Day 1
09:00 - Conference Day One
09:00
REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS
09:45
CHAIR'S OPENING ADDRESS
10:00
PLENARY KEYNOTE: DECOMMISSIONING CHALLENGES AT SELLAFIELD
Rebecca Weston, Head of Business and Programme Integration Decommissioning Division, Sellafield Ltd
• Gain insight into the decommissioning successes and challenges at Sellafield Ltd
• Recognise the scope of the challenge and transition of the site
• Understand where help is needed in the next stages of developments
STREAM 1: DECOM - TECHNICAL AND STRATEGIC
10:50
HEYSHAM 1 AND HARTLEPOOL BOILER SPINE RECOVERY - THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF OPERATING AN AGR
James Wenham, Programme Manager Fleet Critical Programmes, Generation, EDF Energy
• The challenges of an unexpected NDT result on a boiler spine
• The successful rapid development and deployment of bespoke remote inspection equipment
• The development and implementation of a recovery strategy
• Safely delivering the above within the context of a commercial business
11:20
DELIVERING SUCCESSFUL PLUTONIUM DISPOSITION USING POWER REACTOR INNOVATIVE SMALL MODULE (PRISM)
David Powell, Vice President- Europe, GE Hitachi
• How re-use of the plutonium stockpile is an important strategic decision and critical solution for the UK
• Revisit PRISM now that it has been declared a credible option and is being assessed alongside other options
• Discover how PRISM can be used in successful programme implementation
11:50
PANEL DISCUSSION: PROCESS EXCELLENCE IN NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING
• Explore the approaches to organisational transformation and integrated management
• An insight into the latest safety and technical innovations
• Understand the cost benefits of process improvements
12:30 NETWORKING LUNCH
13:30
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMME IN DECOMMISSIONING, IMMOBILISATION AND STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR NUCLEAR WASTE INVENTORIES (DISTINCTIVE)
Michael Fairweather, Professor in School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Leeds
• Background and make-up of the consortium
• Understand the technical themes and crosscutting activities
• Identify opportunities for engagement within project management
14:00
DECOMMISSIONING OF URANIUM COMMISSIONING FACILITY (UCF) TOWER AT SPRINGFIELDS
David Checkly, National Nuclear Laboratory
• Designing, installing and decommissioning at the Sellafield Mox Plant (SMP)
• Sharing expertise and learnings with SMP operators
• Facilitating the next generation of R&D fuel development projects
14:30 QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
15:00 NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK
15:30
ROBOTICS FOR NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING
Simon Watson, Lecturer in Robotics Systems, University of Manchester
• Explore the challenges in characterisation and retrievals of waste in legacy nuclear storage facilities
• Gain insight into the technical research areas being investigated at the University of Manchester
• Hear case studies of ongoing projects between the University of Manchester and Sellafield Ltd, the NNL and the NDA
16:00
HOW TO SAVE £BILLIONS IN NUCLEAR THROUGH ROBOTICS
David Hopper, Principal Consultant and Director, Advanced Robotic Technology
• Understand how Nuclear compares with other sectors where robotics today is ‘coming of age’ and development is accelerating due to convergence, open source software and investment
• Learn how this can be leveraged in nuclear with a more targeted application of RAS (Robotics and Autonomous Systems)
• Gain insight into the strategy is to save the UK £billions on decommissioning costs alone
16:30
SMALL MODULAR REACTORS – WHY NOW AND WHY IN THE UK? UK BENEFITS ENHANCED IF A SITE IS IDENTIFIED!
John Earp, Independent Consultant, Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Define SMR’s, review their key features and the main types available
• Consider SMR benefits and why international interest has been heightened over recent years
• Identify potential models which could be deployed in the UK and show that possible sites exist for such deployment
• Conclude that deploying an SMR on a UK site has real potential benefit for the UK Engineering Sector.
