Boulting Nuclear gears up for Wylfa

As many of the UK's existing coal, oil and nuclear power stations reach the end of their useful generating lives nuclear power is well placed to help close this energy gap. The next generation of nuclear power stations are intended to generate secure affordable, low-carbon electricity over their 60-year lifetimes.

Wylfa Newydd, on the Isle of Anglesey, is ideally situated for low carbon nuclear power production and Horizon Nuclear Power, a UK energy company, is developing a new generation of nuclear power stations. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. the company is planning to build UKAdvanced Boiling Water Reactors (UK ABWRs), with first commercial operation expected within the first half of the 2020s.

In conjunction with the vital infrastructure developed to support the existing station, Anglesey has a highly skilled nuclear workforce and direct access to essential seawater cooling facilities. However, since the completion of Sizewell B in 1995, there has been no investment in new Nuclear Power Generation within the UK.

At this stage the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is undertaking a review of all documentation with the main construction currently on schedule to commence in 2018/19.

In 2013Hitachi-GE Nuclear EnergyLtd undertook a 6 month evaluation process for the method of construction for the build, comparing established Japanese methods and standards with those of the UK. This Joint Study (1) involved many contractors including Boulting Nuclear. Horizon intends to initially develop two nuclear reactors at Wylfa Newydd, with first commercial operation expected within the first half of the 2020s.

At the next Joint Study (2), Boulting Nuclear was invited with three other suppliers to be involved in the planning and execution strategies of Mechanical, E&I, HVAC and scaffolding work in a variety of locations within the proposed station. Together with the provision of detailed man-hour estimates, this phase took 12 months to complete. At the conclusion of Joint Study (2) Boulting Nuclear were identified as a potential Tier 2 contractor.

Joint Study (3) which commenced in April 2015 and is currently ongoing, involves the evaluation of detailed design activities, a supply chain and procurement exercise and further enhancements of man-hour estimations. A large number of secondary and actual suppliers are involved, and an assessment of the proposed final stage of construction activities is taking place.

Boulting has over 20 years' experience and knowledge of nuclear engineering and construction, in both the mechanical and electrical sectors. This includes working on UK nuclear power stations involved with fuel manufacturing, reprocessing and storage, together with other nuclear facilities.

‘We are delighted that we are being considered for this specialist work in the nuclear sector,' commented Bob Bianchi, Business Development Director. ‘We have considerable experience working in this field and hope this will stand us in good stead.'

ENDS

Editors note: For further information on this press release please contact Simon Plumb on 01925 755590 or simon@spa-group.co.uk