Nuclear Supply Chain Newsletter

Transcription

1 Nuclear Supply Chain Newsletter August/September 2011 The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has been engaged by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to provide information and support to small and medium sized enterprises (SME s) in manufacturing, who are keen to diversify their markets and take advantage of the opportunities that are available within the civil nuclear industry and its expanding supply chain. The aim of this newsletter is to increase businesses knowledge of the nuclear industry and to keep them informed of civil nuclear opportunities within the new build, decommissioning and waste management sub-sectors given the current economic environment. Inside... Nuclear New Build in the UK Take the Fit For Nuclear Test Major Progress in AP1000 Licensing Approval The National Skills Academy for Nuclear Significant New Business Opportunities to MAGNOX Supply chain Culham Centre for Fusion Energy The UK Impact of the Fukushima Accident Progress within MAS East Contacts and event information Partners Commissioned by For information and advice visit or call

2 Nuclear New Build in the UK MAS continues in its efforts to advise SMEs on the current Nuclear New Build situation in the UK. There are three developers (EDF Energy, Horizon Nuclear Power and NuGeneration Ltd) who are engaged in the work for the construction of nuclear power plants on five sites in the UK. Following the designation of the Nuclear NPS s [see National Policy Statements] the developers may then apply to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) for planning permission to develop a particular new nuclear power station. Before making such applications the developer would be expected to conduct an extensive environmental impact assessment and to have had consultation with the relevant local communities. EDF Energy EDF Energy, with their investment partner Centrica, are proceeding with early work for the construction of four European Pressurised Water Reactors (EPR); two at Hinkley Point in Somerset and two at Sizewell in Suffolk. The total generating capacity will be 6.6 GWe. In Procurement Flamanville 3 - France, Construction Copyright EDF Energy-Morin Alexis Hinkley Point C The Hinkley Point C project will assist the Government in ensuring that the UK s energy demands continue to be met. SME s may visit the supply chain registration for Hinkley Point C website and register on the portal. SME s should note that the former is primarily aimed at Somerset local businesses. There will also be a need for specialist services at Tier 1 and lower tiers in the supply chain. EDF is currently developing a new database to allow interested companies to register their interest and this will be launched in Autumn In the interim period, interested suppliers should contact EDF s Procurement Manager for Supply Engagement, Chris Squires. chris.squires@edf-energy.com EDF will place around 160 major Tier 1 contracts and the procurement process for some of these is already underway. The table below identifies some of those packages currently being procured and those yet to be tendered. Yet to be procured Package Title 2001 Earthworks 3511 HP Filtration Plant 2211 Air Locks 3631 Pipes 2012 Cooling Water p/w 3681 Large Capacity Travelling Cranes 2021 Marine Off-Loading Facility 4921 Mechanical Installation 2221 Equipment Hatch 3650 Gas Plant General Utilities 2621 Spent Fuel Loading Device 3711 HP Ventilation 2201 Main Civil Works kV Switchboards 2641 HR Gantry 4321 Nuclear Sampling 2231 Marine Works (tunnelling) 5111 Other Switchboards 2651 Lifts and Goods Lifts 5121 Chargers and Inverters 2721 HVAC 5141 Electrical Penetrations 2671 Handling Devices 5131 Batteries 2731 Chillers 5211 Main Diesel Generators 3001 Power Transmission 5221 Back-up Diesel Generators 3002 Connections to National Grid 3251 CW Pumps and Motors 3252 HP Pumps & Motors 5301 Electrical Installations 2691 Hoists 6121 Wet Pumps 2711 HQ Ventilation 6301 Filters 3212 SSS Motor Pump Assemblies 6311 Ion Exchangers 6101 Other Pumps 3421 Demineralisation Plant 2441/2 Doors 3512 HP Pre-discharge Pump Source: EDF 2

3 Sizewell C EDF have a website for Sizewell that gives site information, public consultation, key benefits and contacts. The supply chain is not mentioned at this early stage. Local SME s may register interest in Sizewell C by visiting the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce B2B Portal. SME s should note that the portal is aimed at companies based in Norfolk and Suffolk. and select Utilities\EDF/Nuclear Horizon Nuclear Power Horizon Nuclear Power is a 50:50 joint venture between E.ON UK and RWE Npower. They are working to develop plans to build around 6GWe of new nuclear power by 2025 their lead site is at Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey, with their second site at Oldburyon-Severn in South Gloucestershire. Horizon is developing plans to build either two or three units on each site, generating a total of between 3.2 to 3.3 GWe per site, dependent upon their reactor technology choice. At the time of this Newsletter, Horizon are continuing their in depth review of AREVA s EPR and Westinghouse s AP1000, with a decision on technology expected when the company have due clarity following the release of the final Weightman report. It is expected that when the decision is made there will be a step-change in Horizon work on supply chain engagement. Horizon expect to move into their first stage of pre-application consultation around the Wylfa project in winter 2012, and commercial operation for