Issuu

Re writing the energy playbook

JANUARY 2024

2024!

Contents

2024: Nuclear Renaissance!

4-5

Hinkley Point C Achieves Major Milestone

6-7

Next Generation of Nuclear Innovators

Sellafield Commit to Strengthening Operations

London’s Court of Appeal Upholds Plant Approval

Ukraine Forges Agreement with Westinghouse

Belgium Secures Operating Extensions

12-13 Advanced Robotics Collaborative Effort 14-15 Nuclear Strategy Summit

2024: NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE! Ladies and gentlemen, it is clear that the nuclear revolution is taking centre stage in the energy arena! 2023 was a momentous year where nuclear energy not only emerged as the new green but solidified its long-awaited renaissance, transitioning from a whispered promise to a resounding reality! In the annals of energy history, nuclear power has now become the linchpin in the quest for a carbon-neutral future. First off, let’s talk about the strides made in nuclear energy advocacy. The Net Zero Nuclear initiative, a brainchild of the World Nuclear Association and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, made waves at COP28 UAE. Twenty-two countries signed up to a gamechanging pledge: to triple nuclear energy production by 2050, and three more countries have jumped on board since that historic announcement. The list includes the likes of the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

541 where nuclear energy’s rise doubles by 2050. This isn’t just to keep temperatures from skyrocketing, but to limit the global temperature increase to a meager 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Imagine the impact! The International Energy Agency (IEA) has thrown its weight behind a doubled nuclear energy output by 2050 in their Net Zero Roadmap. A noteworthy update from their earlier, more conservative projections. GB Nuclear is poised to unveil the winners of their funding for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects. This momentous announcement sets the stage for a seismic shift in energy generation—smaller, safer, and smarter reactors are on the horizon! 2024 is the year nuclear energy rewrites the energy playbook, spearheading a future that’s cleaner, greener, and undeniably nuclear. The stage is set, the players are in position, and the world awaits with bated breath as the nuclear revolution unfolds before our very eyes!

The IPCC, renowned for its scientific prowess, analyzed over 1,200 scenarios and handpicked 3

Hinkley Point C Achieves Major Milestone: 47m Dome Successfully Installed on First Reactor Building In a significant stride towards operational readiness, the eagerly awaited dome for Hinkley Point C’s inaugural reactor building has been flawlessly positioned, marking a pivotal milestone in the power station’s construction journey. The successful placement of this monumental structure heralds the imminent installation of the first nuclear reactor scheduled for the forthcoming year. Engineering teams orchestrated a precision lift of the 245-tonne steel dome atop the reactor building. This monumental accomplishment not only concludes 2023 on a high note but also solidifies the 14-metertall dome atop the 44-meter-high reactor building, signalling a crucial phase closure. The meticulous planning of the 7:20am lift took advantage of favourable weather conditions, ensuring a smooth hour-and-ahalf manoeuvre conducted under low wind circumstances. This dome serves as the uppermost component of the reactor building’s inner containment—a steel cylinder enveloped in concrete. Spanning an impressive 47 meters in diameter, surpassing even the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, it comprises 38 prefabricated panels assembled on-site following shipment to Hinkley Point C. The strategic utilization of prefabrication and modular construction techniques remains integral to the project’s methodology.

Notably, earlier this month, the installation of the 750-tonne “Polar Crane” in a single unit above the reactor building’s final steel liner ring underscored the project’s technological progress. This internally situated crane, capable of full rotation, holds pivotal significance for refuelling operations and equipment installations within the reactor.

Simon Parsons, Nuclear Island Area Director, expressed profound appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the project’s teams, emphasizing the pivotal role played by their determination and commitment in executing this complex operation. Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie hailed this achievement as a momentous step in the establishment of Britain’s first nuclear reactor in a generation, aligning seamlessly with the UK Government’s strategic agenda to reinvigorate the nuclear sector. The impending operation of Hinkley Point C, expected to power approximately six million homes with

zero-carbon electricity, aligns harmoniously with the nation’s goals of reducing reliance on imported energy sources and accelerating the shift towards achieving net-zero emissions. The recent lift by ‘Big Carl,’ the world’s largest crane, underscores the substantial progress achieved at Hinkley Point C. With an assembly of 10,000 workers and contributions from 3,500 British companies, the power station’s construction remains a vital cornerstone in aiding Britain’s trajectory towards Net Zero, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for six million households in the UK

