for the committee would be to challenge the Government’s decision on ending subsidies to onshore wind, the changes to the Climate Change Levy and seeking clarity on Contracts for Difference. MacNeil is keen to see the committee proactively seek solutions and set the agenda on climate policy, as well as the primary role of scrutinising the work of the Government and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

Now fully formed, and with many new members, the committee held a one-off meeting to find out what the priorities are for DECC in 2015. Amber Rudd MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, and Stephen Lovegrove the department’s Permanent Secretary discussed policy priorities and objectives for the coming Parliament: climate change targets, changes to renewable subsidies including onshore wind, carbon reduction targets and keeping energy bills down were the key focus.

Rudd assured the committee that nuclear was an important part of the energy mix stating “the requirement of nuclear is absolute”. She also emphasised the importance of delivering the new build programme, adding there was a lot of interest being shown in all UK nuclear projects.

Following the initial meeting, the committee followed up with stakeholders to ask about the issues the ECC should investigate. The NIA responded, taking its ‘Priorities for Government’ paper as its starting point, highlighting key areas to ensure the momentum in the nuclear sector is maintained. These include sustaining government support for new build; maintaining progress cleaning up the nuclear legacy and ensuring long-term plans for plutonium management and Small Modular Reactor technology.

The committee is expected to set out its priorities in the autumn and the NIA will update you with its progress in the next edition of Industry Link.

16 — AUTUMN | 2015

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Angus MacNeil (Chair) SNP SNP party policy strongly supports renewable energy and opposes shale gas and new nuclear development Glyn Davies Conservative “After being an opponent of nuclear power all my life, I have recognised now that it is essential” James Heappey Conservative “I believe that nuclear energy should form the bedrock of our electricity generating capability” Dr Dan Poulter Conservative Has always voted in favour of nuclear power Antoinette Sandbach Conservative Supportive of Wylfa Newydd during her time as a Welsh Assembly Member Julian Sturdy Conservative Has always voted in favour of nuclear power Dr Alan Whitehead** Labour Vocally anti-nuclear, pro-renewables Ian Lavery** Labour “I see nuclear as part of a cross-portfolio of different types of clean energy” Melanie Onn* Labour Strongly pro-renewables, main focus for energy policy Matthew Pennycook Labour Vocally supportive of fracking Alistair Carmichael Liberal Democrat Not completely opposed to nuclear, but has strong concerns around nuclear waste *returning committee members * Now hold Shadow Minister roles and may not be able to serve on the select committee

2015 | SUMMER AUTUMN — 17

18 — AUTUMN | 2015

The Twittersphere BY. RUPERT LEWIS

NIA and its members gathered for three days to celebrate the annual NIA Summer Reception, this year sponsored by NuGen, and the NNB15 conference.

The two day conference saw more than 330 people gather to hear the latest developments in the sector. Delegates also heard from Giles Brandreth at the Conference dinner.

Many thanks to all the NNB15 sponsors, particularly platinum sponsor Fluor, the 40+ exhibitors as well as the organising committee who helped put an impressive programme together.

VISIT

www.niauk.org/nuclear-new-build

One of the most difficult tasks in a world which is dominated by social media is grabbing people’s attention during their busy lives. Everyone it seems has hundreds of friends on Facebook, follows hundreds of feeds on Twitter, has hundreds of connections on LinkedIn and with thousands of TV channels and streaming options available it is becoming more and more difficult to stick out and get noticed.

One thing which did achieve this was Jim Al-Khalili’s documentary on BBC Four - Britain's Nuclear Secrets: Inside Sellafield. With an audience of almost 700,000 the programme achieved the highest figures for a BBC Four programme so far this year. A remarkable achievement for a subject which is often dismissed as dry, technical, confusing and ultimately boring (according to my mates anyway!).

The documentary only scratched the surface of Sellafield’s vast site and Jim Al-Khalili explained himself there are several other subjects he would like to explore about nuclear decommissioning and waste management. However it did provide an excellent and balanced narrative on the history and science behind Sellafield; the rush to develop nuclear weapons, the nuclear clean Who to follow? up mission including a dive Want information on nuclear into the legacy ponds and and other relevant topics? how Cockcroft’s Folly saved This issue we recommend you a more serious radiation leak follow: during the Windscale fire.

While viewing figures suggest there was interest it @jimalkhalili is hard to gauge overall opinion @SellafieldLtd but luckily people are now @SelLtdcareers glued to their smartphones @UKCoNE when watching TV and like to make their feelings known on Twitter!

