Nuclear boost for Darchem

Apr 15 2009 by Jez Davison, Evening Gazette

Prepare for energy's new era

NOF Energy, the business development organisation for the oil, gas and energy sectors, called on Tees Valley firms to gear up for a lucrative ‘nuclear renaissance' as details were offically published today of the nine UK sites in the running for new reactors.

It said the three prime contractors to put forward development plans - EDF Energy, Areva and Toshiba Westinghouse - were already talking to potential contractors with a view to pre-qualifying suppliers ahead of the first orders being placed during 2011.

By 2023 it is estimated that the global civil nuclear market will be worth around £50 billion a year.

Despite massive, government-backed expansion of wind power, it is likely that 85% of the UK’s future energy needs will be supplied by oil, gas and nuclear.

According to a recent NOF Energy study, 40% of its members already supply the nuclear sector. But chief executive George Rafferty said many more in the oil and gas supply chainhad transferable skills that could be redirected towards the nuclear industry, which could see as many as 400 nuclear plants built worldwide over the next few years.

“Now is the time for the North -east supply chain to prepare itself for what is undoubtedly a nuclear renaissance,” he said.

“During 2009 and 2010 it is vital that companies in the regional supply chain undertake activities that will strengthen their businesses so that, as the global economy recovers from recession, they are well-placed to capitalise on the opportunities.”

He said new build and decommissioning projects together could keep the nuclear supply chain in work for 60 years, including projects not linked to what he termed the “nuclear island”- the reactor at the heart of the process.