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group has officially launched its 2024 call for graduates to contribute to its pivotal decommissioning mission, thereby supporting one of the world’s most significant environmental programs. This announcement, led by the NDA, Sellafield Ltd, Nuclear Restoration Services, and Nuclear Waste Services, serves as a clarion call for individuals aspiring to participate in shaping the future of the nuclear industry. In light of the burgeoning growth within the nuclear domain, the NDA’s mission expands, offering a plethora of stimulating opportunities. This year, the NDA group has doubled its graduate openings to over 120 positions, spanning various professional disciplines across the UK. These roles aim to facilitate the safe and sustainable decommissioning of the nation’s oldest nuclear sites while bolstering specialized nuclear waste and transport endeavors. Last month, the NDA group welcomed its most substantial and diverse cohort of graduates in history, following the successful launch of the new NDA group graduate program in 2022. Today, the quest commences to enlist an even larger cohort for the year 2024. Jacq Longrigg, NDA group Head of Leadership, Skills, and Talent, highlighted the expansive possibilities within the organization, emphasizing the compatibility between aspirants’ backgrounds, skills, and the myriad opportunities available within the group. Longrigg articulated the significance of being part of the NDA group—a platform dedicated to realizing permanent, positive, and transformative change for future generations. Longrigg stated, “We are committed to preserving the momentum achieved in the past year and are excited to welcome diverse talents. Joining the NDA group graduate program presents an unprecedented opportunity to be at the forefront of our mission.”

The program targets individuals who have graduated within the last five years with a minimum 2:2 degree classification. Successful candidates will engage in three placements over two years within the NDA and its affiliated companies, namely Sellafield, Nuclear Restoration Services, Nuclear Transport Solutions, and Nuclear Waste Services. Sharing her experience, Waste Specialist Jenny Robbins, who joined the NDA group as a graduate and now contributes to ensuring the safety of radioactive waste at Nuclear Waste Services, emphasized the extensive training opportunities and significant contributions made in significant projects. Robbins highlighted the organization’s commitment to employee growth and development, strongly advocating for aspiring professionals to consider joining the NDA group. Graduates have the opportunity to specialize in various domains encompassing engineering, procurement, cyber security, environmental protection, STEM disciplines, and businessrelated roles. These roles are stationed across diverse locations in rural and urban settings throughout the UK, collaborating with a workforce of 17,000 highly skilled individuals. The benefits of this program include a starting salary of £30,000, 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, an additional six discretionary days leave for study, relocation support, and a robust benefits package, comprising pension benefits, professional institute membership, and comprehensive support for travel, relocation, training, and development. Furthermore, the NDA group encourages applications for the acclaimed Nuclear Graduates program, a collaborative effort between the NDA and other leading nuclear industry employers. Both the NDA group graduate program and the Nuclear Graduates schemes are powered by the NDA subsidiary, Energus.

NDA Group Initiates Search for Next Generation of Nuclear Innovators

Sellafield CEO Stands Firm Amid Allegations, Affirms Commitment to Strengthening Operations Euan Hutton, Chief Executive Officer of Sellafield, responded decisively to recent reports hinting at cybersecurity breaches and safety concerns at the Cumbrian nuclear site. Addressing these claims, Hutton steadfastly dismissed allegations of cyber intrusions into Sellafield’s IT networks linked to foreign government entities, emphasizing the absence of concrete evidence supporting such claims. Sellafield, recognized as a pivotal nuclear facility on the Cumbrian coast, plays a significant role in the treatment and storage of nuclear waste while maintaining stringent safety measures. With an employee count of approximately 11,000, the site has evolved from power generation to a focus on decommissioning outdated infrastructures. Recent articles suggested cybersecurity vulnerabilities at Sellafield, alleging incursions by cyber groups associated with Russia and China. In response, Hutton asserted the robustness of the facility’s cybersecurity measures, stressing the absence of any substantiated cyber attacks. He confidently stated that Sellafield’s vigilant systems would have detected and flagged any such breach. Acknowledging concerns raised by regulatory bodies regarding cybersecurity, Hutton revealed ongoing collaborations aimed at bolstering defences and eliminating identified weaknesses. This proactive approach aligns with Sellafield’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of security.