the first unit at Wylfa is expected around Horizon is committed to engaging effectively with local communities and produces Community Update newsletters at both of their sites on a regular basis. These are available to view on the Horizon website. The company has also developed new open surgeries in locations around Wylfa and Oldbury on a monthly basis, whilst a Wylfa Project Liaison Group (PLG) has been launched to keep the local community up to date with developments. As the project develops, it will require a wide range of services, goods, equipment and skills; these range from fabrication, engineering and manufacturing to landscaping, accommodation and catering. Supply Chain engagement strategies will continue to develop with the selection of the chosen delivery team; if companies wish to register an interest in doing business with Horizon, a dedicated supplier s mailbox is available at:- suppliers@horizonnuclearpower.com NuGeneration Ltd NuGeneration Ltd (NuGen) is a joint venture between GDF Suez, Iberdrola and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). They are proceeding with preliminary planning activities to construct 3.6 GWe of generating capacity on land in West Cumbria. The programme for the West Cumbria station is: Development [Site characterization; Planning licences; Stakeholder engagement] Construction period 2016 to 2022 Operation 2023 In progressing their plans NuGen have stated that they will: Put safety first in everything they do Work in partnership with the local community Maximise UK employment and skills Provide opportunities for the UK supply chain. Align with Government policy and contribute to the national debate NuGen have stated that their project is gaining momentum. NuGen will also be choosing between the Westinghouse AP1000 and the AREVA EPR. They have said they will make a decision during calendar year (N.B. Definition of GWe = Gigawatt-electric and is one billion watts of electric capacity) Take the Fit For Nuclear test Engineering manufacturing companies interested in the opportunities of the nuclear sector can now test their readiness online. The Fit For Nuclear (F4N) assessment is designed to help companies understand the requirements and challenges of the nuclear energy market, and measure their own operations against the standards required to supply the UK s new generation of nuclear power stations. The F4N programme is designed for manufacturers of mechanical and electrical equipment which can supply components for the nuclear plant and associated equipment. It will also be useful for companies looking at opportunities in nuclear decommissioning and waste handling. The first step into these markets is to take the online F4N assessment. This questionnaire covers company performance and capabilities in six key categories: Strategy and Leadership; Design and Project Management; People Excellence; Process Excellence; Health & Safety Culture and Quality Management. The assessment will identify any gaps in your company s performance in terms of meeting the standards expected by the reactor vendors and their supply chain partners. F4N is delivered by the Nuclear AMRC with the Manufacturing Advisory Service, in collaboration with our top-tier industrial partners. To find out more, go to the Nuclear AMRC website - To discover more about business opportunities in nuclear new-build, see the Nuclear AMRC s Industry Intelligence pages or the Nuclear Industry Association s supply chain portal 3

4 Major Progress in AP1000 Licensing Approval All four plants in China are well underway with construction, and all are on schedule, with the first plant, at Sanmen in China, due to produce electricity in The Regulatory Issue raised in February 2010 in connection with the AP1000 design related to the proposed steel-concretesteel construction design for certain key structures within the Nuclear Island. The Nuclear Directorate felt there was a lack of evidence to demonstrate that they would be sufficiently robust to protect the reactor s safety systems under normal conditions, and also from severe weather and other external hazards. Accordingly the regulators required Westinghouse to provide appropriate evidence to demonstrate that the strength and durability of these structures was adequately justified. AP1000 At the end of June 2011 the UK nuclear safety regulator confirmed that the Regulatory Issue connected with the design of the company s AP1000 nuclear plant had been lifted. This move clears a significant obstacle on the pathway towards Design Acceptance Confirmation by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), that is currently assessing the AP1000 reactor as part of the UK Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. The Westinghouse AP1000 reactor is one of two designs currently being assessed by UK regulators for potential new nuclear build in the UK. The AP1000 design has passed all the steps for compliance with European Utility Requirements. In addition, the AP1000 reactor is the only Generation III+ plant to receive design certification by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Contracts have been placed around the world for a total of 10 AP1000 plants to date four in China and six in the United States. Westinghouse Managing Director for the UK, Middle East and Egypt, Mike Tynan, recognises that there remains a considerable amount of work to be done on this and other technical aspects of the AP1000 design, but the lifting of the formal Regulatory Issue means that the safety inspectors recognise the great progress in this area being made and this design demonstrates