The reaction was indeed mixed, the majority seemed fascinated by the history of the industry and some others pronounced their disgust that the “programme was a load of pro nuclear propaganda bullsh**”.

However I think Jim Al-Khalili summed it up perfectly on his own Twitter feed, “With such a contentious subject we’re bound not to please all, but if crit from both sides then prob got it about right.”

Twitter Count Followers: 2,787 Tweets: 3,798

@NIAUK

@steveedmondson: Fantastic doc #InsideSellafield by @jimalkhalili part history, part science and part a good nose around the place

2015 | AUTUMN — 19

YGN Annual Dinner The YGN Annual Seminar and Dinner will take place on Thursday 29 October 2015 at The Rum Warehouse (The Titanic Hotel), Liverpool. The 2013 and 2014 events were both sell outs, so make sure to book your place early so you don’t miss out.

The 2015 seminar and dinner has been kindly sponsored by the Amec Foster Wheeler (Platinum), CRA (Gold), Abbott Risk Consulting (Champagne Reception), along with Silver Sponsors: Areva RMC, DBD, Ansaldo NES, Kurion, Atkins and Sellafield Ltd. The theme for the 2015 seminar is “Nuclear: Made in the UK”. The theme acknowledges the historic role of the UK in the nuclear landscape, the pioneering and innovative work of UK organisations in nuclear and the continuing contributions the UK makes to the advancement of the nuclear industry.

The seminar features talks from: Sellafield Ltd, Office for Nuclear Regulation, Innovus, Nuclear AMRC, CCFE - Culham Centre for Fusion Energy and FS Nuclear.

The seminar will be followed by the ever popular YGN Annual Dinner which will have an “Acceptable in the 80s” theme and include a Champagne Reception, three course meal, entertainment and possibly a surprise or two.

The YGN Annual Seminar and Annual Dinner provides fantastic opportunities to catch up with old contacts and to network and make new contacts.

FURTHER INFORMATION If you would like more information on the seminar and dinner or would like to book your place please contact ygnevents@gmail.com

YGN national speaking competition The Annual YGN National Speaking Competition will take place on Wednesday 23 September 2015; canapés and refreshments will be served from 5:30pm with presentations commencing from 6pm.This year’s final is kindly sponsored by Ansaldo NES. The competition will be hosted in the Manchester office of DWF LLP. With the first place winner taking £300 and a place at the YGN Annual Dinner there is a lot to fight for.

Please come join us in Manchester to support our national finalists in what is guaranteed to be an informative and interesting evening.

Email jessica.holdsworth@dwf.co.uk with any queries or to confirm attendance.

20 — AUTUMN | 2015

NIA Decommissioning Group and New Build Group Joint meeting On 8 October the Nuclear Industry Association, in partnership with the Welsh Government, will host a joint new build and decommissioning group meeting in Cardiff. With over 180 people already registered, availability is now limited.

The programme for the day will cover new build, existing generation and decommissioning in Wales, Cumbria and Somerset. We will hear from speakers from the NDA, EDF Energy, NuGeneration Ltd, Horizon Nuclear Power, Sellafield, Magnox, Costain and Doosan. The day will be jointly chaired

by Gareth Davies and Brian McConnell.

For further information please contact rupert.lewis@niauk.org or nikki.powney@niauk.org.

In memoriam Rob Corbett Rob Corbett, Business Development Manager at Aquila Nuclear Engineering sadly passed away on 28 June.

Rob, a seasoned engineer and active supporter of the NIA decommissioning group had a long and distinguished career in the nuclear industry and joined Aquila in May 2012.

Fate being cruel, Rob was to retire in December this year and was being shadowed by his son Drew. Our thoughts are with Drew and his family.

SNAPSHOT

Nuclear associations join forces in preparation for COP21 From 30 November to 11 December France will host a major UN climate conference in Paris. COP21 will, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C. In preparation for the conference, 60 nuclear associations from all over the world, including SFEN (the French Nuclear Society), the Nuclear Industry Association and FORATOM among the founding members, have joined forces to launch Nuclear for Climate.

Nuclear for Climate is a grassroots initiative, gathering nuclear professionals and scientists to raise awareness among decision-makers and the general public about the benefits of nuclear in combating climate change.

It also aims to ensure nuclear energy is recognised as a low-carbon energy

option and is included in all climate funding mechanisms, as is the case for all other low-carbon energy sources.

According to IPCC, 80% of the world’s electricity will need to be low-carbon by 2050 to limit global warming below 2°C. At the same time, demand for electricity will double.

