The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Sharing experiences on geological disposal 

 

The NDA recently hosted a visit by members of the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board which is responsible for overseeing technical issues of geological disposal in the United States.

The 14 strong delegation met with specialists within our Radioactive Waste Management Directorate. Discussions centred around roles and responsibilities and developments on geological disposal in both countries.

Our staff learnt more about developments at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, while the Americans focussed on safety cases, our site characterisation process and our needs-driven research and development programme.

Both groups agreed the visit was highly beneficial.

• More information on shared experiences on geological disposal
• More information on our role in geological disposal

Demonstrations of use of lasers in nuclear decommissioning

 

The advent of high power, solid state lasers and the delivery of laser energy via optical fibre offers great opportunities for remote use in nuclear decommissioning environments.

TWI Ltd are demonstrating their results of a NDA funded project on the capabilities of lasers for:

• surface removal of contaminated concrete and
• cutting of pipe and metalwork.

Suppliers who attend events scheduled in March can:

• view live technology demonstrations and
• discuss how they could deploy such lasers for decommissioning projects.
• More information on demonstrations of laser technology

Bursary scheme supports NDA's skills strategy

 

In partnership with the National Skills Academy for Nuclear we have launched a fourth round of the highly successful Bursary programme.

The scheme is aimed at individuals on programmes of study relevant to the decommissioning sub-sector of the nuclear industry and includes

• Foundation Degrees
• Honours Degrees
• Masters Degrees; and
• Post graduate CPD qualifications.

Applications are welcome from both new students and students part way through their course. The closing date for applications is 5 March 2010.

• More information on bursary award via The National Skills Academy for Nuclear website

Contract notice published for Dounreay competition

 

The pace of the Dounreay competition continues to gain momentum, with the NDA announcing the publication of the Contract Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). The publication of the Contract Notice coincides with the second part of the Industry Event in Glasgow and marks the start of the prequalification period of the Dounreay PBO Competition.

The industry event provides the market with key information about the specific requirements and process for the competition, as well the expectations of key stakeholders and regulators.

Tony Fountain, NDA Chief Executive, said:

"This event in Glasgow, along with the publication of the Contract Notice, should now provide bidders with sufficient information for them to decide if they are going to bid, and if so – to start putting together the best possible offering."  

• More information on Dounreay PBO competition