to them that the building structure is robust enough to withstand any credible accident and remain safe. It is now anticipated as there are no other show stoppers which would prevent the AP1000 from receiving Design Acceptance Confirmation that full approval will be granted in due course. This is an important step in providing confidence to potential customers who may wish to build this reactor that they will be able to secure the necessary construction and operating approvals. For more information on Westinghouse, visit: For more information on the AP1000 technology, visit: 4 The National Skills Academy for Nuclear The National Skills Academy for Nuclear is an employer-led membership organisation which was established to ensure that the UK Nuclear Industry and its Supply Chain has the skilled, competent and safe workforce it needs to deal with the current and future UK nuclear programme. The Skills Academy works with employers to develop solutions to skills gaps and ensure that training delivery is of the high standards required for the Nuclear Industry via its network of high quality providers. July saw The Skills Academy s bid for expansion into Nuclear Manufacturing move one step closer to reality after receiving the Government s backing of the Skills Academy s Expression of Interest. The extension into manufacturing for nuclear will be a collaboration between the NSA for Nuclear, Semta/ NSA for Manufacturing and the Nuclear AMRC. The focus of the expansion will be concentrated on ensuring manufacturing companies contracting with, or wanting to contract in the nuclear sector have the skills needed to meet the standards required. The Skills Academy is now leading on a business plan for this expansion which will be submitted for Government approval in January The Skills Academy has also recently launched the nominations for the award categories for the high profile UK Nuclear Skills Awards event, which will be held on the 22nd March The awards cover apprentices through to graduates, and for the first year is running a dedicated Supply Chain Apprentice of the Year Category. Further details on making a nomination are available from the website. The Skills Academy has developed a number of solutions, including: The Nuclear Skills Passport - an effective vehicle for the introduction of industry agreed and cross site recognition of internal and external skills development training. For contractors, the Skills Passport provides a simple, highly secure method of aiding in the demonstration of SQEP (Suitably Qualified & Experienced Person). Community Apprenticeships - enables supply chain companies working in the nuclear sector (civil and defence) to access additional funding to take on Apprentices for the first time or to grow additional Apprentice skills for their business. Triple Bar Existing Nuclear the new entrance level standard for individuals working in or with existing nuclear sites. Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness a level two qualification expanding upon the topics in the Triple Bar to a more detailed understanding into the fundamentals of working in/with the sector. Bursary a new round of bursary funding will be available shortly to aid people wanting a career in nuclear with course fees. For more information:- www. nuclearskillpassport.co.uk or enquiries@nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk

5 Significant New Business Opportunities to MAGNOX Supply Chain Programme (MODP) is implementing common decommissioning projects across sites, ensuring optimum time frames for progress and better value for money to the UK taxpayer. MAGNOX Ltd now has three divisions: Fuelled Sites - Oldbury and Wylfa will continue to generate electricity until at least Defuelling will continue at Chapelcross, Sizewell A and Dungeness A. The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) have participated in a number of supply chain events in June/July 2011, organised by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) reactor sites. These events are usually open to any current and potential suppliers. For a company wishing to enter or improve its position in the decommissioning and related supply chain then MAS highly recommend that they attend these types of events. In May this year MAGNOX Ltd, a company owned by Energy Solutions, held its fifth of such events in Llandudno. The event, organised in conjunction with The Welsh Assembly Government was immensely successful with over 330 suppliers in attendance. The event highlighted Safety and Compliance, linked to Trust, Delivery and Performance as watch words for the industry and its supply chain. During the event it was announced that the former MAGNOX South Ltd and MAGNOX North Ltd sites have now regrouped and all ten sites are now managed by MAGNOX Ltd. The programme is a large one with MAGNOX Ltd being allocated 649 million per year by the NDA to deliver a programme running from now until the next Government Strategic Spending Review in There are significant opportunities throughout this programme for supply chain businesses to benefit. This is largely due to the confirmation from MAGNOX Ltd that it is encouraging its supply chain to play significant and key parts. Although there are 10 sites, MAGNOX Ltd stresses the importance of having only one mission - That is safe delivery of the programme. MAGNOX Ltd is optimising decommissioning at its 10 reactors sites, by accelerating progress at two lead sites which will set the pace in clearing hazards and testing innovative practices. The intention is to create a proven benchmark for other sites to