Locals see Wylfa Newydd plans

state aid approval granted for Hinkley point C

in Conversation...juliane antrobus

Party Conference Season

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Magazine of tHe uk nuClear industry assoCiation

niauk.org WINTER / 2014

EU appRoval foR HINklEy, sIgNIfIcaNT pRogREss madE

by HoRIzoN aNd NUgEN, sEvERal mIlEsToNEs coNqUEREd aT

sEllafIEld aNd a fREsH appRoacH To 12 sITEs acRoss THE Nda EsTaTE.

2015 WIll bE ExTREmEly bUsy foR THE ENTIRE sEcToR as WE coNTINUE To coNTRIbUTE To THE EcoNomIc REcovERy Up

aNd doWN THE coUNTRy.

Many of you will be reading this edition of Industry Link at our annual conference #Nuclear – Powering the UK. Rebranded from ‘Energy Choices’ because we believe the choice has been made. As we go into 2015 all three developers are taking signifi-cant strides forward every month, cross party political consensus on nuclear power is maintained and the decommissioning sector exports its skills and knowledge across the world as well as making significant progress in the UK. In this edition of the magazine we look at the State Aid approval given to the Hinkley Point C project and the response from industry and interested parties. We hear from the Cavendish Fluor Partnership on its plans following share transfer and formal contract award by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. This quarter we interviewed Julianne Antrobus from Atkins’ nuclear business to discuss the huge opportunities in the current nuclear market and the advice she would give to those embarking on a similar path today. In addition, the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Centre update us on the progress of the Fit For Nuclear programme. The NIA team arrived back at our new office following a very busy party conference season. Energy continued to dominate the fringe listings and for a considerable amount of time in the hall itself – although this did not lead to any shock announcements like last year!We wish you all well from the NIA for 2015 which promises to be a productive and busy year for the entire sector!

Welcome to IndustryLink

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page 14

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

Registered OfficeTower House Fifth Floor 10 Southampton Street London WC2E 7HATEL +44(0)20 7766 6640EMAIL info@niauk.org

Press EnquiriesSara.Crane@niauk.orgTEL 07803 696 786

Advertisement EnquiriesRupert.Lewis@niauk.orgTEL 020 7766 6642

IN VIEW

Follow us: @NIAUK

vIsITNIaUk.oRg

This magazine is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, using vegetable based inks.

The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is the trade association and representative voice of the UK’s civil nuclear industry. We represent over 50,000 UK nuclear workers across more than 270 member companies.

After 10 years at St James's Square the NIA has now moved offices to Covent Garden. All contact numbers remain the same and the new address is Fifth Floor, Tower House, 10 Southampton Street, London WC2E 7HA

Sellafield develop tepco relationShip

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The NIA hAs moved

Editor - Alastair Evans Art Editor - Dan Powney

Contributors Rupert Lewis, Peter Haslam, Keith Parker, Sara Crane, Stephanie McKenna, Julianne Antrobus – Atkins Limited, Kenny Douglas – Cavendish Fluor Partnership, Mikael Blazquez and Simon Sun – Sanvik Materials Technology, Tim Chapman – Nuclear AMRC, Janine Claber – Marick Communications, with additional thanks to World Nuclear News

Alastair evans Alastair.Evans@niauk.org

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State Aid approval granted for Hinkley Point C

“ This is great news. The go-ahead at Hinkley Point will deliver thousands of skilled jobs in the construction, manufacturing and operation of the power station. Nuclear power is a key part of a balanced, low carbon energy policy. This fires the starting gun on a nuclear renaissance and will hopefully pave the way for more power stations which will, in turn, generate more skilled jobs”

Kevin Coyne, National officer Unite

vincent de Rivaz, Chief executive, edF energy

The approval of the European Commission demonstrates that the proposed package of agreements between the Government and EDF is fair and balanced for investors and consumers now and for the long term.

“gmb WElcomE THIs aNNoUNcEmENT WHolEHEaRTEdly.

WE also WElcomE THaT THE EU commIssIoN fINIsHEd THEIR

dElIbERaTIoNs IN THE TImE THEy saId THEy WoUld.”

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NaTIoNal sEcRETaRy foR ENERgy

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2014 | WINTER — 3

The UK has taken a huge step towards building its first new nuclear power station for 20 years. Following a nine-month investigation, Commissioner Almunia in his former role as Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Competition, announced at a press conference in Brussels that the UK’s proposals to support the construction of Hinkley Point C were compatible with the rules surrounding state aid. The Commission concluded the long-term contract and the guarantee constitute an appropriate and proportionate way for the UK to meet its need for secure, low carbon energy. The Commission’s decision leaves the key elements of the previous agreements unchanged whilst it has reinforced measures designed to share potential future benefits with customers. This means customers would benefit if the construction costs or later, the equity returns were more favourable than forecast. Almunia commented, “These modifications will achieve significant savings for UK taxpayers. On this basis and after a thorough investigation, the Commission can now conclude that the support is compatible with EU state aid rules.” This is a pivotal milestone, but not the final one. EDF Energy will conclude negotiations with the other investors in the project prior to making its final investment decision. In addition to the financial matters, the EU has been considering the waste transfer contract arrangements which form part of the Funded Decommissioning Programme. Steady progress has been made on site throughout the year in readiness for the project to begin. This includes building of haul roads to give access to the site for machinery needed for the main construction phase, road improvements on the approach to the site and the first stages of office buildings, worker accommodation and welfare facilities.

“pRospEcT Has bEEN campaIgNINg foR NUclEaR

NEW bUIld as paRT of a balaNcEd loW-caRboN ENERgy

mIx foR ovER a dEcadE. IT coUld pRovIdE mUcH NEEdEd capacITy, HElp aId ENERgy sEcURITy aNd

dElIvER loW-caRboN basE-load gENERaTIoN foR yEaRs.”

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“ This is an important step in securing the UK’s home-grown low-carbon electricity generation while adding jobs and prosperity to the economy… This will set in motion an important time for the nuclear sector in the UK as new build projects get under way to replace the current ageing generation. It also gives certainty to other European countries looking at the UK system of contracts for difference as a mechanism to secure their own supply.”

Lord hutton Chairman NIA

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Media Watch

The NIA featured in an article in The Sun on Sunday following the release of A Level and GCSE results. The piece, which called for better careers guidance in schools, highlighted NIA survey data which showed many studying STEM subjects do not think they can work in the nuclear sector.

During a planned outage at EDF Energy's Heysham 1 plant an unexpected result was found during routine ultrasonic inspections of a boiler spine. No similar results were found on the seven other boilers at the station, but both Heysham 1 and Hartlepool were shutdown for detailed inspections.

Keith Parker and Malcolm Grimston were both interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live on the day to discuss the implications of the shutdown for the UK’s electricity grid and nuclear safety. Both plants are expected to be back online before the end of the year.

Peter Haslam gave an interview to Russia Today about the approval for the Hinkley Point C investment contract. Peter emphasised the economic, environmental and social benefits a construction project of this size will bring to the region and the rest of the UK. Stating that the project will create over 20,000 new jobs and once complete will provide approximately 7% of UK electricity.

Following the announcement that the EU College of Commissioners had approved the investment contract for EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project, the NIA issued a statement welcoming the decision. Lord Hutton’s comments that while it was right for the commission to “thoroughly review all the relevant issues” now it is “important new build projects get under way to replace the current ageing generation”, appeared on Sky News, BBC, The Guardian and The Engineer along with a number of regional news outlets.

The Guardian printed a letter written by EDF Energy in response to Ecotricity’s claims that “the financial support agreed for Hinkley would be an enormous burden for the country and there is the costs of decommissioning on top of that. Where is the money going to come from?”

In the response Paul Spence, Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, EDF Energy explained, “(Waste and clean up) costs are already included as part of the agreements reached with government, and we will make full provision for them as the station generates electricity during its 60-year life. There is no hidden cost when the station closes.”

David Mowat MP for Warrington South and member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee wrote an article entitled ‘Warrington – a nuclear town’. The piece highlighted the importance of the industry in the region and the role new nuclear has to play in stabilising energy bills and cutting carbon emissions.

