On Tuesday 1st July, the Cumbria Branch of the Nuclear Institute hosted a talk from Nu-Gen based around the development of their Moorside Project, which is looking to build three AP1000 reactors on a site adjacent to the Sellafield Reprocessing Plant.
Introducing the lecture, John McNamara, Head of Communications for NuGen, gave a short update on breaking news announced the day before the talk that Toshiba and GDF Suez had finalised a deal to take forward the Moorside project.
Claude Bernard, Head of Engineering for NuGen, then came forward to explain the technical plans for the project. While technology selection has already been made via the AP1000 power plant design, development of the outline engineering is still in progress. Based on his experiences from past projects, Bernard explained that considerations of such aspects as site appearance and layout need to be made early on in the project to ensure compatibility and that the site has the correct aesthetics.
A high level milestones programme is in place for the project, which involves smaller steps to the next big stages, such as a decision on investment and confirmation on construction of the reactors. These smaller steps will include things like site licensing applications and site design choices. After the investment decision has been made there will be further development around site preparation for build and then the commencement of build and operation for each of the stations.
Nu-Gen are working closely with the National Grid who are progressing a new project to provide an inter-connector along the West Cumbrian coast. This will allow connection and export of new generating capacity to the wider UK grid.
Traffic and transportation is a topic close to the hearts of those living locally. It was explained that, while specifics on transportation are still being developed and are subject to the appropriate consultations, it is anticipated that the major reactor modules will be shipped to the site. The majority of the workforce and bulk aggregates will be brought in via rail in order to minimise the impact on the local community.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the subject of the talk and its future impact on West Cumbria, the event was well attended with plenty of interest and discussions around the proposals being developed by Nu-Gen.
Following the presentation, Events Sub-Committee Chair Matt Aukett commented: “The development of the Moorside project is an exciting opportunity for West Cumbria that promises to provide opportunities for future prosperity here. From the audience interaction at the end of the talk you could tell that the local public are extremely interested in this project and the affect it will have on the future of West Cumbria.”
The Nuclear Institute Cumbria branch would like to express our thanks to Nu-Gen for speaking to us at this event. We would also like to thank Nuclear Management Partners for sponsoring this lecture series.