Nuclear
Nuclear power plays a vital role in the production of low carbon electricity both now and in the future. It cuts down on the amount of carbon dioxide released from the burning of fossil fuels generated from coal or oil-fired power plants.
HOW DOES NUCLEAR POWER WORK?
Nuclear plants work in a similar way to fossil fuel burning plants. Steam generated from an energy source drives a turbine which in turn generates electricity by driving a generator. There is one crucial difference in nuclear power generation. Nuclear plants don’t burn anything. Instead, they produce electricity through the splitting of uranium atoms in a nuclear reactor — a process otherwise known as nuclear fission.
Is There More Than One Type of Nuclear Reactor
Yes, there are two types of nuclear reactor.
- A Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) works by boiling the water surrounding the nuclear power source. Steam produced in the reactor vessel then drives the turbine, subsequently driving the generator and producing electricity. Unused water is recycled back into the process through a condenser which can then be heated once more.
- A Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) The difference with these types of reactors to a BWR is that the water remains pressurised around the fuel, so it doesn’t boil. This hot water passes to a steam generator where the heat from the water boils a separate water supply, subsequently spinning the turbine.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR POWER?
Nuclear power has lots of advantages over other forms of electricity generation.
As well as being very reliable, it can operate around the clock every day of the year. It doesn’t suffer the problems associated with some types of renewable energy like solar or wind power.
Therefore, it makes the ideal choice for a stable source of electricity alongside these.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN NUCLEAR POWER
We have played a pivotal role in the design and build of major nuclear power plants both locally and around the world.
Additionally, we work in partnership with other companies who design the most cutting edge and up to date advanced nuclear reactors.
It was around fifty years ago when the first commercially viable nuclear reactor came into existence, and we have played a central role in its development since then.
Since this time, we have helped generate thousands of megawatts of nuclear power while offering a range of design and build services for multiple nuclear plants both in the UK and around the globe.
The nuclear professionals amongst our team are only the best technical specialists, with the highest knowledge and experience of industry guidelines and standards.
As well as the design and build of nuclear power plants, we can also provide maintenance and upgrade services.
Just some of the projects we have completed include the replacement of steam generators and reactor heads. We have also conducted extended power uprates for many of our clients.