NEWSNEWSNEWS

2014 has been an eventful year across all parts of the nuclear sector, culminating in October with the EU’s approval of the financing arrangements for Hinkley Point C and conclusion of its state aid case. This marked a major step towards realising EDF Energy’s plans to build the first new nuclear station in Britain for a generation. A key theme for the NIA this year has been the regeneration of the industry. Progress in the new build programme and new policy approaches to managing radioactive waste all have a part to play, but the economic regeneration of local communities and the employment prospects for young people presented by nuclear developments have been at the root of our activities. The NIA’s re:generation communications campaign, previewed at Energy Choices 2013, was formally launched in June at Sizewell. Not only did the group of engineering students visiting Sizewell see the impressive workings of a nuclear power station, but they also heard from some great industry ambassadors – the employees – and came away with a better idea of the exciting career prospects on offer in the nuclear industry. Further events have been held with young people throughout the year to great effect, and will continue into 2015. Momentum in the UK’s new build renaissance continues, with Toshiba and GDF Suez agreeing a landmark deal for NuGeneration and the development of the Moorside site. NuGen has recommenced its site assessment works and the AP1000 has resumed its passage towards completing the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. Horizon Nuclear Power is also moving forward with its GDA for the ABWR, reaching Stage 3 in August, remaining on track for completion by the end of 2017. The company has also began public consultation for its planning application for Wylfa Newydd in earnest. These new build projects are great news for the industry, especially for the supply chain. But, it’s not all been about new build – decommissioning has also had a busy year. The contract for the 12 Magnox sites was awarded to the Cavendish Fluor Partnership who officially took control in September. The Partnership is aiming to make savings of £1.5 billion in delivering its nationally important decommissioning programme. Sellafield, on the cusp of becoming the largest construction site in Europe, continued its crucial work cleaning up the legacy waste at the site and awarded a major contract to clean high hazard facilities to a joint venture between Amec, Jacobs and Balfour Beatty. With Britain’s renowned expertise in this area, it is little wonder than TEPCO, the company in charge of cleaning up Fukushima Daiichi, has strengthened its relationship with Sellafield through a cooperation agreement. Current operations have not been out of the spotlight either. Wylfa 1 was granted its life extension to the end of 2015, with the Office for Nuclear Regulation commenting that it could run for much longer if fuel was available. Several issues across other plants have made headlines, with cracks in boiler spines

From Somerset to Sellafield, 2014 was a momentous year By. KeITh PARKeR ⁄ ChIeF exeCUTIve, NIA

2014 | WINTER — 5

and graphite bricks receiving lots of column inches. The upside of course is that operators now have much more information on how the plants run – something that should help extend the life of their operations. Looking, I expect this theme of regeneration to continue. EDF Energy continues to move forward in its process for life extension of current sites and is close to the final investment decision on Hinkley Point. These projects will provide jobs and income to local communities and strengthen the UK’s security of electricity supply. They will also engage a new generation of nuclear workers and provide regeneration to the nuclear supply chain. The General Election next May could result in change for UK politics, if recent by-elections and European elections are anything to go on. The position of nuclear in the UK’s energy mix enjoys cross party support – something which has taken years

to achieve. It will be vital for the NIA to remain in touch with politicians of all colours as we move into the next Parliament. This work has already begun, as we plan our Parliamentary events and briefing papers for MPs on key issues. On the international scene a major global opportunity for the sector is the COP 21 climate change negotiations in Paris in December 2015. The NIA, working closely with international counterparts and our colleagues in France, will be encouraging and supporting adoption of the UK Government’s stance of a technology neutral agreement to enable the very clear role low carbon nuclear can play in combatting climate change to be recognised. Maintaining political and broader public backup for nuclear, and supporting the interests of our members, is at the heart of NIA’s work. The industry is in a strong place – we need to build on these positive foundations and continue to build for the future.

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6 — WINTER | 2014

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US support for nuclear energy remains high

According to recent polling commissioned by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), 65% of Americans support nuclear energy ‘as one of the ways to provide electricity in the United States’ while 33% oppose the technology. Consistent with results from a March national survey for NEI when 63% of respondents favoured nuclear energy with 34% opposed. Other results from the survey found 70% agreed US nuclear stations are safe and secure and 61% believe the country should definitely build more nuclear power plants. In relation to waste, 83% agree the federal Government should develop a final repository for used nuclear fuel.

Fukushima used fuel project complete

All of the used fuel assemblies from the storage pool at Unit 4 of Fukushima Daiichi have now been successfully removed. Removed one by one, all 1,331 used fuel assemblies are now in a common pool within a separate building.

Announcing the milestone, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) explained the removal of the used fuel marks ‘a solid step toward the decommissioning of the plant’. 180 fresh fuel assemblies remain to be transferred from Unit 4 to the pool and this is likely to be completed before the end of the year. TEPCO explained the transfer of this fuel should be easier because ‘radiation levels in the new fuel rods are low enough to be handled manually’. Although they added the same diligence and care that has characterised the effort thus far will continue.

Reactor vessel progress at Taishan 2

The reactor pressure vessel for the AREVA European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) at Taishan 2 in China has been put into place. The complex operation completed in October required it to be brought through an equipment hatch horizontally and then rotated through 90 degrees and lowered into place. China Nuclear Industry 23 Construction Company, who carried out the operation said it had developed “innovative” new techniques after

carrying out the same process for Taishan 1 in June 2012. The Taishan site features two 1660 MWe AREVA EPR units, which are being built by the joint venture of China General Nuclear and EDF who will own and operate them.

Sendai restart with regulator

Japan’s first reactor restart is imminent after Kyushu Electric Power Company submitted all of the relevant documentation to enable the restart of Sendai Units 1 and 2 to the Nuclear Regulation Authority. The operator is now awaiting the independent regulators' final decision. Sendai is one of nine other restart applications although the site has been prioritised, in part due to strong local and political support. This was reiterated when following the submission to the regulator, local Government officials gave their approval for the restart. In a vote, 19 of the 26 assembly members approved the restart. Four members voted against it and three abstained.

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Julianne Antrobus, is strategy director in Atkins Limited's nuclear business. here she talks to sara Crane about her experiences of working in the nuclear industry.

WHaT aRE yoU REspoNsIblE foR IN yoUR RolE?

I am responsible for developing the strategic direction of Atkins’ nuclear business across our core markets of the UK, Middle East and the US, with consideration of other emerging markets. I spend the majority of my time planning how the nuclear business, which sits within the larger energy unit at Atkins, is going to grow and deliver the best service possible to our clients, as well as providing insight and leadership to the teams within the energy business. Another significant part of my job is about winning new work, making the most of the opportunities that are open to us and looking at how best to utilise the Atkins supply chain through which we identify who we would work with. This supports our capability to use local supply chains to win more work. In many markets, this involves upskilling the supply chain and enabling local companies to move into the nuclear industry. As I manage a team of business development people, we are one of the most outward facing parts of Atkins’ nuclear business, so I spend a lot of my time out and about, ensuring that I’m out there interacting with clients, at our sites, and making sure that I am clear on what the market is doing, where it’s going and how we can make sure that Atkins is on top of that. I am based at our office in Warrington, but I’m not here much as I travel regularly to our international offices as well as to London and Bristol, where most of our UK people are based.

WHaT aTTRacTEd yoU To THE NUclEaR INdUsTRy?

I genuinely believe that nuclear has an important role to play in the energy mix. I have the good fortune to work in an industry where there are so many clever and inspirational people, and I’ve worked alongside some of the industry’s best including a number of the great leaders and pioneers, and that’s been a privilege.

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HoW HavE yoU TRaNslaTEd pREvIoUs ExpERIENcE INTo THIs NEW RolE?

Mine has been a career of two halves. I started as a graduate radiation protection advisor (RPA) working at the Springfields nuclear fuel manufacturing facility, supporting the plant operation for about

five years, giving me many opportunities to learn. My break came when I became the special assistant to the chairman of what was BNFL. It was a great experience and exposure to the leadership team, understanding the challenges facing that business, and the political climate

8 — WINTER | 2014

of the time – including the development of the Energy Review – enabled me to see the hard work and effort of the people who were trying to keep the nuclear option open when it seemed to have no future. It’s great to see 10 years later that it is bearing fruit; we wouldn’t be where we are today if that hadn’t happened. As a result of that job, and the exposure to stakeholders and meeting clients, I moved into a commercial role with Westinghouse, which actually coincided with establishment of the NDA and the breakup of BNFL. After that, I joined Nuvia as business development manager in 2006 working on winning major nuclear decommissioning projects. Then I heard about Atkins transformational growth strategy and, excited by the aspirations the nuclear business had, joined the company. Seizing the opportunity to do something in the commercial sector meant it was up to me to decide what to do afterwards, and that knowledge of both the front end where the focus is more on operations, as well as the more commercial side of things in the industry, has been very valuable.

WHaT aRE yoUR gREaTEsT cHallENgEs? Atkins is an international organisation, and aligning that

global aspect with the capabilities we have to ensure a coordinated approach to our bigger strategic ambitions has been challenging. But we’ve been able to see the fruits of that effort through contracts with ENEC and EDF, for example, where the business has come together to find the best solution for that particular client. We are a tier 1 strategic partner to

EDF Energy for the supply of engineering, safety and environmental services to maintain their existing fleet of AGRs and PWR, and that is a hugely exciting project for us with lots of scope to do fantastic work. The other challenge for me, and I think for the wider industry, has to be the nuclear new build programme. At Atkins, we’re looking at how we can use the rest of the company to address that challenge by harnessing the power and expertise of the other parts of the business. As our people have a clearer understanding of what is happening for nuclear new build – here and abroad – they are increasingly keen to be a part of it.

HavE yoU ExpERIENcEd aNy baRRIERs IN yoUR caREER aNd If so, HoW HavE yoU ovERcomE THEm?

I am a great believer in creating your own opportunities and that it’s up to you to make it happen. I’ve always had the fortune of supportive peers, managers and colleagues, so I don’t really believe I’ve had any barriers – if you’re not happy then it’s up to you to make the change. From a personal life perspective, I love spending time with my family and I also value the stimulation that I get from being able to do a challenging and interesting professional job at the same time, which is the key to getting a good work/life balance. Atkins has given me the framework to do this and I don’t feel that any barriers have been put in the way to achieving that balance.

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Tuesday 20th January 2015, 9.30am, London

Register now - www.womeninnuclear.org.uk

For further enquiries please contact: events@womeninnuclear.org.uk • 0161 877 7693

Addressing Gender Balance in the Nuclear Industry

The first major conference from Women in Nuclear UK to discuss gender balance, capacity building, and public acceptability of nuclear energy.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

• Baroness Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department of Energy & Climate Change

• Alan Raymant, COO of Horizon Nuclear Power

• Dame Sue Ion DBE, FREng, Chair of the Nuclear Innovation Research Advisory Board

DialogueRetentionRecruitment

WHaT do yoU ENjoy bEsT aboUT yoUR job?

