17/10/2024
The UK government has announced the largest expansion of nuclear power in 70 years, aiming to reduce electricity bills, create jobs, and strengthen energy security. This ambitious plan includes building new power plants and investing in advanced nuclear fuel production.
Currently, nuclear power accounts for 15% of the UK’s electricity, with about 6.5 GW capacity. However, most of this capacity will retire by the end of the decade. To address this, the government plans to increase nuclear generation to 24 GW by 2050, meeting a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs and supporting its net-zero carbon emissions target. A key part of this initiative is Sizewell C in Suffolk, a new power station featuring two European Pressurised Reactors (EPR) with a total output of 3.2 GW. Expected to meet up to 7% of the UK’s electricity needs and power approximately six million homes for 60 years, Sizewell C is crucial to the country’s future energy landscape.
As the UK’s nuclear sector expands, fire safety becomes increasingly vital. Efectis, an expert in the nuclear field, offers comprehensive support through fire testing, fire safety engineering, and assessments of the fire behaviour of construction products. With its accredited laboratories, Efectis has established itself as a trusted partner for nuclear operators, helping them navigate fire safety-related challenges.
Efectis provides services including:
- The qualification of fire products, such as doors, seals, and dampers, based on various factors like water/air tightness, earthquake resistance, and durability.
- Fire risk analysis, modelling, and safety assessments to develop appropriate fire protection solutions.
- Studies on the fire behaviour and stability of nuclear facility structures,
- Fire safety design and on-site inspections,
- Training in nuclear fire safety standards (e.g., NFPA, AFCEN).
By leveraging its extensive experience and expertise, Efectis aims to play a key role in supporting the safe expansion of nuclear power in the UK.
For more information, please contact uk@efectis.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sizewell_C_nuclear_power_station