UK lacking in nuclear skills
BRITAIN no longer has the manufacturing capability or skills to handle the technology at the heart of the next generation of nuclear reactors - but Teesside firms are well-placed to cash in on 80% of the remaining work generated by any future programme.
More immediately, they should be pitching for a share in the £2bn being spent each year on plant decommissioning, said Colin Walters, business development manager for nuclear energy with technology advisors TWI, which has a base in Middlesbrough.
The nuclear debate took centre stage again last week with business secretary John Hutton calling on the country to “significantly expand” its nuclear production. But Mr Walters said the industry needed to be realistic.
“The core of a nuclear power station is the reactor, and it’s true to say we no longer have the skills to build such a thing,” he said.
“The French have been able to maintain their capability because they are 70% nuclear - they are now reaping the reward because they are now going around the world selling them.
“After the visit from President Sarkozy, it’s likely they’ll be selling them to us.”
But that didn’t prevent Teesside benefiting from the 7,000 man years of work that the construction of each plant would bring.
“More than 80% of the build is ancillary plant and Teesside has a lot of those skills already available.”