I enjoy lots of things about my job. The people that I work with – in the team, the nuclear board members, and the wider Atkins group – everyone is working together and creating great momentum for the company and that’s exciting. Every day is different, and whilst working hard we have a lot of fun along the way. I work at a few hundred miles an hour and there’s the odd day when I have to step back and think and it’s really important to take that time; I close the door and switch off from emails to take the time to think. I have a beautiful autumnal view out of the window of my office right now and that certainly helps!

HoW ImpoRTaNT Is IT To gET yoUNg pEoplE INTEREsTEd IN pURsUINg aN ENgINEERINg caREER?

It is incredibly important. The biggest surprise to me on joining Atkins was the demographic – I really think that the team here has done a lot to excite that next generation of young engineers. On my first day I was the oldest one in the room; that was the first time I’d felt like that in my entire career and it was so refreshing. There are so many initiatives out there right now to help do this. We can always say that we can do more, but the time is right now – with new build taking off – that people can see there is an industry here and a real career path.

WHaT advIcE WoUld yoU offER To oTHER gIRls aNd WomEN coNsIdERINg a sImIlaR caREER plaN?

I’d say go for it. I have no regrets about any of the choices I have made in my career and I would definitely encourage girls and women to get into the industry – we need that balance of views, and women are making a great and valuable contribution to the industry right now as well as how it is going to be shaped in the future.

WHo Has bEEN yoUR INspIRaTIoN? I’m a sentimental lady and my honest answer to this

would have to be my family. I am incredibly proud of the achievements of my parents and the support they have given me over the years. They are a constant source of inspiration to me on many levels.

WHaT aRE THE bIggEsT oppoRTUNITIEs IN THE NUclEaR sEcToR RIgHT NoW?

Anybody who works in the industry must be excited by the current climate. We’ve made such progress on the new build programme over the last few years, and all the signals are positive for that to take off. We’ve all been patient and there is a real appetite across industry to get started. There is also a dynamic emerging global market, which I believe will play a key role in how we shape the future of the UK nuclear industry.

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Party ConferenceSeason

Each party conference season provides three weeks of unrivalled opportunities to engage with people across the political spectrum. This year was no different and the NIA made full use of the occasion with exhibition stands at Labour and Conservative as well as fringe events at all three conferences. The fringe events brought together politicians, industry, and third party commentators to discuss skills, manufacturing and the vital need for a new generation of nuclear reactors. Energy was a hot topic as ever with numerous events on nuclear decommissioning, fracking, energy conservation and the low carbon agenda to name but a few. Our events attracted a collection of extremely influential political speakers of all colours. Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey MP discussed the coalition’s electricity market reforms and the Liberal Democrats' key role in working to decarbonise the UK’s energy mix. Chairman of the Energy and Climate Change Committee Tim Yeo MP took part in an interview with Sky News journalist Anushka Asthana at which he outlined his vision for a decarbonised energy mix and the importance of engaging with young people to promote STEM subjects and careers in engineering. Shadow Energy Minister, Tom Greatrex MP covered the Labour Party’s priorities for the energy sector in 2015 and the need to encourage the next generation to look at the breadth of roles available in the engineering sector.

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New approach to decommissioning of 12 UK nuclear sitesby. KeNNy doUgLAs ⁄ CAveNdIsh FLUoR PARTNeRshIP

ollowing share transfer and formal contract award by the UK’s Nuclear decommissioning Authority on 1 september, Cavendish Fluor Partnership has

begun the process of implementing its approach to manage the decommissioning of 12 nuclear sites for which it is now responsible, Kenny douglas explains. Cavendish Fluor Partnership is a joint venture between British company Cavendish Nuclear and US company Fluor Corporation, and will draw on its extensive UK and US decommissioning experience to deliver each of the 12 Magnox and Research Sites Restoration Limited (RSRL) sites to an agreed and defined point (either interim end state or into care and maintenance). Savings are anticipated to be in excess of £1.5bn against the previous plans. The two Parent Body Organisation (PBO) partners have proven track records in reducing annual spend and life time cost, and will be applying this experience to deliver this contract. The Cavendish Fluor Partnership approach is characterised by a number of key features covering safety, a ‘programmised’ approach, organisational transformation,

Fintegrated management, technical innovation, and supply chain optimisation, ensuring the work required is undertaken to the highest safety standards at the lowest possible cost. Implementing an affordable schedule and using a programme-focused approach are vital facets of the Cavendish Fluor strategy. This is based around 10 core projects, namely; ponds, plant and structures, legacy waste, waste operations, generation, defuelling, reactors, site restoration, asset management, and care and maintenance. A central tenet of the Cavendish Fluor Partnership’s plan is to gain approval for a single organisation running the two site licence companies, with the option to re-licence into one Site Licence Company (SLC) being explored with the appropriate regulatory authorities. From the early stages Cavendish Fluor is seeking to standardise the decommissioning processes and approach taken across all 12 sites, and to maximise learning across all locations. In an approach known as ‘lead and learn’, approval for a programme gained at one site will then be replicated across the other sites.

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A modularised safety and environmental case approach, with a safety case interface software tool, is one key cross-site standardisation process. This involves taking a generic approach wherever possible with an overarching framework, developing a safety and environmental case at one site, and then checking for design differences and adapting it to the next site.

A further element of the Cavendish Fluor Partnership strategy lies in technical innovation. This will draw on and build upon experience and proven techniques and technologies from within the nuclear industry and the partners’ experience in the UK and US. Long-term employment opportunities for the SLC workforce (now part of the largest nuclear Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel team in the UK) are vital for the successful delivery of this contract. Both Cavendish Nuclear and Fluor recognise their people are their most important asset. Both companies have ambitious plans for the UK’s new build projects, and willl ultimately seek to manage, at the appropriate time, the transition of the skilled workforce from decommissioning into new build once the decommissioning work is complete. Additionally, the optimisation of the supply chain is a key aspect in the Cavendish Fluor Partnership strategy, to deliver the requirement for the sites efficiently and successfully. This will be made up of various features, including taking a single approach, category management, SME engagement and SLC staff development. The Cavendish Fluor Partnership will, in short, manage the excellent capability and experience residing in the Magnox and RSRL SLCs by agreeing the right strategy for decommissioning and waste management; morphing that strategy into detailed programme with clear targets; choosing the right people to deliver; adopting robust corporate governance processes; providing incisive challenge and demonstrating leadership; while constantly seeking throughout the programme to reduce cost, and learn from experience. By applying the outlined strategy, Cavendish Fluor will ensure safe and secure delivery of the decommissioning programme across all 12 sites, without environmental impact, on-time and on-budget, thereby fulfilling its primary role as PBO.

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The ABWR is the most advanced operational reactor anywhere in the world. It has been built, on-time and on-schedule, on four occasions in Japan. The UK ABWR is now progressing rapidly towards deployment by horizon Nuclear Power at Wylfa Newydd and oldbury-on-severn, having moved into step 3 of the generic design Assessment in August 2014.

The Shimane AbWr Construction Site, Matsue City, Japan

IN VIEW

16 — WINTER | 2014

Horizon Nuclear Power has launched the first phase of its pre-application community consultation for the Wylfa Newydd project, speaking to hundreds of people across Anglesey and North Wales. Wylfa Newydd which is to be built next to the existing Magnox power station at Wylfa will consist of two Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy Ltd, UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (UK ABWR) generating 2,700MW. Enough electricity to power five million homes. The pre-application consultation is the first time local people have had a chance to view more detailed proposals for the project, which will bring billions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs to the region during the construction phase. Furthermore once fully operation,

up to 1,000 permanent staff will be employed on site. In addition to the core nuclear build (which will be covered by the main Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate) Horizon is also taking the opportunity to consult on the associated developments required to provide new supporting infrastructure across the island. This includes highway improvements along the A5025 – which will be the main access route to site from the A55 - park and ride facilities for workers, logistics centres and worker accommodation. Local people are also being consulted on landscaping requirements for the outlying power station site, a draft Neighbourhood Support Scheme and

also aspects of the project lying offshore, such as the development of a breakwater and Marine Offloading Facility at Porth-y-Pistyll, a bay adjacent to the site. As Industry Link went to print, the consultation was still in full swing but the Horizon team had already welcomed more than 550 people to its first series of public exhibitions, with several more events still in the calendar. This first phase of public consultation will be followed by a second phase in approximately a year’s time, with a full DCO application scheduled for 2017. With all licensing and permissions in place, the aim is to complete construction and secure first electricity generation in the first half of the 2020s.

Locals get first chance to see Wylfa Newydd plans

FURTHER INFORmATIONThe consultation closes on Monday, December 8 and anybody wishing to view the materials and give feedback can do so online in Welsh or English.

vIsITWWW.HoRIzoNNUclEaR poWER.com/coNsUlTaTIoN

2014 | WINTER — 17

SNAPSHOT

sellafield Ltd has reinforced its relationship with Tokyo electric Power Company (TePCo), the company managing the clean-up operations at the Fukushima daiichi plant in Japan. During a mission to the site in West Cumbria, TEPCO representatives signed a formal cooperation agreement with Sellafield designed to develop the working relationship between the two organisations tasked with overseeing the world’s greatest nuclear clean-up programmes. Both companies have developed their knowledge through visits to and from each site, providing each other with valuable information and experience over the last six months. The link up opens up a new market to UK SMEs who are working at the Sellafield site to help with the clean-up programme at Fukushima. Sellafield Ltd Managing Director, Tony Price expressed his delight after reinforcing the significance of the agreement, “It is very important that we are able to share the great work being carried out at Sellafield by our own staff and the wide range of businesses that are integral to the progress we are making. It is also very important that we have the opportunity to learn new skills, techniques and methods that are being developed by TEPCO during their work at Fukushima. “Since May we have already hosted a number of visits to Sellafield by TEPCO colleagues and provided enhanced visibility for local suppliers. Some of these discussions have led to improvements in laboratory analysis techniques by TEPCO and to Sellafield gaining fresh insights in both project management and design engineering techniques.”