adopt. Another key feature of the MAGNOX Optimised Decommissioning Accelerated Sites Bradwell and Trawsfynydd have been selected for accelerated decommissioning where decommissioning lessons will be learned for subsequent transfer to other MAGNOX sites. At least one site will reach care and maintenance by Decommissioning sites Berkely, Hinkley Point A and Hunterston A will follow an optimised approach so that progress can be maintained on hazard reduction, reactor defuelling and accelerated care and maintenance at the two lead sites, delivering significant cost savings on the overall plan. Due to the significant programme being undertaken, MAGNOX Ltd is re-assessing its procurement plans to encourage its current and future supply chain. Currently, a pre-qualification process is used based on contract opportunities with MAGNOX Ltd making good use of the Achilles database. Like other site management companies in the NDA portfolio, MAGNOX Ltd are moving rapidly towards longer term framework contracts with large suppliers. Indeed in some cases this is being extended to collaborative procurements between all sites in the NDA portfolio. Consequently, opportunities for SME s are now much more likely to be with these large suppliers than directly with the sites. It is for this reason that MAGNOX Ltd encourages SME s to attend and network with the large companies at their supplier events. There are no hard and fast rules and not surprisingly because it makes economic sense, MAGNOX Ltd said that at the site level they will still need a close relationship with the local supply chain. This article does not attempt to provide a guide about how to do business with MAGNOX Ltd. However it is a key role of MAS to provide SME s with specific advice about this. If you need this help please call us on or Culham Centre for Fusion Energy Fusion means business for UK Companies Realising the potential of nuclear fusion as a large-scale energy source has moved a step closer with the construction of the world s largest fusion experiment - ITER (ITER in Latin means the way ) which is being built at Cadarache in France. It is one of the most ambitious international co-operative research and development projects ever undertaken. ITER is estimated to cost over 14 Billion Euros by the time it is completed in Dan Mistry, Head of CCFE Fusion and Industry Team, and Champion for UK industry involvement in fusion research says, It is wonderful to see several UK companies are already providing conventional and innovative engineering expertise needed for ITER. Over 150M Euros worth of work has already been secured by UK companies and this figure will increase as more companies become aware of the ITER programme. UK Plc has a vast range of expertise that are needed during construction, and therefore companies should visit ITER s website at to get an overview of the programme. ITER is happening now and could provide new business opportunities for UK companies, either as a single supplier or as part of a consortium of companies; but they need to get involved now by registering on both F4E (Fusion for Energy) and Fusion and Industry database that can be found on the following websites: and To find out more, contact Dan Mistry at CCFE, Culham Science Centre. Tel: dan.mistry@ccfe.ac.uk Dan Mistry 5

6 The UK Impact of the Fukushima Accident Fukushima Dai-ichi before the earthquake The Afternath 6 The Accident Japan suffered its worst recorded earthquake of magnitude 9 on 11th March The earthquake was followed about an hour later by a tsunami 15 metres high. This caused considerable damage and loss of life across Japan. Fukushima Dai-ichi, the site of six Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), was one of several nuclear power sites in this area of Japan. Reactor units 1, 2 and 3 were operating at power before the event and on detection of the earthquake shut down safely. The massive tsunami swamped the site and took out the AC electrical capability. Sometime later, back up cooling was lost. This was a serious nuclear accident at an International Event Scale Level 7 (the highest level). The media have widely reported the resulting disruptive explosions because of over-heated zirconium cladding reacting with water to produce hydrogen and major releases of radioactivity as the operators struggled to restore full control. The Weightman Report Dr Mike Weightman The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Chris Huhne) requested HM Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations (Dr Mike Weightman) to examine the circumstances of the Fukushima accident to see what lessons could be learnt to enhance the safety of the UK nuclear industry. Dr Weightman headed an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA ) led team of twelve international experts to Japan; he presented his Interim Report on 18th May This Interim Report has 11 conclusions and 25 recommendations relevant to the Regulator, and the Nuclear Industry. SME s either already in or considering entering the UK nuclear industry will be encouraged by the conclusion below; Conclusion 1: In considering the direct causes of the Fukushima accident we see no reason for curtailing the operation of nuclear power plants or other nuclear facilities in the UK. Once further work is completed any proposed improvements will be considered and implemented on a case by case basis, in line with our normal regulatory approach. Dr Weightman has emphasised that the extreme natural events that occurred in Japan are not credible in the UK, because we are 1000 miles from the edge of a tectonic plate and have safeguards