STREAM 2: LIFE EXTENSION AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
10:50
LONG TERM OPERATION (LTO), AGEING MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEM HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
Christian Lundqvist, Project Manager, Ringhals AB Vattenfall
• How to set up a maintenance plan with a multidisciplinary approach
• Strategies for focusing on system health and reducing unexpected stoppage
• Developments in Nuclear Power Plants to achieve updates
11:20
WINDSCALE LABORATORY: PROCESSING OF PILE FUEL STORAGE POND FUEL WHILST REFURBISHING FACILITY
Nick Hanigan, Waste Management and Decommissioning Director, National Nuclear Laboratory
• How to develop an optimum multi-action plan for upgrading and cleaning during operation
• Insight into the latest innovations and technologies explored by NNL
• Explore the impact that pond testing at Sellafield Ltd had from the latest results
11:50
PANEL DISCUSSIONS: HOW TO PLAN FOR THE UNKNOWN
• Discover how to gain confidence in processes across the whole project lifecycle
• The latest strategies for embedding a life-time of work into an organisation
• Understand and learn from the different strategies implemented
12:30 NETWORKING LUNCH?
13:30
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ROYAL NAVY: SUBMARINE ENTERPRISE MANAGES LIFE EXTENSION AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
Mr John Hanlon, HM Naval Base CLYDE plus Industry partners, Ministry of Defence
• Insight from the Submarine Enterprise Infrastructure Forum (SEIF)
• Enabling the nuclear submarine industry to deliver vital capabilities
• How to transform operations to carry out work to the best financial value
14:00
ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS (RAS) WITHIN OPERATIONS
David Hopper, Principal Consultant and Director, Advanced Robotics Technology and Associate
• Applying remote handling to operations including inspection, repair and lifetime extension
• Lessons learned from legacy remote handling equipment for inspections
• Understand what is currently in use at different stations and what could be achieved in the future
14:30 QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
15:00 NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK
15:30
PANEL DISCUSSION: EXTENDING THE LIFE OF ANY ASSET AND THE CHALLENGES INVOLVED
• Discover the careful planning and decision making process that has been applied by industry experts
• How do experts ensure that productivity is not reduced during new process implementation
• Explore strategies for avoiding increased maintenance costs, reliability issues and health and safety risks
16:00
THROUGH LIFE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
• How to continue with normal generating systems whilst preparing for decommissioning
• Understanding the structure integrity assessment for a confident end of life
• Developing a 9 year life time extension plan that is secure and robust
16:30
NEW NUCLEAR BUILD PROJECTS
• Hear the latest developments to meet legislative and industry standards
• Understand the quality requirements for the project
• Lessons learnt from Flamanville 3, Olkiluoto and Taishan Unit 1 & 2 and Fukushima
17:00 END OF CONFERENCE DAY ONE
Day 2
09:00 - Conference Day Two
09:00
REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS
09:45
CHAIR'S OPENING ADDRESS
10:00
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT REGULATION OF DECOMMISSIONING WITHIN THE UK
Mina Golshan, Superintending Inspector Decommissioning, Fuel and Waste Programme, Office for Nuclear Regulation
• Understand the current regulation of decommissioning of Nuclear Sites
• Gain the ONR perspective as to how Decommissioning can be achieve efficiently
• Insight into the lesson learnt from a regulatory perspective
STREAM 1: DECOM - TECHNICAL AND STRATEGIC
10:50
A WASTE MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE AND A DECOMMISSIONING STRATEGY
Martin Walkingshaw, Head of Waste Management Services and Director, LLW Repository Ltd
• Why do waste routes matter?
• What options are available to decommissioning projects?
