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Chris will be presenting at this year's Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design conference, to join the presentations and networking, simply visit the event website.
Please briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with the nuclear industry
Chris Curtis (CC): I am head of the Inspection Validation Centre (IVC), which are the Independent Inspection Qualification body for Hinkley Point C and Sizewell B Nuclear Power Plants in the UK. My role is to provide independent assurance that the inspections applied to High Integrity Components are highly reliable and will detect and report any defects of concern. By the end of September 2024, Jacobs’ Critical Mission Solutions business is expected to become part of Amentum.
What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?
CC: Differing levels of regulation across Europe and Worldwide mean that delivering a qualified inspection of a UK power plant can often be a more rigorous and challenging process for inspection vendors. Having experience with UK regulatory requirements is critical for any vendor wanting to apply their inspections to the UK plant.
How would you say your industry has evolved over the past five years?
CC: The qualification of advanced inspection techniques is now becoming commonplace, whereas previously the industry relied on techniques derived in the 1980s and 90s. Keeping the reliability of the original methods is critical, but many improvements and efficiencies are being seen with advanced technology that can improve reliability.
What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on the development of future nuclear reactor design?
CC: Advanced materials and welding techniques could lead to a safety case that demonstrates that life-limiting defects are no longer plausible for some components. This could lead to reduced inspection or eliminate the requirement for in-service inspection altogether.
What will you be presenting at the ‘Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design’ event and how will this benefit participants?
CC: My presentation focuses on our experience with the UK EPR at Hinkley Point C, and the regulatory requirements for High Integrity Components. With an aim to engage with the advanced nuclear reactor community to discuss the challenges they may face when designing and achieving regulatory approval for the manufacture of advanced reactors in the UK.
Which other speakers, presentations or topics are you looking forward to hearing at the forthcoming seminar?
CC: It is hard to pick one, but I am especially interested in the potential manufacturers of SMR/AMRs for the UK, to see how their designs are taking in the UK safety requirements.
Why is it important for engineers and industry to come together at this event and share best practice?
CC: There are lots of fantastic new advanced reactor designs out there and developments are moving fast, but to manufacture and operate these plants in the UK, they must all follow UK regulatory practices. Sharing knowledge and common practice will aid in the efficient delivery of these much-needed reactors to deliver the UK government's carbon emissions targets.
This year's Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design conference will take place on 1-2 October 2024 in Manchester:
The conference is a key forum for all technical innovators, manufacturers, designers, and government regulators involved to meet, discuss technical developments and share updates on the latest AMR and SMR projects in the UK and abroad.
Join the 2024 conference and examine how engineers are addressing key engineering challenges, including nuclear criticality safety, data analysis and fault detection, fuel development, and production routes.
For a full agenda and to book your place, simply visit the event website.