Sellafield further develop TEPCO relationship

Proud to be Ansaldo NES

ansaldo-nes.com

NES Ansaldo A5 Advert_Layout 1 21/10/2014 16:57 Page 4

Locals get first chance to see Wylfa Newydd plans

Horizon helps celebrate the best of Anglesey

Representatives from Horizon and Hitachi attended this year’s Anglesey Day celebrations held in the Houses of Parliament. The event, organised by Albert Owen MP, brought together politicians, stakeholders, companies and organisations from across the island to showcase Anglesey. Horizon and Hitachi-GE part sponsored the day, which was also attended by a range of senior national politicians, including Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb, and Shadow Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, Caroline Flint MP.

18 — WINTER | 2014

AS mANAgER OF BUSINESS UNIT NUCLEAR WITHIN SANDvIK, WHAT KEy TRENDS ARE yOU SEEINg EmERgE IN THE EAST AND WEST NUCLEAR mARKETS?

If you compare the East and West, it’s a different story. What we are seeing in China and India is similar to what happened in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s in the West: big expansion to get up to a good level of energy supply to ensure economic growth. If you look at China, all energy sources are growing – not only nuclear but also coal, wind and hydro. They are investing in everything as part of the big growth for the nation. Countries like China and India start from a relatively low level of energy availability and have set ambitious targets in order to meet the future energy challenge. In the West, on the other hand, the main challenge is to maintain and extend the lifetimes of existing nuclear power plants. The biggest ongoing replacement program is in France for EDF [France’s state-owned power company]. This has been going on for some time and could continue for many more years. Another interesting country in Europe is the United Kingdom which has ended up in a situation where they cannot fix the old nuclear plants anymore. They must instead build new plants and replace old ones in order to keep nuclear power as an important part of their energy supply. EDF will most likely be first out with their project at Hinkley Point C [in Somerset, England]. In October, the European Commission approved the strike price agreement between EDF and the UK government for Hinkley Point C. The big debate has been whether the government can secure a lowest energy price in order to initiate the investments, and whether you can do that in this industry. At the same time, other energy companies are also looking to invest in the UK, so the UK is definitely the next hotspot for nuclear new builds in Europe. Elsewhere in Europe, aside from France and the UK, Finland is continuing to build new nuclear power infrastructure, and so are Romania and the Czech Republic. Of course, the biggest nuclear nation in the West, and also in the world, remains the USA. They have more than 100 operational nuclear reactors, some of which will be upgraded to extend the lifetimes or will be closed down. So that is the big difference between the regions: more of a new build nuclear scenario in the East and more of a maintenance scenario in the West.

HOW HAvE THE AFTERmATH AND CONTINUINg CONTROvERSIES IN THE WAKE OF THE 2011 FUKUSHImA NUCLEAR ACCIDENT AFFECTED yOUR BUSINESS?

Fukushima was a real game-changer for the nuclear market, which went from being a very optimistic renaissance kind of ‘rush’ where everyone was investing to being a totally different story. Of course, this affected Sandvik as well. Before Fukushima, Sandvik had invested in capacity and capabilities for products to the nuclear industry and was already prepared for the expected renaissance that didn’t happen. So, while we also suffered from the slowdown in the market, we can now pick up where we left off. What levels the market will increase to, and at what pace, I don’t want to speculate. However, I am slightly more positive now than if you’d asked me this question a year ago as there have been signs, activities and information that the markets are more positive and committed. The nuclear power market long-term is, for sure, a growing market that will have a continued important role in the global energy mix. The nuclear power industry is a key segment for Sandvik and will remain to be so. As an example, we have set up a dedicated state of the art mill for the manufacture of nickel alloy steam generator tubes in Sandviken, Sweden. This was opened in 2012, right in the middle of Fukushima; not exactly the best timing, but it doesn’t matter because we now have a new and fully efficient mill that is world class with improved capabilities.We are going to remain one of the top suppliers, and the capability and the performance we have in this mill will ensure that.

WHAT PLANS OR STRATEgIES DOES SANDvIK HAvE IN PLACE TO PREPARE FOR UPCOmINg TRENDS AND DEvELOPmENTS IN THE WESTERN NUCLEAR INDUSTRy?

We will elaborate on our recent investments and also focus our sales force by pinpointing some strategically important markets. We will also continue to improve our customer offering by, for example, expanding our service offerings. Key for us is to understand the customer situation, and tailor make the solutions that will help them accelerate in their performance. We have streamlined our organisation with the formation of a dedicated Business Unit for our offering to the nuclear industry, for which I am responsible. Our in-house capabilities are crucial. Besides the steam generator tubing products, we have an extended tubular product program and other products in-house, e.g. welding consumables to further complete that product offering package. Normally, you have to go outside your own company to find alliances or you have to buy external resources to complete the package. For Sandvik, with our broad product portfolio, more products can be provided to the customer within the Business Unit Nuclear umbrella. We can therefore have more valuable discussions with the customer about their needs, desired products and service packages.

mIKAeL BLAzqUez ⁄ dIReCToR oF BUsINess UNIT NUCLeAR,

sANdvIK mATeRIALs TeChNoLogy

EAST / WEST

2014 | WINTER — 19

ACCORDINg TO SOmE ANALySTS, CHINA NEEDS TO CATCH UP IN TERmS OF ITS NUCLEAR TECHNOLOgIES, AND SAFETy AND REgULATORy PRACTICES. WHAT IS yOUR vIEW?

After Fukushima, the Chinese government has already increased its plans to build nuclear power plants. However, most of the planned projects have been delayed or suspended. The Chinese authorities take safety very seriously. It was, after all, the first country in the world to take strong action in the wake of Fukushima and did so very quickly. Therefore, China has decided to increasingly join in with the global nuclear industry in order to implement higher activity levels while also ensuring there are no accidents. China has already made a very big effort for technology improvement and has already imported a lot of technology and knowledge, to the extent that most of its reactors use technology from elsewhere in the world, like the Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, while also developing its own Chinese technology. Sandvik is engaged in extensive cooperation with the major players on the Chinese market and we will work to ensure that its nuclear industry will be much safer. Sandvik’s services must also meet increasing technical requirements, and this is where we invest our 45 years of nuclear experience. Another advantage is that we are an integrated company. It means that we can meet all customer requirements with our own in-house capabilities. Sandvik has gained the trust of both fabricators and suppliers, who regard us as being a supplier of the utmost quality products that meet the highest safety standards in China.

HOW IS SANDvIK SETTINg ITSELF APART FROm THE COmPETITION IN THE EAST, AND WHAT ROLE IS IT PLAyINg IN HELPINg THE COUNTRy TO gROW INTO A mAjOR NUCLEAR CONTENDER?

Sandvik is able to offer a broad product range and this sets us apart from the competition in China. Also, China overall is focussed more on the quality side rather than the cost side. We can meet the high stringent requirements on performance and safety, which gives our products, such as steam generator tubing and fuel cladding tubing, the competitive edge. Sandvik has very strong relationships with the major companies. We work with them to supply more reliable materials that are in line with higher quality standards, and can help to avoid operational stoppages that will affect their profits.

ON A DAy TO DAy LEvEL, WHAT KINDS OF qUALITy ASSURANCES DOES A SUPPLIER LIKE SANDvIK NEED TO ImPLEmENT WHEN SUPPLyINg TUBE AND PIPE?

Sandvik is increasingly being approached by end users directly rather than through distributors, so our ability to give them quality assurance is key. When we talk about quality assurance it is like a cake with different layers. Everything is based on the normal standard ISO 9001 system and different international standards depending on where the products are going, which market and which design. On top of that, Sandvik also has its own quality program called the Nuclear Driver’s License, which is completely our own add-on system where we audit and certify different mills to produce and handle nuclear products. Internally, Sandvik also maintains the utmost capabilities in our mills and we strictly control every manufacturing process such as melting, heat treatment and so on. This way our customers know that Sandvik can ensure they achieve trouble free operations with high quality products. So, you can see the different layers of the cake, and it’s a high cake!

sImoN sUN ⁄ sALes dIReCToR NUCLeAR, ChINA, sANdvIK mATeRIALs TeChNoLogy

AS A mAjOR PLAyER IN THE NUCLEAR STEAm gENERATOR mARKET FOR mORE THAN 45 yEARS, SANDvIK HAS TO DATE DELIvERED mORE THAN 300,000 TUBES IN mORE THAN 100 REACTOR UNITS WORLDWIDE. mIKAEL BLAzqUEz, mANAgER OF BUSINESS UNIT NUCLEAR AND SImON SUN, SALES DIRECTOR NUCLEAR, CHINA, DISCUSS FUTURE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST NUCLEAR INDUSTRIES AND HOW LIFE ExTENSION PROgRAmmES, CONSTRUCTION AND NEW PRODUCT AND RELATIONSHIP DEvELOPmENTS WILL PROvE CRUCIAL IN CONSOLIDATINg NUCLEAR AS A gROWINg SOURCE OF ENERgy ACROSS THE gLOBE.