The size of the challenge means the world will need all low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear. Given the timeframe, industrial solutions are needed which can be implemented immediately on a large scale.

According to IEA, nuclear has already avoided the equivalent of two years of global CO2 emissions, and will avoid the equivalent of four years of global CO2 emissions before 2040.

Organisations have started a series of joint public statements this year: 40 nuclear associations on 4 May in Nice, 22 European young nuclear professional

networks on June 25 in Paris, and the Women in Nuclear networks from 65 countries met in Vienna on 27 August.

Scientists and other professionals have also shared articles and videos through @Nuclear4Climate on Twitter as well as the website, on Facebook and YouTube.

Associations will be present at the COP21 conference in Paris, to engage with delegates and the media.

www.facebook.com/NuclearforClimate https://twitter.com/Nuclear4Climate www.sfen.org/en/nuclear-for-climate www.scoop.it/t/nuclear-for-climate

2015 | AUTUMN — 21

In July the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) announced the appointment of Steve Barrett as the new Sector Manager Nuclear. Steve brings over 10 years’ experience pioneering a wide variety of skills initiatives and programmes with Magnox, National Skills Academy for Nuclear, Babcock International Group and Thales UK.

IN CONVERSATION ...

STEVE BARRETT

WITH NUCLEAR PROJECTS HAVING SUCH A LONG LEAD TIME, HOW CAN INDUSTRY ENSURE KNOWLEDGE IS RETAINED FROM THOSE WHO RETIRE TO PASS ON TO NEW RECRUITS?

22 — AUTUMN | 2015

The answer to this is conundrum undoubtedly lays in knowledge management and its effective implementation; this includes the depositing and withdrawal of information.

Many industries have fallen foul to a system that captures information in several mediums only to catalogue it, store it … then forget about it. Without timely recruitment and well-structured succession planning the less tangible, tacit information will be lost.

DOES THE UK NEED TO SELL STEM SUBJECTS MORE? DO THOSE WHO GO TO UNIVERSITY TO STUDY ENGINEERING CHOOSE, BANKING, AVIATION OR AUTOMOTIVE OVER NUCLEAR? Yes. Where STEM is concerned there are a few schools of thought as to when the seed should be planted to get children engaged in the subjects that will eventually lead to a career in STEM. I believe this should be done early and made both interesting and appealing to the age group concerned. Also, to carry the initiatives through into subsequent years when subject choices are made is critical to achieving higher uptake of STEM subjects. Parents and school teachers, as key influencers should also be aware of the opportunities available to both boys and girls, not least of all to address the gender imbalance.

DO YOU THINK PEOPLE FROM OTHER SECTORS UNDERSTAND THEY CAN MOVE INTO THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY? The macroeconomics often dictate the migratory patterns with people moving sector where demand is greatest - oil prices being one such example. Potential employees should be cognisant of the knowledge and experience required, often referred to as the Nuclear Delta. However, they should not presume this to be a barrier to entry, and industry must not over-egg the differences with other sectors, which can drive away capable individuals. Fortunately, resourcing professionals are attuned to the reality that in order to attract new blood to the industry from competing sectors, they must be flexible in their approach to recruitment.

After 16 years at the helm of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, David Edwards has retired from the position. His successor, Chris Claydon joined at the end of August and brings with him a wealth of strategic and operational management experience.

WHAT LESSONS CAN UK NUCLEAR LEARN FROM OTHER MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND HOW THEY RECRUITED AND TRAINED PEOPLE? The 2012 Olympics was one of the greatest major infrastructure achievements in recent years. The ethos around skills and recruitment was very much based on partnership working and embedding education and skills targets at the heart of contractor interaction, from initial tender to appointment. Additionally the jobs brokerage partnership delivered thousands of jobs for local individuals and the key to this success was a genuinely collaborative approach. Much of the learning has not been wasted with initiatives being recreated in other infrastructure developments – arguably demonstrating the similarity of projects which may seem worlds apart to many people.

