A study released today by engineering alliance Engineering the Future (EtF) has brought together lessons learnt from past and current nuclear projects which if adopted should help ensure the success of the future UK nuclear new build programme, given the green light by Government last week.
Secretary of State Chris Huhne re-confirmed the Government’s commitment to the new build programme last Monday, announcing the publication of the draft Nuclear National Policy Statement which confirmed eight potential sites for new nuclear power stations, with the first estimated to be online by 2018. However, with the last nuclear power station built in the UK constructed 15 years ago, much of the experience and knowledge no longer exists within the industry today. The alliance of engineering bodies, including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), hopes their report, Nuclear Lessons Learnt, will help the ambitious new build programme be delivered on-time and as efficiently as possible.
The study aims to demonstrate that despite the long intervals between domestic new build programmes, lessons have been learnt that will significantly reduce risks and delays in UK new nuclear build programmes. Six of the most relevant projects in recent history were examined, and the outcomes and recovery of unforeseen issues that arose were documented to identify the common lessons learnt.
- Follow-on replica stations are cheaper than first-of-a-kind
- Designs should be mature and licensing issues resolved prior to construction
- A highly qualified design and planning team is essential
- Sub contractors used must be experienced or taught nuclear-specific construction skills
- Early and effective engagement with communities is crucial
Spokesperson for the alliance and chair of the report steering group John Earp said: “The nuclear new build programme is critical for the UK, guaranteeing our security of energy supply in the future and providing an opportunity for us to become a role model for energy investment globally. Government has committed to supporting the programme through reforms to the planning and regulatory systems, but more needs to be done to incentivise investment in low carbon electricity if we are to attract and retain long-term private investment.
“The sector should also take heed of these lessons, investing now in upskilling workers to meet future demand and engaging early on with the supply chain and affected communities.”
See the press release, Lessons from past key to success for nuclear new build, for full details.