Graduates from across the country were given an insight into the complexities of huge nuclear new build projects as part of a recent two-day event at the National College for Nuclear Southern Hub, based at the Cannington Campus of Bridgwater & Taunton College.
The 32 delegates from the Nuclear Institute Young Generation Network heard direct from industry experts and toured the construction site at Hinkley Point C. The event aimed to give graduates and those new to the industry some interesting and insightful progress updates from several current new build projects.
Twelve speakers delivered talks over the two day conference discussing the considerations involved in a Nuclear New Build, how the regulators, EA and ONR, responded to the UK’s Nuclear New Build programme and what is actually going on in the UK at EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C EPRs Projects and Horizon’s Wylfa Newydd UK ABWR Project.
Delegates also heard about Moltex Energy’s Stable Molten Salt Reactor (a Small Modular Reactor), versions of which will be fuelled by spent nuclear waste, and the U-Battery, a micro modular reactor (an Advanced Modular Reactor) designed for use in off-grid applications and its contribution to tackling climate change and decarbonisation. In addition, delegates discussed the Safety Case and how permission for a Nuclear Power Station is obtained, New Nuclear Builds in the world and public perception of Nuclear.
Lorien Howarth, Senior Strategic Advisor, Insight or the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, talked about Innovation in Nuclear and why it is so important. She said
It is an exciting time for the nuclear sector. Challenges on cost and timescales are nothing new, but increasing competition from alternative energy sources is now adding even greater pressure on the sector. We need to do something different in order to keep up with the pace of change, we need to be truly innovative. The industrial strategy and nuclear sector deal both present the opportunity and provide the ambition.
David Eccles, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Hinkley Point C spoke passionately about the Nuclear New Build at Hinkley and said
What a fantastic opportunity to share information about new build projects across such a diverse group of attendees.
Alefiyah Jafferji, PSA Engineer, Design Authority, NNB Generation Company and organiser of this event said
With such a broad spectrum of topics there has been something for everyone and the opportunity to ask really searching questions has been invaluable. The high points for me where the technical site visit to HPC, the depth of knowledge demonstrated by a diverse range of speakers from the nuclear industry and the chance to see the flagship National college for Nuclear and how collaboration and innovation with industry will deliver high-level technical training and qualifications for the future.
Chris Ward EDF delegate said
If I had my time again I would definitely want to come here to study.
If you would like more information about studying a Nuclear course with Bridgwater & Taunton College click here or find out more about the National College for Nuclear, here.