HOW WELL DO YOUNG PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE PROSPECTS FOR THEM IN THE SECTOR? I believe there is a vast amount of work to be done beyond the vicinity of nuclear installations, whether at MOD, research or commercial power stations. The lack of curriculum-based secondary education focussed on individual sectors is very little as schools remain committed to improving results and delivering an incredibly tight curriculum with limited financial support. To get the youth of today engaged in the sector, industry needs to engage in campaigns beyond the local area to involve the wider population and improve the overall perception of the industry along with the careers available.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL ARE THE CHALLENGES FACING UK NUCLEAR? Focussing on skills alone, the new build programme faces increasing pressure to deliver in parallel with other Critical National Infrastructure projects not least of all an accelerated decommissioning programme. Labour Market Intelligence reports show around 4,000 people a year are expected to leave the sector due to retirement, meaning around 8,500 net recruitment requirement every year against the anticipated growth forecasts. A potential lack of skilled workers could create increased competition for specialist skills, pushing up labour prices. However industry needs to look at how to tap into increased availability of similarly skilled engineers from other highly regulated industry. I believe addressing these to achieve a clear skills landscape for the sector would be beneficial to industry and government alike.

Chris has had a long and distinguished career in the British Army, has worked in various Government departments in Whitehall and most recently led a major transformation project to create a new organisation to recruit, train and support the Army.

Here Chris outlines his thoughts on the nuclear sector, to Industry Link.

Energy security and the need for affordable and low carbon energy sources are critical issues that need to be addressed by the UK. Around £270bn is targeted to be spent on energy infrastructure alone by 2020 and the nuclear sector plays a key role in meeting the need for clean, secure and affordable energy as part of the overall energy mix.

The UK's nuclear new build and decommissioning programmes will make a major contribution to the economy and society, not only by providing a homegrown clean energy source, but also in creating jobs and developing engineering skills. Over the next decade alone the industry will create thousands of jobs at all levels from apprentices to graduates and experienced professionals and contribute economically to local communities and the national economy.

The requirement for so many additional engineers brings with it a significant skills challenge which necessitates a concerted and collaborative approach by all those involved in developing engineering talent.

The ECITB plays a key role within this helping to nurture a long term talent pipeline. It is encouraging to see so many collaborative skills initiatives in progress.

I am delighted to be leading a business that will have such a positive impact on the economy and society.

2015 | AUTUMN — 23

WiN UK makes progress in 2015 WiN UK has made great strides since our first major conference in January and we’ve been impressed by the proactive approach companies and individuals have taken in offering support.

The Executive Board has been streamlined with committees formed to deliver our main objectives and a Three-Year Plan.

This plan is priority for the Board to ensure a sustainable programme of activities leading to real, tangible results.

Speedmentoring is going from strengthto-strength, holding five events per year as well as developing a toolkit which will allow this and other programmes to be led in-house.

Our young person outreach has ramped up, with WiN UK supporting the Smallpeice Trust to organise a week-long ‘girls only’ residential course – thanks to which, 100 Year 9 and 10 students are

newly enthused by the potential careers in the nuclear sector.

We promised to produce an Industry Charter – a public affirmation companies can sign up to on the importance of inclusivity and the steps they will take to encourage it. We plan to launch this in November and as it will be based on the conversations we have had with industry over the past 18 months, it should not hold any surprises.

The Industry Charter and the toolkits we are developing to help companies and individuals adopt inclusivity, will be a key focus of the second annual Women in Nuclear Conference, taking place in London in early 2016. This event promises to be an interactive session that will provide coaching and training on how to revolutionise behaviours towards a more inclusive and balanced industry.

To sponsor or exhibit at the event, email events@womeninnuclear.org.uk.

WiN UK has been working hard finalise its governance and funding structure and we hope to have exciting news before the end of the year – watch this space!

If you would be interested in joining WiN UK or would like to get more actively involved with our work please contact membership@womeinnuclear.com.

MIRANDA KIRSCHEL WiN UK President

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

C0379_15_SNEC NuclearConnect HP AD.indd 1

24 — AUTUMN | 2015

ADVANCING CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WORLDWIDE

17/06/2015 10:51

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2015 | AUTUMN — 25

NEWS IN BRIEF

Westinghouse open new facility

Westlakes Engineering secure largest contract win

Westinghouse Electricity Company has opened a new office in West Cumbria to support the delivery of existing decommissioning and remediation contracts with Sellafield Ltd. The office will also act as a base during the development of the new nuclear project at Moorside with NuGen. Speaking about the announcement, Dave Unsworth, Westinghouse Vice President and Managing Director, UK, Middle East and Egypt, said, “We have long had an ambition to open an office in West Cumbria and we believe that the time is now right for us to do this.

“We are incredibly proud of the contracts we have won from Sellafield Ltd, where we are bringing our global decommissioning and remediation capability to help tackle some of the high hazard challenges on the site.”

