We’re set for N-plant go-ahead

Jan 11 2008 by Sarah Judd, Evening Gazette

THE WORKFORCE ON Teesside is well equipped to meet the challenge of a new nuclear future, following announcement yesterday that the government will back a building programme.

British Energy, which runs the existing Hartlepool power station, welcomed the announcement, although it said plans for the site were as yet unconfirmed.

In anticipation of a skills shortage in the British nuclear industry, it has already devised an apprenticeship programme with the TTE Technical Training Group in South Bank. And, as the first batch of apprentices began their training, Stuart Crooks, station director, said it was an “exciting time” for job opportunities within the industry as it looked towards a new nuclear future with more certainty.

Keith Hunter, managing director, of TTE Technical Training Group, said: “The development of new nuclear power stations will substantially enhance the career prospects of employees in this sector.

“TTE already works closely with British Energy on an apprenticeship programme at Hartlepool Power Station and, were the site chosen for one of the new generation of plant, we would be well-placed to help equip workers of the future with the skills essential to operate it.”

George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, the North-east-based business development organisation for the oil, gas and related energy sectors, said it was well-prepared to deliver the UK’s nuclear future, despite growing concerns of a skills shortage.

“Members of NOF Energy are well placed with the relevant skills, experience and knowledge to meet the challenge of building and maintaining these power stations,” he said

Joe Docherty, Tees Valley Regeneration’s chief executive, added: “The nuclear industry is one in which the Tees Valley has experience and a skilled workforce.”

British Energy had pressed ahead with environmental and technical reports on Hartlepool in advance of the government’s announcement, and will now move forward with the planning procedure, after Business Secretary John Hutton told MPs the need for nuclear was “compelling”. He invited energy companies to bring forward plans to build and operate new nuclear power plants.

Stuart Crooks said: “Hartlepool is a long-standing member of the local economy, today providing around 700 jobs which in turn puts around £30m into the local economy in wages alone.

“All of British Energy’s sites have been assessed for potential new build and Hartlepool is very much part of that strategy, although the four southern sites of Hinkley, Dungeness, Bradwell and Sizewell have been identified as the first likely sites to see new build.”

Hartlepool is due for decommissioning in 2014, although it may run to 2020. If a new station gets the go-ahead it is likely to be at least 2020 before it is fully operational.