20 — WINTER | 2014

ACCORDINg TO SOmE ANALySTS, CHINA NEEDS TO CATCH UP IN TERmS OF ITS NUCLEAR TECHNOLOgIES, AND SAFETy AND REgULATORy PRACTICES. WHAT IS yOUR vIEW?

After Fukushima, the Chinese government has already increased its plans to build nuclear power plants. However, most of the planned projects have been delayed or suspended. The Chinese authorities take safety very seriously. It was, after all, the first country in the world to take strong action in the wake of Fukushima and did so very quickly. Therefore, China has decided to increasingly join in with the global nuclear industry in order to implement higher activity levels while also ensuring there are no accidents. China has already made a very big effort for technology improvement and has already imported a lot of technology and knowledge, to the extent that most of its reactors use technology from elsewhere in the world, like the Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, while also developing its own Chinese technology. Sandvik is engaged in extensive cooperation with the major players on the Chinese market and we will work to ensure that its nuclear industry will be much safer. Sandvik’s services must also meet increasing technical requirements, and this is where we invest our 45 years of nuclear experience. Another advantage is that we are an integrated company. It means that we can meet all customer requirements with our own in-house capabilities. Sandvik has gained the trust of both fabricators and suppliers, who regard us as being a supplier of the utmost quality products that meet the highest safety standards in China.

HOW IS SANDvIK SETTINg ITSELF APART FROm THE COmPETITION IN THE EAST, AND WHAT ROLE IS IT PLAyINg IN HELPINg THE COUNTRy TO gROW INTO A mAjOR NUCLEAR CONTENDER?

Sandvik is able to offer a broad product range and this sets us apart from the competition in China. Also, China overall is focussed more on the quality side rather than the cost side. We can meet the high stringent requirements on performance and safety, which gives our products, such as steam generator tubing and fuel cladding tubing, the competitive edge. Sandvik has very strong relationships with the major companies. We work with them to supply more reliable materials that are in line with higher quality standards, and can help to avoid operational stoppages that will affect their profits.

ON A DAy TO DAy LEvEL, WHAT KINDS OF qUALITy ASSURANCES DOES A SUPPLIER LIKE SANDvIK NEED TO ImPLEmENT WHEN SUPPLyINg TUBE AND PIPE?

Sandvik is increasingly being approached by end users directly rather than through distributors, so our ability to give them quality assurance is key. When we talk about quality assurance it is like a cake with different layers. Everything is based on the normal standard ISO 9001 system and different international standards depending on where the products are going, which market and which design. On top of that, Sandvik also has its own quality program called the Nuclear Driver’s License, which is completely our own add-on system where we audit and certify different mills to produce and handle nuclear products. Internally, Sandvik also maintains the utmost capabilities in our mills and we strictly control every manufacturing process such as melting, heat treatment and so on. This way our customers know that Sandvik can ensure they achieve trouble free operations with high quality products. So, you can see the different layers of the cake, and it’s a high cake!

sImoN sUN ⁄ sALes dIReCToR NUCLeAR, ChINA, sANdvIK mATeRIALs TeChNoLogy

2014 | WINTER — 21

AS mANAgER OF BUSINESS UNIT NUCLEAR WITHIN SANDvIK, WHAT KEy TRENDS ARE yOU SEEINg EmERgE IN THE EAST AND WEST NUCLEAR mARKETS?

If you compare the East and West, it’s a different story. What we are seeing in China and India is similar to what happened in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s in the West: big expansion to get up to a good level of energy supply to ensure economic growth. If you look at China, all energy sources are growing – not only nuclear but also coal, wind and hydro. They are investing in everything as part of the big growth for the nation. Countries like China and India start from a relatively low level of energy availability and have set ambitious targets in order to meet the future energy challenge. In the West, on the other hand, the main challenge is to maintain and extend the lifetimes of existing nuclear power plants. The biggest ongoing replacement program is in France for EDF [France’s state-owned power company]. This has been going on for some time and could continue for many more years. Another interesting country in Europe is the United Kingdom which has ended up in a situation where they cannot fix the old nuclear plants anymore. They must instead build new plants and replace old ones in order to keep nuclear power as an important part of their energy supply. EDF will most likely be first out with their project at Hinkley Point C [in Somerset, England]. In October, the European Commission approved the strike price agreement between EDF and the UK government for Hinkley Point C. The big debate has been whether the government can secure a lowest energy price in order to initiate the investments, and whether you can do that in this industry. At the same time, other energy companies are also looking to invest in the UK, so the UK is definitely the next hotspot for nuclear new builds in Europe. Elsewhere in Europe, aside from France and the UK, Finland is continuing to build new nuclear power infrastructure, and so are Romania and the Czech Republic. Of course, the biggest nuclear nation in the West, and also in the world, remains the USA. They have more than 100 operational nuclear reactors, some of which will be upgraded to extend the lifetimes or will be closed down. So that is the big difference between the regions: more of a new build nuclear scenario in the East and more of a maintenance scenario in the West.

HOW HAvE THE AFTERmATH AND CONTINUINg CONTROvERSIES IN THE WAKE OF THE 2011 FUKUSHImA NUCLEAR ACCIDENT AFFECTED yOUR BUSINESS?

Fukushima was a real game-changer for the nuclear market, which went from being a very optimistic renaissance kind of ‘rush’ where everyone was investing to being a totally different story. Of course, this affected Sandvik as well. Before Fukushima, Sandvik had invested in capacity and capabilities for products to the nuclear industry and was already prepared for the expected renaissance that didn’t happen. So, while we also suffered from the slowdown in the market, we can now pick up where we left off. What levels the market will increase to, and at what pace, I don’t want to speculate. However, I am slightly more positive now than if you’d asked me this question a year ago as there have been signs, activities and information that the markets are more positive and committed. The nuclear power market long-term is, for sure, a growing market that will have a continued important role in the global energy mix. The nuclear power industry is a key segment for Sandvik and will remain to be so. As an example, we have set up a dedicated state of the art mill for the manufacture of nickel alloy steam generator tubes in Sandviken, Sweden. This was opened in 2012, right in the middle of Fukushima; not exactly the best timing, but it doesn’t matter because we now have a new and fully efficient mill that is world class with improved capabilities.We are going to remain one of the top suppliers, and the capability and the performance we have in this mill will ensure that.

WHAT PLANS OR STRATEgIES DOES SANDvIK HAvE IN PLACE TO PREPARE FOR UPCOmINg TRENDS AND DEvELOPmENTS IN THE WESTERN NUCLEAR INDUSTRy?

We will elaborate on our recent investments and also focus our sales force by pinpointing some strategically important markets. We will also continue to improve our customer offering by, for example, expanding our service offerings. Key for us is to understand the customer situation, and tailor make the solutions that will help them accelerate in their performance. We have streamlined our organisation with the formation of a dedicated Business Unit for our offering to the nuclear industry, for which I am responsible. Our in-house capabilities are crucial. Besides the steam generator tubing products, we have an extended tubular product program and other products in-house, e.g. welding consumables to further complete that product offering package. Normally, you have to go outside your own company to find alliances or you have to buy external resources to complete the package. For Sandvik, with our broad product portfolio, more products can be provided to the customer within the Business Unit Nuclear umbrella. We can therefore have more valuable discussions with the customer about their needs, desired products and service packages.

AS A mAjOR PLAyER IN THE NUCLEAR STEAm gENERATOR mARKET FOR mORE THAN 45 yEARS, SANDvIK HAS TO DATE DELIvERED mORE THAN 300,000 TUBES IN mORE THAN 100 REACTOR UNITS WORLDWIDE. mIKAEL BLAzqUEz, mANAgER OF BUSINESS UNIT NUCLEAR AND SImON SUN, SALES DIRECTOR NUCLEAR, CHINA, DISCUSS FUTURE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST NUCLEAR INDUSTRIES AND HOW LIFE ExTENSION PROgRAmmES, CONSTRUCTION AND NEW PRODUCT AND RELATIONSHIP DEvELOPmENTS WILL PROvE CRUCIAL IN CONSOLIDATINg NUCLEAR AS A gROWINg SOURCE OF ENERgy ACROSS THE gLOBE.

mIKAeL BLAzqUez, dIReCToR oF BUsINess UNIT NUCLeAR,

sANdvIK mATeRIALs TeChNoLogy

22 — WINTER | 2014

undreds more manufacturing SmEs will be able to prepare for opportunities in the nuclear

sector following a major expansion of the Fit For Nuclear programme. Fit For Nuclear (F4N) was developed by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) to help UK manufacturers measure their operations against the standards required to supply the civil nuclear industry, and take the necessary steps to close any gaps. The programme is supported by the Nuclear AMRC's top-tier partners, including Areva, EDF Energy and the NDA.

"Fit For Nuclear is an extraordinary and extremely beneficial awareness and improvement programme for manufacturers wanting to seize the opportunities of investment in nuclear new-build, decommissioning and operations," says Martin Ride, an experienced purchasing manager with Rolls-Royce, now working as supply chain consultant at the Nuclear AMRC. "At little or no cost to the participating company, F4N can deliver real business value regardless of your current nuclear sector knowledge or experience. This is one of the easiest

and most straightforward sector-based programmes to access, participate in, and get incredible value from, and which can lead to increased opportunities." Around 150 companies completed the online F4N assessment in the programme's first phase, with most receiving ongoing support and development from the Nuclear AMRC team. Participating companies range from contract manufacturers with no nuclear experience aiming to take a first step into the sector; to established suppliers wanting to benchmark their position and drive business excellence.