Westinghouse was recently part of the team that made history, transferring the first sludge from the first generation Magnox Storage Pond to a modern state of the art storage facility. The office at Westlakes Science Park will be the home for up to 40 employees initially and this new team will work closely with colleagues at Westinghouse UK’s head office at Chorley in Lancashire.

Commenting on the company’s new build programme in the UK, Dave explained, “NuGen is planning to build three Westinghouse AP1000® nuclear reactors. In the future, as this project gathers pace, the Westinghouse presence in the area will be absolutely vital. This is a long-term commitment for decades to come.”

In its 10th anniversary year, Westlakes Engineering Limited has secured its latest and largest contract win. Working with M+W Group, the company will work to develop a state-of-the-art, above ground nuclear waste store at Sellafield.

The contract valued, at £150 million, will house Intermediate Level Waste and Westlakes Engineering will provide the civil structural design engineering capability.

Commeting on the contract, Andy Hooper Managing Director of Westlakes Engineering said, “We had a great start to our 10th year with three framework wins, but without doubt, this latest contract win is the icing on the birthday cake. It is twice the size of any other contract we have been awarded in our 10 year history and marks a step change in terms of project work with Sellafield. The contract with M+W will underpin our work for the next 12 months.”

Bill Macaulay, Operations Director Nuclear for M+W Group added, “The BEPPS /DIF project is a key strategic contract for us in the UK nuclear market. It is our first major project at Sellafield and we intend it to be an exemplar project for the sector.

“For this reason it was imperative we established a fully integrated team, combining leading local expertise and supply chain partners as well as international experience.

“Westlakes Engineering are a key part of that team. Sharing our commitment to engineering excellence, we see this project as being the platform for a long-term business relationship, expanding our activities together in both the nuclear industry as well as in other areas across Cumbria and the UK.”

Magnox has announced all used fuel elements have been removed from Unit 1 at Oldbury. The company has also announced the retrieval of all the fuel element debris from under-ground vaults at Bradwell.

The defueling process began at Oldbury in early 2013, and is a key element of the decommissioning process. Fuel is removed from the reactors and stored in on-site ponds before being transported to Sellafield for reprocessing. According to the NDA there were 52,060 used fuel elements across Oldbury and this marks another serious achievement in the decommissioning programme of the site.

Oldbury 2 is approximately 85% defueled and completion for defueling is scheduled for October 2015. At that time, 26,235 fuel elements will have been removed from the reactor and once all the fuel has been shipped, the site will have removed 99% of its radioactive hazard.

The company also announced the retrieval of all Fuel Element Debris (FED) from underground storage vaults at Bradwell. Prior to transportation from Bradwell to the Sellafield site, some of the metal casing was removed to allow for greater packing efficiency.

This debris is not the fuel itself and is primarily magnesium, and a combination of other metals.

MILESTONES AT OLDBURY AND BRADWELL

“ This is yet another milestone in the life of the

site and we will continue to press ahead to complete defuelling the reactors by the end of the year.”

Mike Heaton Oldbury Site Director “ Completing retrieval of FED significantly

lowers the risk as we now have clarity about the volume of waste that needs to be processed, it is safely packaged in modern, fit-for-purpose drums and is regularly monitored and inspected ahead of processing.”

Scott Raish Bradwell Site Director

26 — AUTUMN | 2015

NEW NIA MEMBERS

Sellafield sign up to apprenticeship commitment

WELCOME ELG Carrs Stainless Steel ELG Carrs Stainless is a specialist steel manufacturer and distributor specialising in bespoke grades which are not readily available from stockists. Its 5000 kg melting facility gives it the advantage of working to customer specifications whilst offering competitive quantities.

Sellafield Ltd has committed to making at least 5% of its workforce apprentices, graduates or sponsored students within the next five years as part of the industry led campaign – ‘The 5% Club’.

The company which already has one of the largest apprenticeship training programmes in the UK, has been praised by Copeland MP Jamie Reed and Warrington South MP David Mowat.

Jamie Reed said, “Sellafield is a nationally important programme of work, and we know it will continue to need highly skilled people for many years to come.

“Investing in tomorrow’s workforce today is good for business and good for our community. I’m delighted Sellafield Ltd is making this commitment to the future of our young people, and hope others will follow their example”.

David Mowat added, “The decommissioning work at Sellafield will be creating work for many years so it’s great news that Sellafield is looking to recruit new apprentices from Warrington.

“More young people will be learning the skills they need to get into highly paid, highly specialised jobs in the future."

