Does the UK already have a nuclear industry?
Yes – the UK has had a thriving industry in the nuclear sector since the 1950’s when the world’s first commercial nuclear power station was opened at Calder Hall in Cumbria. Nowadays, the industry spans the full nuclear life cycle from the design of new plant through to decommissioning and waste management.
Will we see new nuclear build in the UK?
Yes – Utilities have committed to the development of some £40 billion of new nuclear plant across the UK in coming years; we are likely to see a fleet of new nuclear power stations across the country.
How many new nuclear power stations will there be and where will they be sited?
There are currently commitments to 4 new plants by EDF Energy – 2 at Hinkley Point in Somerset and 2 at Sizewell in Suffolk. Horizon Nuclear Power have also committed to new build at Wylfa on Anglesey and Oldbury in Gloucestershire. Meanwhile NuGeneration Ltd has acquired land ready for new build in West Cumbria.
Who is building new nuclear power stations in the UK?
The new plant will be built by three new build consortia; EDF Energy, Horizon Nuclear Power, and NuGeneration Ltd. EDF Energy will use the EPR design from Areva. The other consortia have yet to decide which reactor to deploy. There are currently two reactor technology designs going through the licensing process in the UK – the EPR from Areva and the AP1000 from Westinghouse.
Is there any government involvement in new build?
Government is not involved in any way in the funding or construction of new plant. Nonetheless, Government fully supports the development of new nuclear power stations, and the Office for Nuclear Development at the Department of Energy and Climate Change has been set up to remove any unnecessary barriers to new build.
What are the timescales on new build developments?
The first new nuclear plant is aimed to come online in late 2017 or early 2018. After this, the industry could bring another station online every 18 – 24 months for several years. Commercial arrangements to deliver this new build – including partnerships and joint ventures – are already emerging. Orders for the bulk of plant and services could be expected to start developing from 2012/2013 onwards.
Are there real business opportunities as part of the nuclear supply chain?
Yes – this is a growing industry that needs to expand its supply chain base and engage with new companies. This means that there will be opportunities for companies who can make the right offer to become involved in the UK nuclear supply chain. Partnerships formed early could also be particularly beneficial given the capacity for multi-project working relationships to be formed, which could support new build developers on multiple build projects.
Is there a UK reactor design?
No – there is no specific UK design, the companies that are building power stations will be using existing technologies that have been designed elsewhere and will have been operated successfully in several countries before they are constructed here in the UK. These will be either the Areva EPR or the Westinghouse AP1000.
Are there export opportunities as part of the nuclear supply chain?
Yes – the UK is at the leading edge of the worldwide nuclear renaissance. The potential exists for some 400 new reactors to be built worldwide in coming years – with top players in the UK currently recognised as major contributors to this global build programme. Relationships formed in the UK can prove crucial to success in those later markets.
Is nuclear work made complicated by codes and standards?
Codes and standards are clearly important in nuclear work – but these need not be a barrier to your involvement. View the link on the homepage of this website to find out more about quality and accreditation, codes and standards.
Is a lack of nuclear experience a bar to entry into the market?
This will depend on the nature of the work. Approximately 80% of new build is not nuclear specific but similar to other major construction projects. There will be an expectation that you make the right offer to the industry and have the capability to work to the right standards, but nuclear experience is not a prerequisite to joining the industry.
How can my business get involved in the nuclear supply chain?
Sign up for information on the homepage of www.nuclearsupplychain.com. Once you’ve done that, visit the supply chain portals for the top-players which are also listed on the homepage. Consider what you have got to contribute to the industry, think about where you fit into the supply chain. If you are unsure on where you fit in, consider joining the NIA to gain a broader understanding of the industry – just email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Is the nuclear industry just about new build?
No – having led the world in building nuclear power stations, the UK is now leading the way in researching the challenges and opportunities of decommissioning. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is the government’s non-departmental public body which has responsibility for channelling funding to private companies to facilitate the clean-up and decommissioning of legacy sites. More information on decommissioning opportunities can be found by visiting the “Decommissioning” tab on the homepage of http://www.nuclearsupplychain.com/.
Is the nuclear industry intrinsically linked to the military?
No. While many companies that work in the civil sector have also worked on projects for the military, the civil industry is entirely independent.
Where can I find out about NIA membership?
Visit www.niauk.org or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more about the opportunities offered by the trade association for the UK civil nuclear industry.
