Do the necessary skills and workforce capacity exist to deploy nuclear energy solutions at the required scale?
800 GW – that’s how much new nuclear capacity we need globally to achieve net zero and decarbonize the global energy supply by 2050. Achieving this target requires approximately 50 GW per year of new nuclear capacity. There’s a lot of talk about what technologies might get us there, with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) leading the field. But the big question is, do we have the skills to deliver new nuclear solutions at scale and in time to avert a climate crisis?
Nuclear reactors are complex and costly projects to deliver. There are wide variations in reactor design and regulatory requirements from country to country, causing difficulties in managing risk, and a limited industry base for accessing the materials and skills. Delivering new nuclear capacity will require considerable political commitment and significant financial investment — backed by a knowledgeable and secure supply chain.
Nuclear supply chain challenges
The nuclear supply chain has been seriously weakened over time. Major historic disruptions include the UK’s moratorium on nuclear new-build in the 1980s following Chernobyl and the decision by many countries to halt investment in nuclear power altogether following Fukushima Daiichi in 2011. Lack of political will and lack of funding has led to many specialist nuclear equipment manufacturers exiting the industry over time. Consequently, the nuclear supply chain is much leaner now.
Today, we face even more uncertainty. This time, the problem is technological. There is broad consensus that, theoretically at least, SMRs will reduce capital costs and construction times, ultimately making nuclear energy more affordable. But here’s the problem: SMR design is not yet standardized. This means that governments and some supply chain partners are reluctant to commit significant investment to developing the equipment that may be required to achieve net zero and decarbonize the global energy supply by 2050.
Committing to new nuclear
Unlike many who reduced investment or withdrew from the nuclear sector, Celeros Flow Technology has maintained its investment in R&D and nuclear-grade facilities, as well as continuing to refine and develop its flow control portfolio for nuclear applications.
Our involvement in the nuclear power market began with the world’s first-ever industrial-scale nuclear power plant and continues today, with our nuclear Class 1, 2, and 3 pumps and valves installed in more than 65% of operational nuclear power plants worldwide. In addition to our involvement in the commercial nuclear power market, we continue to provide flow control solutions to the world’s naval nuclear fleets, research reactors, and other nuclear facilities.
We have four nuclear-accredited facilities in the US and Europe, providing an ideal environment in which to develop critical equipment for new nuclear applications. As true lifecycle partners, we recently expanded our existing facility in Canada to support Ontario Power Generation with their plans to build four SMRs as part of an enhanced provincial focus on nuclear energy.
Nurturing nuclear skills
In addition to investment in nuclear-accredited facilities, Celeros FT places a lot of emphasis on developing and retaining the necessary expertise at both technical and industry level. For example, we ensure that our employees are continuously improving their knowledge. We also host training courses for our clients’ employees, including refresher courses and inductions. These sessions are important to ensure everyone involved is speaking the same language. That way, there can be no misunderstanding between site personnel and external suppliers, particularly in times of crisis.
Building a skilled supply chain also requires training to go beyond a specific site’s requirements: sessions to update people on regulations and responsibilities, or to share new technical developments and best practice are also essential. We train around 200 people each year from external organizations – including representatives from safety authorities who are keen to keep abreast of the latest flow control solutions.
Nuclear future
The evolution of new nuclear facilities is vital to deliver the capacity to decarbonize the global energy supply and provide a safe, secure means of sustainable power generation. This journey is not possible without a robust and knowledgeable supply chain.
Celeros FT has made a long-term commitment to support the energy transition. Our in-house and external training programs ensure that vital knowledge is captured and shared. Our continued investment in nuclear-accredited facilities ensures that our solutions and our skills match the demanding requirements of current and future technologies, such as generation IV, fusion, and SMRs.