F4NFit For Nuclear

H

Nuclear AMRC VTL – inside the Nuclear AMRC's latest manufacturing cell, a Dörries Contumat vertical turning/milling lathe.

by. TIm ChAPmAN ⁄ NUCLeAR AmRC

2014 | WINTER — 23

For example, Birmingham-based precision engineer Larkshill Engineering is now expanding its operations to meet growing demand after driving quality improvements with F4N. "We thought it was absolutely exceptional," says Gary Murphy, project manager at Larkshill. "To get the kind of support and advice and dedication and direction they were giving us, we'd probaby have to pay thousands of pounds to any consultancy. I was astounded by the level of detail involved." The company has now expanded into a new facility, and is introducing dedicated cells for areas such as stainless-only machining. "That will give us the capacity to do extra offerings for nuclear customers," Murphy says. "The F4N process did help us take that decision to expand. It was a very detailed and structured emphasis on what is really required – not necessarily saying that nuclear is the way forward for everybody, but helping us to understand that this is the way to do it and this is what we have to invest in." Gloucestershire-based weld engineering specialist Arc Energy took part in Fit For Nuclear to prepare for work at Hinkley Point C. Arc Energy specialises in weld overlay cladding to protect pipelines, valves and other assemblies from corrosion in hostile environments. With the company used to audits for oil and gas clients, and for its ASME and ISO certifications, the F4N online assessment and visit covered some familiar ground, but also highlighted additional areas which are desirable to nuclear sector clients. "It was quite interesting because the focus was slightly different, and went into some areas that might have been missed off our other audits," Rosemary Robinson, Director at Arc Energy says. "One area they looked at was design for manufacture which, because we're not a design house as such, we didn't think we were doing. But after the assessment, we realised we do actually do a lot of that but weren't recognising we were doing it. It was something we just needed to formalise." Arc Energy is now receiving enquiries for nuclear work, and Robinson is confident that the company can compete and win. "The last three years have been about saying that this is a market we're going into, now we're at the point where we're able to tell people that we are fit for nuclear, and they can come and see what we can do," she says. The F4N programme has now been significantly expanded and enhanced to help even more businesses in more areas of manufacturing. The programme

will provide detailed assessments and improvement plans to over 300 SMEs in the next two years, and provide intensive support to at least 145 to help them reach their full potential. The expansion is supported by the government's Regional Growth Fund, as part of the civil nuclear Sharing in Growth programme. The Nuclear AMRC is working closely with the government-backed Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) on the expanded F4N, ensuring that participating companies can benefit from MAS's experience and learn lessons from other sectors. "We recognise that SMEs need help to understand the nature of the opportunities that are opening up and to prepare for them," says Steven Barr, head of MAS. "The F4N programme’s experts are on hand to help SMEs through a journey designed to enhance their competitiveness in the nuclear market. This new alliance and the fantastic F4N offer really could boost the number of UK-based SMEs that benefit from this multi-billion pound market." The alliance will help expand F4N's coverage from the Nuclear AMRC's core area of high-precision mechanical engineering, into the wider nuclear manufacturing chain – including control and instrumentation, electricals, and other manufactured components for nuclear plant construction and operation, as well as the specialised requirements of decommissioning. The expanded programme will also provide match funding, expected to average around £10,000, to English SMEs to help them enhance their manufacturing capabilities and develop the technological edge to compete for the most demanding work packages. Companies can use the Nuclear AMRC's workshop facilities and expertise to develop new technical capabilities and compete on cost, quality and delivery. Participating companies will also be able to take advantage of the Nuclear AMRC's other supplier development initiatives. As part of the Sharing in Growth programme, 10 companies have started a four-year programme of business development and training worth £1 million. Participating companies are Goodwin International, Graham Engineering, Hayward Tyler, James Fisher Nuclear, Nuclear Engineering Services (NES), NIS Ltd, Stainless Metalcraft (Chatteris), Tata Steel Projects, Therco and Truflo Marine, all of which are taking part in a tailored programme of shopfloor manufacturing improvement, process improvement, leadership development and specific nuclear sector knowledge.

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24 — WINTER | 2014

UKTI Civil Nuclear Energy Showcase 27–29 January 2015

Date:

Venue:

Twitter:

Register interest at:

27–29 January 2015

Hotel Russell, London

#EnergyisGREAT

civilnuclearshowcase@uktieventspecialist.co.uk

UK Trade & Investment in partnership with the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) present the key international networking event of the year for the nuclear industry.

Opportunities

• Engage in tailored 1-2-1 meetings with UKTI specially selected international delegates ready to discussopportunities across the nuclear energy sector

• Build relationships with UKTI in-market specialists for key advice on how to grow your business through exporting and help to promote your services internationally

• Learn more about the overseas civil nuclear markets and determine which are most suited to your business

• Network with established suppliers with concrete experience in exporting

• Discuss collaborative opportunities with potential partners and investors

• Sponsorship opportunities available

The 4th of its kind, the Civil Nuclear Energy Showcase presents a unique opportunity to meet senior international decision makers from key overseas nuclear markets representing Government, utilities, nuclear vendors and industry. Over 20 countries are likely to be represented including Bulgaria, China, France, India, Japan, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, USA & Vietnam. The Showcase will include a seminar programme that will cover UK capability across the nuclear life cycle. You will be able to learn about overseas nuclear projects and develop new international contacts through a series of market briefi ngs and a 1-2-1 meeting programme.

2014 | WINTER — 25

In the world of social media, content is king. Good images, videos, fact sheets and infographics draw a huge amount of interest and interaction from users and when Westminster returned from the autumn party conference season we put one of our most effective communications tools to use – the NIA Jobs Map. The 2014 edition of the Map which was highlighted in the previous edition of Industry Link very clearly illustrates the spread of jobs in the UK nuclear sector across each parliamentary constituency. Showcasing the economic importance of the industry and the positive impact it has on a number of regions. Using this simple but effective information we updated Members of Parliament via Twitter to highlight the significance of the industry to their local economy. Although an obvious lobbying tool for MP’s it is also just as important to grab the attention of their constituents. Whilst public opinion remains comparatively favourable towards nuclear energy (42% for, 24% against – DECC, Nov. 2014), results from the same survey show almost a third of Britons are still neither for nor against the technology. In our role as the trade association one of our key objectives is to engage with the public and promote a better understanding of nuclear power to enable opinions for both sides of the argument to be formed with all the facts. Fortunately Twitter provides the perfect platform for us to put this into practice. The Jobs Map graphic has already been retweeted over 125 times and has reached over 12,000 unique timelines - all hopefully learning there are more than 54,000 civil nuclear employees in the UK!

The Twittersphere

@NIAUK: @George_Osborne #DidyouKnow there are 630 civil nuclear employees in #Tatton? #JobsMap

Who to follow?Want information on nuclear and other relevant topics? This issue we recommend you follow:

@HorizonNuclear@CITB_UK @chambersomerset

@Ey_UK_Energy: #DidyouKnow 1 in every 44 jobs was supported by the #energy sector in 2013? http://bit.ly/1ugXtgI #PoweringTheUK2014

@NIAUK

Twitter Count

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1,500 visitors from the UK and overseas took advantage of face-to-face networking at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Estate Supply Chain Event in manchester on 6 November. The event organised by the NDA and its Site Licence Companies working with NIA member company, Marick Communications is believed to be the largest event of its kind in Europe and this year’s was hailed as the most successful so far. The day, themed ‘Connect and Collaborate’, was formally opened by Baroness Verma, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Energy & Climate Change, who spoke about the importance of the supply chain and of such events in contributing towards creating the right environment for business success. The main hall featured 260 exhibition stands, staffed by a wide range of technical and service suppliers, alongside information stands representing the NDA, all the SLCs, Government bodies and regeneration organisations. Ron Gorham, the NDA’s Head of Supply Chain Optimisation and SME Champion, said: “This event is now in its fourth year, and is becoming an important fixture in the calendar for businesses in the nuclear decommissioning market. The success of our mission depends on vibrant, dynamic businesses that can provide solutions to the many challenges we have across the NDA Estate. We remain committed to working with our supply chain, from the largest to the smallest players, to improve opportunities for involvement in decommissioning.”

Supply chain event goes from strength to strength

by. JANINe CLABeR ⁄ mARICK CommUNICATIoNs

Baroness Verma, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, addresses delegates at the NDA Estate Supply Chain Event.

26 — WINTER | 2014

NEWS IN BRIEF

European Union reach historic energy deal

The European Union has reached a deal to cut greenhouse gases by at least 40% domestically by 2030. The deal was agreed in October and is seen as a major coup for the UK which has been leading efforts for an ambitious but flexible deal for Europe. The target is part of a package of measures to help make Europe’s energy system more secure, sustainable and competitive. These measures further enhance the UK’s Climate Change Act and Electricity Market Reforms, which have helped pave the way for a low carbon economy. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said of the deal, “This is a historic moment. Europe has sent a clear and firm message to the world that ambitious climate action is needed now. True to our word, we have delivered a highly ambitious EU climate target while also significantly strengthening Europe’s energy security by making us less reliant on imported energy. “The UK has been leading the climate debate pushing for an ambitious deal in Europe and by building alliances and working constructively with our European partners, we’ve agreed a package of measures that meet all the UK’s top priorities.”