Moreover, concerns about certain aging facilities, notably an open-air pond and a storage silo, drew attention. Hutton acknowledged the challenges associated with these structures but assured that robust monitoring and contingency plans were in place to address any potential issues. He highlighted the facility’s proactive measures and commitment to safety, ensuring that corrective actions were being actively pursued. On the subject of workplace culture allegations involving bullying, harassment, and drug use, Hutton vehemently refuted these claims, emphasizing the company’s unequivocal commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive work environment. He underscored Sellafield’s dedication to a workplace free from such behaviors, affirming that the organization prioritizes a respectful and safe work atmosphere. The recent reports, while raising concerns, prompted a proactive response from both Sellafield and regulatory authorities, signaling a commitment to addressing any identified issues swiftly. Hutton’s resolute stance and commitment to upholding safety standards reflect the organization’s unwavering dedication to its operational integrity and the well-being of its employees. As government officials emphasize the importance of addressing these concerns promptly, Sellafield’s proactive approach, coupled with Hutton’s firm leadership, signifies a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in its operations.

London’s Court of Appeal Upholds Legality of Sizewell C Nuclear Plant Approval In a decisive ruling on Wednesday, London’s Court of Appeal upheld the legality of Britain’s approval for the proposed Sizewell C nuclear plant. This verdict marked the dismissal of a legal challenge mounted by the campaign group Together Against Sizewell C, which centered on environmental concerns surrounding the project’s approval process. The challenge posed by Together Against Sizewell C contended that British authorities had failed to adequately consider the environmental impacts related to the plant’s water supply requirements when granting approval. Sizewell C, a project spearheaded by the French energy behemoth EDF, has been the subject of extensive scrutiny over its potential environmental implications.

The Court of Appeal’s ruling represents a definitive stance on the legality of the approval process, signaling that the necessary considerations pertaining to environmental impacts, including water supply needs, were duly addressed within the approval framework. This decisive judgment reinforces the affirmation of due diligence in the approval process for major infrastructure projects like Sizewell C, acknowledging the thorough examination of environmental aspects essential for such ventures. As the project progresses, this ruling solidifies the legitimacy of the regulatory framework governing the development of nuclear power initiatives in the UK.

Ukraine Forges Agreement with Westinghouse for Khmelnitsky-5 Nuclear Plant Equipment In a significant stride towards expanding its nuclear energy infrastructure, Ukraine has formalized an agreement with US-based reactor company Westinghouse for the procurement of essential equipment destined for the construction of the Khmelnitski-5 AP1000 nuclear power plant situated in northern Ukraine. The accord, a pivotal step in Ukraine’s nuclear energy expansion agenda, was signed by key representatives, including Westinghouse’s Chief Executive Officer Patrick Fragman, Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, and Energoatom’s President Petro Kotin, highlighting the country’s dedication to bolstering its nuclear energy capacity. In addition to this procurement arrangement, discussions revolved around fostering extended collaboration between Energoatom and Westinghouse. Energoatom is envisaging the installation of a total of nine Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, signifying a strategic move towards diversifying Ukraine’s energy portfolio. Furthermore, plans were outlined for the utilization of Westinghouse-supplied fuel to power its existing VVER reactors, underscoring a comprehensive approach towards optimizing nuclear energy resources within the country. As Ukraine advances its strategic energy objectives, it is also actively exploring the prospective deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). These deliberations include the potential incorporation of Westinghouse’s advanced AP300 reactor technology into Ukraine’s nuclear energy landscape, signaling an innovative approach towards meeting future energy needs through cutting-edge modular reactor solutions.

Belgium Secures Operating Extensions for Two Nuclear Reactors in Engie Agreement The Belgian government has successfully concluded negotiations with the French utility group and nuclear operator Engie, solidifying an agreement for the operational extension of two nuclear reactors, Tihange-3 and Doel4, spanning a duration of 10 years. Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten confirmed this significant development via social media platform X, announcing the completion of the deal and highlighting the extension of these pivotal nuclear power plants.

Minister Van der Straeten further indicated that forthcoming political deliberations were slated to commence the subsequent day, aiming to further discuss the agreement’s implications. Moving forward, the finalized legal texts necessitate approval from the entire government and Belgium’s supreme administrative court before undergoing parliamentary scrutiny and seeking endorsement from the European Union.

Advanced Robotics Collaborative Effort Enhances Nuclear Decommissioning: The Emergence of SMuRF Technology A collaborative team of engineers hailing from prestigious institutions such as the University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, and Heriot-Watt University has undertaken a groundbreaking initiative in the development of the Symbiotic Multi-Robot Fleet (SMuRF) system. This technological innovation is positioned to revolutionize Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) decommissioning processes by offering an efficient, safe, and collaborative approach.

infrastructure in challenging environments. A recent paper titled ‘Lessons Learned: Symbiotic Autonomous Robot Ecosystem for Nuclear Environments’ published in the esteemed journal IET Cyber-Systems and Robotics documented a practical demonstration of the SMuRF at the Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) facility in Cumbria. RAICo stands as a collaborative effort between the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd, and the University of Manchester.