• Waste Logistics – the importance of correctly packing and transporting waste
11:20
PROGRESS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A UK GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL FACILITY
Alun Ellis, Science and Technology Director, Radioactive Waste Management Limited
• Explore the role of Radioactive Waste Management Limited
• Hear the latest updates regarding the progress with geological disposal
• Gain insight into the developments of waste management solutions throughout the UK
11:50
PANEL DISCUSSIONS: DEVELOPING AND INTEGRATED APPROACH TO WASTE MANAGEMENT
• Addressing the current industry issues around geological and boundary disposal
• What lessons have been learnt and how they impacted current industry standards
• Hear the latest research, development and demonstrations of improved or advanced technologies to close the nuclear fuel cycle
12:30 NETWORKING LUNCH
13:30
WASTE MANAGEMENT: BENEFITS TO DECOMMISSIONING AT DOUNREAY
Alex Anderson, Deputy Director, Waste and Fuels, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd
• A high level overview of the Waste Management Process, including characterisation and the application of the waste hierarchy at Dounreay
• Only product of decommissioning is waste - how do we make sure it’s a quality product
• Recycle and Reuse - saving time and money or a drain on Decommissioning resources?
14:00
INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION
Darrell Morris, Technical Assurance Manager, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
• Overview of NDA approach to technical innovation
• Examples of technical innovation delivered through collaboration
• Understand the future challenges and opportunities within the Nuclear Industry
14:30
THE REGULATION OF THE DECOMMISSIONING OF UK NUCLEAR SITES
A Representative, Office for Nuclear Regulation
• Explore the current regulation of the decommissioning of UK Nuclear Sites
• Understand key factors in effective regulation of nuclear decommissioning
• Analyse lessons learned from a UK regulatory perspective
15:00 NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK
15:30
PREPARATION FOR DECOMMISSIONING: THE NEW NEA/OECD TASK FORCE
Gerard Laurent, Decommissioning Expert, EDF
• Understanding the regulatory frame work and characterisations of waste
• Explore progressive shut down of systems and new systems needed for dismantling period
• Progressive shut down of systems and new systems needed for dismantling period
16:00
INVESTING THE UK’S LEGACY WASTE INVENTORY
• Immobilisation and storage solutions for Nuclear Waste Inventories
• Research and development to find solutions for some of the complex challenges faced by sites
• Understanding the clean-up of the UK’s legacy nuclear facilities
STREAM 2: LIFE EXTENSION AND ASSET MANAGEMENT - RUNNING AND EXISTING POWER PLANTS
10:50
INSIGHT INTO THE MANAGEMENT OF HIGH END AND CRITICAL COMPONENTS
Stephen Shackleford, Business Leader - Asset Care, National Nuclear Laboratory
• An introduction to plant assessment management
• Explore methods for coping and avoiding corrosion
• Gain insight into the latest available infrastructure
11:20
THE ARCHITECT ENGINEERS’ OBSESSION WITH VALUE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN CONTROL?
Graeme Campbell, Architect Engineer, EDF Energy
• EDF Energy’s journey with Architect Engineering
• How do you start a successful investment project?
• The good, the bad and the ugly (example projects)
11:50
PANEL DISCUSSIONS: ENSURING TECHNICAL ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT
• Hear the variations and approaches for technical assurance management
• Support your organisations strategic plan to support mission achievement and the delivery of products and services
• Developing a critical focus on nuclear safety and risk management
12:30 NETWORKING LUNCH
STREAM 2: NUCLEAR QUALITY
13:30
NEW NUCLEAR BUILD- THE REGULATORS’ NEW APPROACH
Alan McGoff, Lead New Nuclear Build, Environment Agency
• Gain insight into how the Office for Nuclear Regulation and Environment Agency are working together using a new regulatory approach for new nuclear build
• Hear the latest developments and progress on the assessments of new reactors
• Understand how the experiences gained and the lessons learned are being applied for new reactor design assessments and for proposed developments
14:00
SUSTAINABLE GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY FOR CONSUMERS AROUND THE WORLD
A Representative, URENCO United Kingdom
• Gain insight into the compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements of UUK activities and members of the UUK
• Using centrifuge technology to provide the uranium enrichment services our customers need to generate low carbon nuclear energy
14:30
INFLUENCE OF TIME SCHEDULE DEPENDENCE DURING TRANSITION PERIODS
• Understand the staff competencies required for transition periods in preparation of staffing during the dismantling period
• Progressive shut down of systems and new systems needed for a dismantling period
• How to define the final state of TP/initial status of dismantling period (concept of cold and dark)
15:00 NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK
15:30
YOUNG MEMBERS COMPETITION- SKILLS AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS EXHIBITION HALL
This is a unique opportunity for the next generation of nuclear engineers to present their latest projects to the Nuclear Power Committee at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Those presenting the latest innovations in research and development will be awarded with a prize. Whilst judging takes place young engineers will be able to ask an expert panel about the career opportunities within the Nuclear sector.