In september, Corporate Risk Associates (CRA) hosted its annual Risk Assessment Forum at the beautiful hellidon Lakes resort in Northamptonshire. Jasbir Sidhu, CEO of CRA, unveiled the company’s new brand image and discussed how the company’s values have been captured in the new design. Jasbir also presented CRA’s vision to expand its services and the mechanisms to deliver these services to a broader range of sectors. Now in its fifth year, the annual forum hosted and fully funded by CRA is unique. It brings risk analysis, human factors, and safety case professionals together in one room to discuss an integrated approach to developing safety cases and risk analyses. Over the years, the forum has established itself as the must- attend event in the risk analysis conferences calendar. The forum demonstrates CRA’s commitment to share knowledge and continued professional development of the participants in the UK risk analysis industry at large. This year the theme was ‘What lies behind the numbers?’ There were many inspiring speakers from the nuclear, oil and gas and rail industries, all speaking from a Risk Management point of view. Amongst the many notable speakers at the event, CRA was pleased to welcome Dr Shane Turner, Principal Inspector from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). Dr Turner gave an overview of the ONR’s expectations for Probabilistic Safety Analysis and detailed how its requirement had changed post Fukushima.

2014 | WINTER — 27

For over a decade the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has released an annual jobs map for the UK civil nuclear industry and in more recent years has published a dedicated map for nuclear power in Scotland. This tool is designed to give Government and decision makers up-to-date and accurate figures, reflecting the vital contribution NIA members and their employees make to the UK economy so it is with regret that the NIA must report some errors in the printed version of this year’s map that have led to the misrepresentation of three member companies. Due to a data processing error Kier Construction Ltd have been listed as Doosan Keltbray Consortium in the following constituencies – Bridgewater & West Somerset (33 people), City of Chester (338), Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweedale (8) and Newbury (1). NSG Environmental Ltd was missing four people from the Chorley constituency and its listing in the Newbury constituency had been amalgamated where it should have been clearly identified as two sites of 50 and 13 people respectively. Finally a rogue ‘M’ that had been edited out in the design stage managed to make its way back into the print version meaning acQuire Technology Solutions was misspelled. The NIA is very sorry for these errors. All corrections have been made to the online versions of both maps and all relevant MPs/MSPs were notified. You can find the maps online at www.niauk.org/nia-industry-maps. For more information on the Jobs Map please contact alastair.evans@niauk.org.

Sellafield Ltd has set another record, hiring 170 new apprentices. Furthermore 24% of them are female, which is seven times the national average for the sector. The majority of the new recruits are aged between 16 and 18, and for the first year of their programme they are paired up with local training provider Gen2 before moving on to roles with Sellafield Ltd. Their training lasts for three and a half years, after which they are guaranteed a job in the nuclear industry if they successfully complete the course. Since 2008, the number of apprenticeships at Sellafield has doubled to 110; and with this year’s new intake it shows an extremely encouraging trend. Former Sellafield employee and now MP for Copeland Jamie Reed commented, “Investment in the education and training of young people is an important route to helping build a more sustainable industrial future. The chance to complete an apprenticeship offers a route to raise the aspirations of young people, and it is very encouraging to hear that those who successfully complete the course will have a secure, well paid job at the end of it.”

Jobs Map 2014 Corrections

In october the nuclear sector was awarded £13 million of funding through the government’s Innovate UK scheme. Vince Cable, Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, stated that this funding will help companies develop innovative technology for nuclear power stations. The funding will be awarded to 15 research and development projects involving large and small businesses, and universities. This includes over £500,000 for a project led by Beran Instruments Ltd in partnership with the University of Bristol. The project will develop new instruments and data-capture techniques to monitor the performance of parts at nuclear plants, helping to prevent unplanned shut-downs.

Funding boost for Nuclear Technology The house of Lords science and Technology Committee

is currently collecting written and oral evidence on the resilience of electricity infrastructure, including electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Paul Spence from EDF Energy took part in the first oral evidence session alongside representatives from Ovo Energy and E.ON UK. The session covered the acceptable level for a capacity margin (expected to be around 4% this winter) and questions covering current operational nuclear stations. In the second session, Dieter Helm of Oxford University discussed the Government policy on electricity market reform and its progress, as well as making recommendations in several areas where he believes the market has failed. The third session took place on 18 November, with the Renewable Energy Association and various academics answered similar questions. The Committee will continue to hold hearings into the first part of 2015 and hope to have a report presented to the House of Commons, with recommendations, before the end of Parliament.

House of Lords investigates electricity infrastructure

Sellafield Ltdhave record apprenticeship intake

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28 — WINTER | 2014

Decommissioning Group

The 57th decommissioning Working group (dWg) meeting took place at the health and safety Laboratory (hsL) in Buxton, with group members able to also take part in a facility tour. On the tour members were given an overview of the incident investigation work HSL undertakes for the Health and Safety Executive, and some of the material from ongoing incidents. The tour covered the work HSL is doing to minimise the risks to operators in the nuclear sector using air-fed suits and a tour of the square-mile of external

facilities which covered the impact test track, drop testing rigs, fire testing and culminated in a look at the work being undertaken to reduce hazard on the Sellafield site during waste retrieval. The meeting, as always had an excellent line up of speakers from across the industry with a focus this time on Sellafield. At the meeting, DWG Chair Andrew Munro of Rolls-Royce stepped down after Chairing the group for four years. He is succeeded by Gareth Davies. “I would like to thank Andy for his hard work

during his Chairmanship of the group, and for the excellent contribution he has made,” said Stephanie McKenna, the NIA’s Member Relations Manager and DWG secretariat. “Following a group vote for the Vice Chair position I am delighted to announce that John Carine from Areva has been elected. Gareth and I look forward to working with him and sharing the exciting new initiatives we have planned for 2015,” she continued. To suggest themes for future meetings, contact the secretariat on stephanie.mckenna@niauk.org.

Make the most of membership

The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) now has more than 270 members and the number grows every month with membership enquires almost daily. Once an NIA member it is important to take up the opportunities membership entitles you and your company to. One of our key aims is to promote and stimulate business by engaging all corners of the supply chain. This is primarily carried out through our various free to attend working groups, covering all aspects of the industry; decommissioning, new build, legal and financial issues, exports, quality and communications. The NIA working group structure provides members with the opportunity to hear updates from and network with leading industry figures. The prime groups, decommissioning and new build, often attract well over 100 delegates and now incorporate informal networking prior to each event away from the formal conference setting. There are a host of other ways to capitalise on NIA membership. Forward your press releases and stories and they could be featured on the NIA website,

in our monthly newsletter, Industry Link and other publications. If you organise or are supporting events send details to the NIA to be included in events listings. There are also opportunities to write features for Industry Link, reaching a knowledgeable readership. Join the NIA (@NIAUK) and the rest of the nuclear community on Twitter to communicate successes with the business world and wider public. Update your membership directory listing to make sure you’re communicating the correct information about your company’s capabilities. If you want to expand your business find out about and participate in upcoming inward and outward trade missions. Take up the opportunity to speak to influential Parliamentarians at the Nuclear All Party Group meetings. Finally, make sure that the right people in your organisation are receiving the right information. To find out who is on which mailing lists contact stephanie.mckenna@niauk.org or call 020 7766 6640 for more information on getting the most out of your membership.

IndustryNews →

Membership

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→EMAILRACHEL.DOWLING @NIAUK.ORG

CALL020 7766 6641

www.niauk.org

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State Aid Approved for Hinkley Point C The EU College of Commissioners approved the investment contract for EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project on

8 October 2014. Following this announcement the next step is for EDF Energy and its interested investors to make their Final Investment Decision. The approval from Brussels was welcomed by the NIA with Lord Hutton’s comments featuring on Sky News, BBC, The Guardian and The Engineer along with a number of regional news outlets. Questions had been raised about whether the Contracts for Difference regime conformed to EU competition rules. The announcement approving the project was the result of 12 months’ investigation by the EU’s Competition Commissioner. The state aid case included the proposed Contract for Difference, which provides the developer with an increased price certainty for the electricity generated by the plant, and the proposed UK Guarantee for the project, which will help unlock debt finance.

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The full programme for the NIA’s annual conference has been launched and is available to view on our website. The packed programme includes: Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP Minister of State for Energy, Vincent de Rivaz EDF Energy, Alan Raymant Horizon Nuclear Power, Sandy Rupprecht NuGeneration Ltd, George Beveridge Sellafield Ltd, Adrian Simper Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Bruce McKirdy Radioactive Waste Management Limited among others. To register for the event visit the #Nuclear webpage and if you have any questions contact veronica.lekavicius@niauk.org.

www.niauk.org/registration

OCTOBER / 2014

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR THE NUCLEAR NEW BUILD SUPPLY CHAIN STAGE TWOMARCH 2013

The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is the trade association and representative voice of the UK’s civil nuclear industry. We represent 63,000 UK nuclear workers across more than 260 member companies.

