1. Horizon CEO urges industry to fight for nuclear
Speaking at the Nuclear New Build Conference in London, Duncan Hawthorne, Horizon CEO, commented on the suspension of the Wylfa project. He stated that the failure to carry the project forward undermined the idea that ‘money will flow to a good project.’ He cited a lack of public understanding of nuclear’s benefits as a potential cause of collapse. He then proceeded to say that unless the industry puts up a collective fight there is little chance that work will resume at the site.
(Power Technology, Maintaining market share: Horizon’s presentation at NNB 2019, 12 June 2019, Link)
2. The UK’s low level waste repository reaches landmark
On 7 June 2019, the UK’s Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) celebrated as the 11,000th container was diverted from disposal at the site. The number is significant as it is twice the number of containers that it would have taken to fill Vault 9 on the Cumbrian site. By diverting and treating the waste they are saving taxpayer over £2 billion by removing the need for a second national repository.
(Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Low Level Waste Repository’s landmark achievement, 7 June 2019, Link)
3. NIA Chairman calls for rapid Moorside investment
In his opening address to the Nuclear New Build conference on 11 June 2019, Dr Tim Stone, chairman of the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), stressed the need to develop Moorside soon. He told the delegates that ‘the UK’s current nuclear fleet is progressively retiring in the period to 2030, but which time only Sizewell B will be left generating.’ He also stated that ‘there is no question, this must be replaced – by nuclear’ and that ‘if nuclear is to maintain its low carbon and secure contribution to our energy supplies – which it absolutely must – this needs to happen quickly.’
(In Cumbria, Moorside needs to happen quickly if nuclear is to contribute to UK’s energy needs, 11 June 2019, Link)
4. The Nuclear Industry Association comments on net zero target
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, set a legal target for the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Responding to this announcement, Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association stated that ‘the commitment by Government to meet net zero by 2050 is undoubtedly positive news’ and that ‘for decades nuclear has consistently provided reliable, large scale, low carbon energy and will play an integral role in achieving net zero. That is why it is essential Government gives the necessary support to ensure our ageing nuclear fleet is replaced.’
(Nuclear Industry Association, Nuclear Industry Association responds to net zero commitment, 12 June 2019, Link)
5. Wood wins another Hinkley Point C contract
In April 2019, Wood secured a contract to provide construction design management advisory services at Hinkley Point C (HPC). Three days ago, 11 June 2019, they won another multi-million dollar contract. This time, the contract is to provide HPC with engineering and technical services. This Hinkley Technical Support Alliance (HTSA) agreement begins with immediate effect and is scheduled to last five years with the potential for a further five year extension.
(Wood, Wood wins key strategic role on Hinkley Point C project, 11 April 2019, Link)
(Wood, Wood wins multi-million dollar contract at Hinkley Point C, 11 June 2019, Link)
Brevia Consulting provides straightforward political advice and support to business and organisations.
Discover how Brevia can provide public affairs support to your organisation by calling the Brevia Energy Team on 020 7091 1650 or emailing contact@brevia.co.uk.