17:00 END OF CONFERENCE DAY TWO
Day 3
09:00 - Conference Day Three
09:00
REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS
09:45
CHAIR'S OPENING ADDRESS
10:00
PLENARY KEYNOTE: CROSS-PARTY APPROACH TO NUCLEAR ENERGY
• How nuclear energy has historically been approached by UK Governments
• Understand current Government policy regarding nuclear developments
• Discover what the future holds for nuclear as part of the Energy Mix
DELIVERING ONSITE NUCLEAR PROJECTS, DECOMMISSIONING, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATIVE CASE STUDIES
10:50
I-GRAPHITE MANAGEMENT: AN OVERVIEW OF THE TECHNICAL SITUATION
Gerard Laurent, Decommissioning Expert, EDF
• Exploring the issues in France, UK, Spain, Russia, past project EC ‘carbo waste’ and new IAEA task force for a ‘joint IDN/IMM management graphite from decommissioning
• Developing an industrial strategy approach to have an integral and (life cycle of the i-graphite waste)
• Understand the immediate actions and cooperative area of concern
11:20
REMOVAL OF THE BERKELEY BOILERS FOR TREATMENT
• Insight into the first commercial power station in the UK to seal up its reactor and creating a major decommissioning milestone
• Understand how removing 99% of radioactivity from site was achieved
• Explore the removal of top and bottom gas ducts, sealing of reactor vessel inlets and outlet ducts, removal of the boilers and removal of the gas circulators and motors
11:50
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE AT EVAPORATOR DELTA LIFT OF A 500TE MODULE
Shaun Kelso, Head of Operations Strategy, Sellafield Ltd
• Understand the investigation into failings in the specification, procurement and fabrication of fastenings
• Explore the shortfalls in fundamental quality controls, links in the supply chain and human error
• Discover the independent testing of the fastenings which revealed materials that were of an inferior standard to that detailed in the accompanying certification
12:40 NETWORKING LUNCH
13:40
PANEL DISCUSSION: WHAT LESSONS CAN THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY LEARN FROM OTHER HIGH HAZARD INDUSTRIES
• Hear from experts from the aerospace and oil and gas industries
• How do they train staff to cope when technology has failed
• Insight into the technology that is designed and used to minimise failures and the impact of failures
14:10
DEFUELING THE CONSORT REACTOR
Heather Phillips, Deputy Head of Reactor Centre and Decommissioning Manager, Imperial College Reactor Centre
• Removing fuel from the 30 year old CONSORT Reactor by developing a new set of defueling equipment
• Understanding the process undertaken to consign to an NDA site for final disposal
• Working closely with a range of industry stakeholders and regulators to get all the equipment, safety and security requirements in place before the defueling, transport and receipt of fuel by the NDA sitecould go ahead
14:40 NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK
15:00
DECOMMISSIONING EDUCATION FOR THE NUCLEAR WORKFORCE
Dr John Roberts, Nuclear Fellow, The University of Manchester
• Gain insight into the latest decommissioning technologies and how they can impact the Nuclear Workforce
• Learn best practice methods for decommissioning management
• Part-time or full-time Education for CPD, PG Cert or Diploma and MSc
15:30
ASSET CARE AND RESILIENCE
Speaker to be confirmed
• Understanding the experiences in design and plant engineering through commissioning management
• Asset Care activities for Package Management and Infrastructure Services Operating Units
• Gain insight into the safe treatment of low level, intermediate level and high level waste
16:00 END OF CONFERENCE