Nuclear Industry Associationis a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 2804518 Registered Office:Carlton House22A St James’s SquareLondon SW1Y 4JHTEL +44(0)20 7766 6640FAX +44(0)20 7839 1523EMAIL info@niauk.org

NUCLEARSUPPLYCHAIN.com/essential-guideNIAUK.org/supply-chain-guide

Capability of the UK

NUClear New bUild

SUpply ChaiN

delivering a

nuclear future

for the uK

deCember 2012

Moving Forward

at Moorside

Cavendish Fluor

partnership take

on magnox & rsrl

Cabinet reshuFFle:

meet the minister

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to future skills2

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industry assoCiation

niauk.org Autumn / 2014

nucleAr energy is An

engine for growth in the uK.

nucleAr new build will creAte

tens of thousAnds of jobs Across

the country At sites And in the

supply chAin. decommissioning

will continue to AttrAct

the brightest And the best

problem solvers. the nucleAr

industry employs over

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www.hsl.gov.uk

www.niauk.org

Nuclear Industry AssociationTrade Directory

Contact: Darren Whitehouse

Business Development Manager

- NuclearCompany: Health & Safety Laboratory

Address: Harpur Hill

Buxton

Derbyshire

SK17 9JNTel: +44 (0)1298 218 407

Email: darren.whitehouse@hsl.gsi.gov.uk

Website: www.hsl.gov.uk

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The Health and Safety Laboratory

(HSL) is one of the world’s leading

providers of health and safety

solutions to industry, government

and professional bodies.We offer health and safety research, expert

advice and consultancy, specialist training and

products. Our particular strength is bringing

together different disciplines and teams to

create practical, innovative and useful solutions.

HSL employs over 350 scientific, medical and

technical specialists, who help make working

environments and working lives safer in the UK

and around the world.At HSL, we have been developing health and safety

solutions for over 100 years. Our long history means

that we’re well-placed to understand the changing

health and safety landscape, and anticipate future

issues.We are an agency of the Health and Safety

Executive (HSE), and work closely with the Office

for Nuclear Regulations. This means we are uniquely

placed to offer solutions that comply with the

relevant standards and with current legislation.

Services and Capabilities Our teams here at the Health and Safety

Laboratory (HSL) are experts in problem-solving.

We will work with you to develop solutions which

work for you. Our staff are world-leaders in their

fields, and our multidisciplinary teams provide

innovative but evidence-based solutions to help

you assess and control risk. You will benefit from decades of experience and

knowledge, much of it gained by investigating

serious incidents on behalf of HSE. This

knowledge enables us to provide effective

solutions for a range of high-hazard industry

sectors, including the nuclear industry.

2014 | WINTER — 29

New build Group

With momentum gathering behind the UK’s nuclear new build programme, September was almost the perfect time for the Nuclear Industry Association's new build group to meet. Over the summer, Toshiba officially acquired the agreed 60% stake in the NuGeneration project, setting out ambitious plans to build three AP1000 reactors in West Cumbria. The Office for Nuclear Regulation announced Horizon Nuclear Power’s chosen reactor design, Hitachi-GE’s UK-ABWR had progressed to Step 3 of the Generic Design Assessment procedure. Furthermore, on the day of the meeting, rumours were circulating in the press that the Hinkley Point C project was on the cusp of gaining EU state aid approval. Kindly hosted at ARUP’s offices in London, the meeting drew together over 100 NIA members keen to hear updates from each of the developers and a host of other projects at the event. Nigel Cann, Site Construction Director, Hinkley Point C spoke about the enabling projects already underway on site, readying it for the main earthworks, civils and marine works. Including the construction of a 6.5km perimeter fence,

vegetation clearance of 50 hectares and five set piece archaeology excavations. Ben Russell, Horizon Nuclear Power outlined the company’s business development programme and its supply chain activity, adding plans have begun for a supplier’s day to take place in early 2015. John McNamara, NuGeneration gave a project update clarifying the company’s new corporate structure and its fresh plans for Moorside. John Eldridge, Cammell Laird detailed the capabilities of their heavy manufacturing centre in Merseyside. The newly refurbished engineering facility is made up of 10,000 m2 of covered workshops and specialises in the fabrication of containment vessels, structural and mechanical modules, heavy steel components and pipework spools. Gavin Dobbing, AMEC explained how the company’s UK nuclear division will deliver as technical adviser to the construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant. All of the presentations are available for NIA members to download online and if you are interested to hear more about the new build group please contact rupert.lewis@niauk.org.

30 — WINTER | 2014

Hyde Group open dedicated nuclear manufacturing facility

In November, Hyde group Nuclear (HgN) celebrated the opening of its new manufacturing facility, Broadway which will be dedicated to nuclear work. Offering engineering, design and build and manufacturing services, HGN has invested more than £1m in new tooling and equipment at its 100m2 Broadway plant to enable the company to build on its growing portfolio of work in the waste and decommissioning sector. HGN Managing Director Loren Jones explained “Whilst we will continue to work with the 20 other manufacturing units within the Hyde Group, we believe it is important we dedicate Broadway to nuclear work. This gives us the ability to control all aspects of the manufacturing process and deliver the

exceptional quality standards our work demands”. The addition of Broadway is another part of the growth of HGN which has made considerable investment over the last two years in the development of skills to support its nuclear work load. The organisation is developing a strong reputation within the supply chain for high quality manufacturing solutions. Loren continued, “There are some huge opportunities on the horizon for manufacturing companies working in nuclear for which we have a clear development plan. We see this as a stepping stone to a much larger development with more new facilities which will allow us to maximise the opportunity to deliver work during this exciting period in the UK nuclear industry”.

NoT a mEmbER of THE NIa?

To find out about the work of the NIA and benefits of membership please visit our website at www.niauk.org for further details including information on our extensive working group programme, our monthly updates and our exclusive online trade directory. To discuss the membership options available to your company please call Stephanie McKenna on 020 7766 6640.

South gloucestershire and Stroud CollegeA new college formed by the merger between Stroud College and Filton College (SGS). These two successful colleges merged in February 2012, to give students more choice, greater opportunities and a wider range of facilities from a single college. SGS is a large college with campuses located in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire working, in the main, in the South West of England. SGS has an established track record as a skills and training provider supporting the nuclear sector and associated businesses.

WElcomE

NEW NIA MEMBERS

2014 | WINTER — 31

OPINION

PowerPolitics“a coUNTRy caN NoW cHoosE THE loWEsT cosT

opTIoNs foR dEcaRboNIsINg RaTHER THaN bEINg TIEd To oNE TEcHNology”

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

The big news is that on 8 October Commissioner Almunia finally announced the EU’s approval of the UK’s plans to finance Hinkley Point C. Since the current Commission retired at the end of October this decision came in the nick of time; leaving it over to the new Commission could have meant massive delay. This is a great result that will allow the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the UK for 25 years. It is good news not only for UK (and EU) energy policy – facilitating the vital nuclear contribution needed to meet our carbon reduction and energy security objectives – but for the wider nuclear supply chain which will build the plant. As I have said before, the latter are champing at the bit to get started. Importantly, by providing a viable nuclear financing model for a competitive market, it also paves the way for the rest of the UK’s new build programme – the Horizon and NuGen projects – and potentially for new build overseas. Pro-nuclear member states have been following this case very closely indeed, and across the EU around 20 reactors are being planned. This decision could help many of these proceed. Judging from some of their hyperbolic responses, nuclear opponents have not been slow to recognise the significance. Friends of the Earth described it as ‘a shocking decision….that countless generations will struggle to deal with’. CND claimed it gave a ‘green light to a dirty energy source with no future’. At governmental level anti-nuclear Austria has even promised a lawsuit. Whilst an unwelcome Christmas present, most serious commentators believe this is unlikely to get anywhere. The Commission decision is very robust and based on a very thorough examination of all the relevant issues – which is why the process took so long!

Staying with the EU, Heads of State have finally followed-up their 2020 energy targets with agreed goals for 2030. These include a target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40% on 1990 levels. Whilst (at German urging) there remains a strong renewables commitment (to make up 27% of the EU’s energy by 2030), this is now an EU-wide rather than national specific target, and the EU has accepted the UK’s proposal that each member state should choose how to meet its own share of the carbon reduction target. This is a very important development, and means a country can now choose the lowest cost options for decarbonising rather than being tied to one technology – and in our case can deploy a mix of nuclear and renewables. Given the EU objective is not to protect vested interests but to fight climate change who could possibly object? Turning to domestic matters September and October saw the annual political party conference season, and as usual NIA was represented at the three main events. Counterintuitively – given the opinion polls’ suggestion it is the Coalition parties in trouble – the Labour conference was much the more downbeat of the three. There could be a number of reasons for this, for example a post Scottish referendum hangover, but as a politically neutral organisation we should probably resist further comment. Suffice to say all the parties are facing real problems – as the recent by-elections have underlined - and the political scene is the most unpredictable it’s been for a generation. The good news is that the 2015 general election will be well worth staying up for! In this context, and possibly more related to internal Conservative Party division, the former Environment Secretary Owen Paterson used a speech shortly after the conferences to launch

an impassioned call for the reshaping of UK energy policy, which he claimed will cost up to £1300bn by 2050. Patterson called amongst other things for the immediate suspension of the Climate Change Act and a stop to the further development of wind, focussing instead on shale gas and large scale combined heat and power (CHP). He was supportive of nuclear, but believed we should be building small modular reactors – which would be easier to build and better suited to CHP. As I said in my last column the NIA’s view is that we should keep a wide range of technological options open, including SMRs that could bring significant benefits to UK industry. But these should be regarded as a possible addition or follow-on to the current new build programme, not as an alternative. Put simply, SMRs are as yet unproven and if we want to keep the lights on jumping to the ‘next best thing’ could be very risky. Finally, following the fires at Ferrybridge and Didcot that coincided with outages at a number of EDF’s nuclear plant, there has been much alarm about the UK’s ever-narrowing capacity margin. Reassuringly EDFs plants will be back before the end of the year, before the worst of the winter weather arrives. Nonetheless, taking the longer view, this underlines graphically why we need to get on now with the nuclear new build programme and extend the lives of the existing nuclear plant.

32 — WINTER | 2014