At its core, the SMuRF system is designed to facilitate seamless cooperation among various types of robots, including wheeled, four-legged, and airborne units. The collective capabilities of these diverse robots are orchestrated through a sophisticated cyber physical system (CPS) developed by the researchers. This system enables shared sensor data and harnesses the collective prowess of these robots, allowing them to collaboratively execute intricate tasks under the remote supervision of a human operator.

During the demonstration, the SMuRF system displayed its effectiveness by successfully conducting an inspection mission within a simulated radioactive storage facility, emulating real-world nuclear decommissioning challenges. The heart of the system, the CPS, adeptly managed communication among 1,600 sensors, robots, and various digital assets in near real-time, ensuring seamless collaboration and data exchange between disparate robots.

The potential of SMuRFs extends beyond nuclear facility monitoring, presenting new avenues for maintaining engineering

The data amalgamated and processed by the CPS facilitated the creation of a highly detailed 3D digital twin of the actual operational space.

This digital twin empowered the SMuRF to autonomously navigate the environment, execute tasks with minimal oversight, and equip human operators with comprehensive data via a specially-crafted digital dashboard, thereby aiding informed decision-making. Through collaborative efforts, the robots executed tasks including radiation mapping and detection (post-operational cleanout), wherein each robot demonstrated its unique abilities. For instance, Boston Dynamics’ Spot utilized its flexible arm to retrieve tools, while wheeled robots Scout and CARMA conducted radiation level mapping. The CARMA robot efficiently detected a simulated radioactive spill, showcasing its capability to assist in containment and cleanup procedures in realworld settings. Daniel Mitchell from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, the paper’s corresponding author, emphasized the robots’ diverse abilities and their interoperability, highlighting their suitability for hazardous environments such as nuclear inspection and decommissioning. Mitchell reiterated the importance of human oversight

in directing the robot fleet, underscoring the high autonomy of these systems, which could potentially reduce on-site visits and enhance safety measures. Furthermore, David Flynn, Professor in Cyber Physical Systems at the University of Glasgow, highlighted the vast potential of these autonomous robotic fleets in undertaking hazardous and challenging tasks, signaling the team’s intent to incorporate a wider range of robots with enhanced sensing and manipulative capabilities into their fleets. Dr. Paul Baniqued from the University of Manchester emphasized that the digital architecture underlying the SMuRF system draws inspiration from strategic video games, allowing operators to efficiently manage the fleet in the digital twin environment, optimizing task comprehension and focus. The impactful research was made possible through funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), affirming the commitment to advancing technological frontiers in the nuclear decommissioning realm.

Nuclear Strategy Summit Nuclear Strategy Summit Enhancing the Nuclear Economy Bridgewater Hall, Manchester UK. 8th May 2024 At Nuclear Strategy, we wholeheartedly acknowledge the pivotal role that nuclear technology occupies in confronting global dilemmas such as climate change, energy security, and industrial progress. Through this event, our aim is to cultivate collaboration, ignite innovative thinking, and shape the trajectory of the nuclear industry. With an electrifying program that encompasses an extensive array of subjects, we cordially invite you to delve into the most recent breakthroughs in cutting-edge reactor designs, pioneering fuel technologies, and emerging patterns in fusion research. Acquire profound insights into policy structures, regulatory deliberations, and funding models that bolster the advancement of sophisticated nuclear technology.

• Policy and Guidelines for Advanced Nuclear Innovation • Economic Aspects and Capital in Advanced Nuclear Solutions • Establishing a Robust Advanced Nuclear Technology Supply Network • Ensuring Safety, Confidence, and Public Trust in Advanced Nuclear Innovations • Emerging Technological Breakthroughs in Nuclear Energy Advancements • Exploring Diverse Applications of Nuclear Technology Beyond Power Generation • Progressing Towards Sustainability: Implementing Advanced Nuclear Power • Advanced Nuclear Energy’s Role in Navigating the Energy Transition • Fostering diversity and addressing the skills gap

To join us or for speaking and exhibiting opportunities please click to register here or alternatively email hello@nuclearstratergy.earth

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