in place that protect against even very remote hazards. Dr Weightman s Final Report is expected to be published mid- September This will impact the completion of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) that was to be completed in June 2011 by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) and the Environment Agency. Generic Design Assessment (GDA) The UK nuclear regulators continue their assessments of the two nuclear reactor designs (AREVA EPR and Westinghouse AP1000) for potential deployment in the UK. This work is in two phases, namely: Phase 1 - Generic Design Assessment (GDA) Phase 2 - Site Licencing and Permitting In considering the direct causes of the Fukushima accident we see no reason for curtailing the operation of nuclear power plants or other nuclear facilities in the UK The Fukushima incident has impacted upon the completion of the GDA because questions from Fukushima have to be incorporated into the assessment process. Interim GDA approvals are now expected to be granted in December 2011, rather than June, as originally planned. Matters of particular interest to SME s are: 1. No show-stoppers have yet been identified. 2. GDA issues have to be resolved before the start of construction (EPR has 30 and AP N.B. These issues are of different sizes). The matter of national (French/US) design codes versus UK codes needs to be resolved. Novel design issues need to be justified. 3. Westinghouse has made the decision to put a pause on its GDA work once Interim DAC and SoDA approvals are granted. Consequently, the Westinghouse GDA process will not be closed out to final DAC and SoDA approvals at this time. This final stage of GDA (which is recognised to be a substantial amount of work, although it represents very little risk), will be undertaken once a commercial utility has selected AP1000 as their preferred reactor for the UK. 4. Although the EPR and the AP1000 are under construction in Finland, France and China, neither are yet licensed to operate. More information on the UK Regulatory process is available on: National Policy Statements (NPS) The Government wants a planning system for major infrastructure projects that is rapid, predictable and accountable. The energy NPS s are a blueprint for decision making on individual applications for development consent. EN-6 is the Nuclear Power NPS; this and other NPS s were laid before Parliament in June and the House of Commons voted to approve them on 18 July following which Chris Huhne the Energy Secretary formally designated them on 19 July. Dr Weightman s report has stated: There is no need to change the present siting strategies for new nuclear power stations in the UK

7 Flooding risks are unlikely to prevent construction of new nuclear power stations at potential development sites in the UK over the next few years. The Nuclear NPS lists the eight sites across the UK potentially suitable for new nuclear power stations to be in operation by 2025; these are: Bradwell, Hartlepool, Heysham, Hinkley Point, Oldbury, Sizewell, Sellafield and Wylfa. The Government has rejected nuclear new builds at Dungeness, Braystones, and Kirksanton. To see the latest nuclear releases view; and look under Nuclear along the left hand side. Nuclear Investment and Electricity Market Reform (EMR) The EMR will be the biggest change to the market since privatisation and will transform the UK s electricity sector. It provides a once in a generation opportunity to shift our energy usage to a low-carbon, energy-secure and affordable future. The demand for electricity within the UK could double over the next forty years as the population increases, and we turn to electricity for heat and transport. The scale of the investment required is enormous, up to 110bn in the next decade alone: the equivalent to around 20 power stations! Planned investment by the utility companies in new nuclear at Hinkley, Sizewell, Wylfa and Oldbury amounts to around 50bn. Reform of the electricity market enables the capital investment required to diversify the UK away from its reliance on fossil fuels by creating a greener mix of electricity sources. The EMR will provide: certainty to investors; encourage new entrants and sources of finance; create a long term, stable and predictable electricity market arrangements; and with confidence over future policy, build greater revenue certainty. The Debate Against UK optimistic statements, there is the German decision to shut down all its nuclear reactors by 2022, making Germany the first major industrial power to become nuclear free. There is also the nuclear referendum in Italy. British anti-nuclear protestors have seized on these matters. The following key issues in this debate are recorded: 1. The Japanese earthquake and its associated tsunami are far beyond the most extreme natural events that the UK could expect (the UK is 1000 miles from the edge of a tectonic plate). 2. The Fukushima 1 reactor units are Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) designed by General Electric some 40 years ago. 3. The planned UK nuclear power plants are of a different design to the Fukushima Dai-ichi BWRs 4. The UK design basis analysis requires designers and operators to demonstrate adequate protection is in place for natural events of a very remote nature. 5. Despite the extensive and tragic loss of life in Japan as a result of the earthquake, there have been no deaths related to radiation as a result of the Fukushima incident. Furthermore no person, either on the nuclear site, or within the control zone, has received a life threatening radiation dose. Lessons can and will be learned from Fukushima by global regulators and by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to further improve safety within the industry. Government Assurance The Coalition Government remains committed to Nuclear New Build. Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy, has made the following statements that directly impact SME s and the supply chain: Around a quarter of the UK generating capacity is due to close by the end of the decade. We need to replace this with secure, low carbon affordable energy. This will require over 100 billion worth of investment in electricity generation alone. I would like to say to the Nuclear Industry Association and its member companies, thank you for the way you have engaged with us. There is no doubt on the Government s commitment to nuclear. Overview The following deductions are provided as guidance for SME s: I. All but one of the existing UK nuclear power plants are scheduled to be closed, or shut by II. Nuclear power is essential in the UK energy mix to fill the looming UK energy gap. III. The Fukushima incident has impacted the GDA process. IV. The German decision to shut down its nuclear power plants has affected such German companies as RWE and E.ON, who are partners in Horizon Nuclear Power. V. The Government has maintained its position that there should be no subsidies for UK Nuclear New Build. However, the Government is in the process of reforming the electricity market to enable investment certainty that should enable the development of nuclear and other low-carbon generation. Progress within MAS East A successful meeting was held with Karl Rumball, the newly appointed EDF Energy, Local Procurement Manager for Sizewell C. Both parties are looking to help manufacturing companies enter the new build, nuclear supply chain. MAS were represented at the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) Doing Business In the Nuclear Industry event where strong interest in the sector was evident. Dialogue is also being maintained with Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. Lessons learnt from Hinkley Point in Somerset from MAS colleagues is available to MAS East. Engagement with local companies continues, with advice and support being given to help develop capability to enter the nuclear supply chain. Manufacturing specialists are working with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre on their Fit 4 Nuclear programme. MAS East projects can offer support to manufacturers in the region who have undertaken the on-line diagnostic and identified areas where improvement should to be made. So. based in the East of England? Interested in becoming a supplier to the nuclear industry? Still not taken the first step? For MAS East support please call or info@mas-east.org.uk. 7

8 MAS Nuclear Specialist Team Evan Wright Decommissioning and Waste Management Specialist, MAS NW Evan has over thirty years experience in the UK nuclear fuel reprocessing, waste management and decommissioning sectors. He is a professional nuclear engineer and has held senior engineering and management roles within the nuclear industry. Before joining MAS he headed the former British Nuclear Groups business on UKAEA sites and won and implemented large nuclear contracts such as the decommissioning of the Windscale Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR) and the Windscale Pile 1 Reactor. John Bissell Nuclear New Build Specialist, MAS NW John Bissell has worked in all aspects of the nuclear power industry from nuclear design to nuclear plant construction. He is a Chartered Engineer with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. John has at various times worked for the UKAEA, nuclear consultants, manufacturing industry, the former UK Nuclear Consortia and NNC. He was Purchasing Manager for Westinghouse on Sizewell B, has carried out a Peer Review on the AP1000 and worked with EDF on the EPR. He has worked in Russia on their pressurised water reactors. To access MAS support and expertise please contact the nuclear champion in your region: Region Nuclear Champion Address Contact Number East of England Graeme Leighton g.leighton@mas-east.org.uk East Midlands John Ransford john.ransford@pera.com North East Alan Hewett alan.hewett@paconsulting.com North West Taylor-Jayne Fox taylor-jayne.fox@mas-nw.co.uk Scotland Nick Shields nick.shields@scotent.co.uk South East Dominic (Nik) Brown dominicbrown@mas-se.org.uk South West Paul Gilbert paul.gilbert@swmas.co.uk West Midlands Chris Butlin cbutlin@mas-wm.org Yorkshire & Humber Peter Rooney peter.rooney@mas-yh.co.uk Wales Steve Holt steve.holt@wales.gsi.gov.uk Conference News - 20 July Cumbria Funded by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and working together with the West Cumbria Development Agency (WCDA) and the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) the event was designed to encourage SME s to start planning their involvement in the supply chain for nuclear new build and also urged them to consider opportunities outside of Sellafield. Nuclear industry experts speaking at the event included representatives from NuGeneration Ltd, AREVA, Westinghouse, the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) and the National Grid. The core message of the day was very clear, to become a contender in the NNB supply chain, local manufacturers must adopt a nuclear quality culture, ensure listings on NNB MAS Events Coming Up rd September 19th October 27th October Positioning for Nuclear New Build Wales Positioning for Nuclear New Build Stockton-on-Tees Positioning for Nuclear New Build Ipswich 8