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60 seconds with...Mike Waite, Mike Waite Nuclear Consulting

Institution News Team

Ahead of this year's Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design seminar, Mike shares some of the challenges and opportunities for those involved in SMR and AMR development for power generation.

For further details about this year's seminar and to book your place, visit the event website.

 

Please briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with the nuclear industry

Mike Waite (MW): I spent 13 years with Westinghouse leading new plant market development activities in emerging markets. I engaged with government, utility and industry stakeholders across five continents, discussing technical, financial, strategic and political drivers for new nuclear power plants, particularly the AP1000 reactor. Poland was a key market of responsibility for many years and an AP1000 plant project is now progressing under the government developer. Today I run my own company, providing global market intelligence, introductions to key stakeholders and strategic support to nuclear industry clients.

What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?

MW: As an engineer, though my personal interest in a nuclear power plant project may be technical, financial then political, in that order, in reality, the driver priority is reversed. As significant national infrastructure projects, new nuclear power plants need strong government support, though benefits may only be realised several administrations in the future. The war in Ukraine has reinforced the value of new nuclear, while at the same time, put a strain on public finances. In time, SMR may reduce this reliance on government support, but I don’t think we are there yet.

How would you say your industry has evolved over the past five years?

MW: One of the greatest changes is in public (and consequently, government) perception of nuclear. The cost and political vulnerability of gas supplies has reinforced the long-term stability and value of nuclear. One such example is in Sweden, where in 5 years, governments have changed policy from taxing existing nuclear plants out of the market, to reversing those punitive taxes and demanding an accelerated new build programme.

What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on the development of future nuclear reactor design?

MW: Nuclear reactor design is continuously evolving, whether that is the optimisation of current, proven Gen III technologies, development of smaller, Gen III SMR, R&D into the next Gen IV technologies, or even breakthroughs in fusion. Current public opinion and government policies mean that there is a place in the market for all generations of nuclear (if not all potential variants).

What will you be presenting at the ‘Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design’ seminar and how will this benefit participants?

MW: I will be presenting the current “Large Reactor Landscape” and offering a useful counterpoint to the day’s focus on future SMR and AMR designs. As mentioned above, there is room in the market and government policies for a wide range of nuclear technologies, including advanced GW plants.

Which other speakers and presentations are you looking forward to hearing at the forthcoming seminar?

MW: With the recent relaunch of GB Nuclear and the SMR selection process, I am sure all eyes will be on Simon Bowen’s presentation. GB Nuclear has the capability to accelerate the UK’s nuclear programme and provide a pathway to a safe, reliable, carbon-neutral energy sector by 2050.

Why is it important for engineers and industry to come together at this event and share best practice?

MW: Benchmarking is a key tool in the nuclear safety handbook, balancing design innovation and efficiency with increasing safety. Increasing market knowledge will also help focus innovation in a deployable, market-led direction.

The Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design 2023 seminar will take place on 3 October 2023 in Manchester

It will focalise the progress of Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors to capture the interest of technical innovators, manufacturers, designers, and government regulators.

Don't miss your chance to hear about the forefront of reactor design, optimisation, installation and management, with input, guidance and technical insights from UK Atomic Energy Authority, Rolls-Royce SMR, MoltexFlex, BAE Systems and many more.

For further details about this year's seminar and to book your place, visit the event website.

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