Energy companies are currently planning to build up to 16GW of new nuclear power capacity in the UK, with the first new reactors expected to be operational around the end of the decade. This new generation of nuclear power stations will require a total investment of around £60 billion.
The UK currently has 16 reactors with a total generating capacity of 10 gigawatts of electricity (GWe). These stations generate around a sixth of the UK’s electricity – yet all but one will be retired by 2023. The exception is Sizewell B, the UK’s only pressurised water reactor (PWR), which began operations in 1995.
A government review of energy policy in 2006 gave the green light to a new generation of nuclear power. Planning and design certification laws were streamlined to support new build, but any new reactors will be wholly financed and built by the private sector with no direct subsidy.
Reactors
Two reactor designs are being considered for UK new-build: Areva’s EPR (originally the European Pressurised Reactor) and Westinghouse’s AP1000.
Both the EPR and AP1000 are Generation III+ PWRs, offering a range of safety, economic and operational improvements over previous designs.
The EPR has an output of 1600MWe. Four EPRs are already being built in Finland, France and China.
The AP1000 has an output of 1150MWe. Construction is underway for AP1000 reactors on two sites in China.
Both reactors have undergone a generic design assessment (GDA) by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). This assessment is intended to support the construction of a number of new nuclear power stations by approving a standard reactor design which can be built in different locations by different developers. Each build will still require a site-specific licence.
The final report on the two reactor designs was published in December 2011. Both have been granted interim acceptance, although there are still some outstanding issues in both designs. The regulators are however satisfied with the designers’ proposals to resolve these issues. For full details, see the ONR announcement.
Development sites
The UK Government’s energy national policy statement in June 2011 confirmed that eight sites are suitable for new nuclear power stations by 2025, as shown on the map below. All are the sites of existing nuclear plant. Five of the sites have been acquired by new-build developers.
EDF Energy, in partnership with Centrica, is proposing to build two Areva EPRs at Hinkley Point, Somerset, and two at Sizewell, Suffolk.
Horizon Nuclear Power was founded as a joint venture between E.ON UK and RWE npower, with plans for up to 3GWe new capacity at both Wylfa, Anglesey and Oldbury, Gloucestershire. In March 2012, E.ON and RWE announced they would not proceed with the new-build plans, and are now seeking a new owner for the venture.
NuGeneration, a joint venture between Iberdrola and GDF Suez, is intending to build up to 3.6GWe new capacity at Sellafield, Cumbria.
For more information, see the developers page.
Supply chain opportunities
UK companies, from top-tier suppliers to specialist SMEs, can potentially supply up to 80% of the work required for the new generation of nuclear power stations. To compete, many companies will have to develop new capabilities and build new relationships with industry leaders.
The civil nuclear supply chain presents particular opportunities for the metals industries. A nuclear power station contains many tens of thousands of tonnes of steel in a variety of forms. Examples include:
- Reactor pressure vessels, turbine rotors, and other components which use major forgings and castings.
- Construction steels for the containment structure.
- Precision-engineered components such as high-pressure seals, pumps and valves.
Only a relatively small portion of the total power station requires nuclear-specific quality requirements. The bulk of plant has similar requirements to other power generation industries.
Both of the reactor providers are working with UK companies to build a supply chain, and are inviting suppliers to register their interest. Interested companies can find out more at the following supply chain portals:
The Nuclear Industry Association also provides a wealth of supply chain resources through its SC@Nuclear portal.
For more information on the new-build programme and the history of nuclear development in the UK, see the World Nuclear Association’s paper on Nuclear Power in the United Kingdom.