Sellafield took on a record 200 apprentices this September and as well as committing to the 5% Club, the company is working alongside the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the National Skills Academy Nuclear to develop new and improved apprenticeships.

Known as the ‘trailblazer project’, Sellafield Ltd is one of the many British businesses utilising the initiative to develop new apprenticeship standards and determine the content and method of assessments involved.

Commenting on the trailblazer project, Ken McEwan, Head of Training at Sellafield Ltd said, “This latest approval by BIS allows us to address the skills gaps in our industry and equip young people with the experience and expertise that will open up opportunities to them in the national and international nuclear market.

“We hope that our supply chain partners will join us in expanding apprenticeship, trainee and graduate schemes to grow the local skills base and create more employment opportunities for west Cumbria’s people, suppliers and businesses.”

Stainless Metalcraft (Chatteris) Ltd Metalcraft is a Fabrication and Machining Company with capabilities in mechanical design through to manufacture and installation. It has a wealth of experience in the design and manufacture of vacuum, cryogenic & pressure vessels from 5m diameter x 35m long [140 tonnes] down to 0.5m diameter x 0.5m long [a few kilos].

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2015 | AUTUMN — 27

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OPINION

PowerPolitics “…MAJOR PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE OVER THE PAST DECADE SINCE THE NDA WAS CREATED AND ANY PAUSE TO THE PROCESS COULD PROVE VERY COSTLY.”

Writing this autumn edition, following as it does the long parliamentary recess, is always tricky. Whilst the PM’s well deserved holiday(s) provide riveting gossip column material – Cameron eats Pringles on EasyJet etc – major energy policy announcements, the bread and butter of this column, are thin on the ground.

I could of course dissect the Labour party leadership election – which would be infinitely more interesting – but this is outside my remit. That said there have been some important developments since Parliament returned following the general election. In particular the Chancellor has delivered his Stability Budget and launched the 2015 Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).

The CSR will report in late November and will identify further savings the Government believes are necessary to eliminate the deficit by 2019-20.

Since (unprecedently) officials have been asked to model two scenarios of 25% and 40% savings in real terms, this could have a major impact on non-protected Government departments, not least our friends at DECC. This is important because the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s funding makes up the bulk of DECC’s overall expenditure.

As the trade association for the nuclear industry we have therefore argued strongly that the review should recognise decommissioning and cleaning up the UK’s legacy safely, securely and costeffectively as a national priority, and act accordingly. Quite simply major progress has been made over the past decade since the NDA was created and any pause

to the process could prove very costly in the longer term, both to the country and the nuclear supply chain.

Readers will recall that in the two year lead up to the general election energy prices were a hot political potato, and in a bid to defuse the issue the Coalition Government referred the matter to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA has finally published its provisional findings, identifying the main problem as engaging customers in the retail market and, importantly from our perspective, concluding that competition in the wholesale gas and electricity markets worked well.

Whilst this will probably not put the story completely to bed – electricity prices are too politically charged for that – the report concluded there was no negative impact from vertical integration and therefore no case for reverting to the pool system. The removal of this threat to the status quo is helpful from a nuclear new build perspective.

More good news came from Amber Rudd, who told the Energy and Climate Change Committee in July that Government were committed to building new stations to maintain nuclear’s proportion in the mix, and she anticipated ‘a happy conclusion’ to the Hinkley Point C investment decision later this year. Hopefully therefore my next column will be reporting good news!

Despite my assertion in the first paragraph, it would be remiss of me, given its importance, not to conclude this column with a few remarks on the nuclear implications of Jeremy Corbyn’s election.

For the last few years the NIA’s presentations have emphasised the bipartisan support for new nuclear, and until the past few weeks our expectation was this would continue post-election.

This seemed eminently reasonable given the support on the Labour benches and the fact the current policy was initiated by them (in the 2008 White Paper).

Recent developments have dramatically illustrated the need to avoid complacency.

In parliamentary debates over the past few years there have only been a handful of Labour politicians opposed to nuclear power. However one of them is now at the top of the party.

Jeremey Corbyn has said he is ‘passionately opposed to nuclear power and nuclear weapons in equal measure’.

Mr Corbyn has emphasised these are his thoughts rather than firm policies, and they could well change, if the experience of Chris Huhne or Ed Davey are any precedent, when he is exposed to the arguments.

It will however be important for nuclear supporters within the party to make the energy security, climate change and industrial case for new nuclear stations without delay.

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

2015 | AUTUMN — 29

30 — AUTUMN | 2015