Electricity Generation by Nuclear Energy
Electricity Generation by Nuclear Energy
(An article by Dr John Griffin concerning his knowledge and experience in nuclear energy). Republished from the Tweed Heads & Coolangatta RSL Sub Branch Inc. Newsletter.
The issue of nuclear energy is topical and I take the opportunity to provide information based upon my training and experience. I am supportive of nuclear energy.
During my initial engineering qualification, I completed a course in nuclear engineering conducted by an engineer from Calder Hall (the first nuclear facility constructed in the UK). The purpose of Calder Hall was to produce fissionable material for nuclear weapons, a “by product” was 250MWe provided to the electricity grid.
The design and legislative requirements were commenced in 1947 and Calder Hall commenced production in 1956 and continued to 2003.
I have had the opportunity to visit operational nuclear power stations in the UK; Dungeness (now closed down), Tourness and recently the construction of Hinkley Point C (HPC).
HPC site is 174 ha and will have two reactors providing 3200MWe.
Planning and legislative measures were commenced in 2006 for approval, and work commenced in 2017 with an expected cost of GBP31bn and operational by 2025. Currently the estimated cost is GBP47.9bn with Unit 1 being operational by 2031 (on site discussion suggested “not before 2032 and Unit 2 a couple of years later”).
Early nuclear plants had a design life of 30 years, currently the design life is 40-60 years.
It is expected that the current world reserves of uranium could run reactors for approximately 200 years at the current rate of consumption. (Australia has the largest reserve with about one third of global reserves)
Nuclear reactors require refuelling every 18-24 months (replacing one third of its core) at a cost of approximately USD40m.
In the UK, the waste from nuclear plants has been processed and stored at Sellafield (the site of Calder Hall), commencing operations in 1950, however it was closed in 2003 and site decommissioning commenced in 2005. It is forecast that the cost of decommissioning currently is GBP136bn. Currently waste from nuclear power stations is stored on site at each station.
Planning for a follow-on nuclear power plant is Sizewell C (which is to be a copy of HPC). This plant will be owned and operated by French company EDF as is HPC. October 2012 was the commencement and in May 2020 the plans were submitted to the UK government who had provided GBP100m towards the project.
In March 2022 funding legislation was passed and in July 2022 the Development Consent Order was approved. The UK Government, in December 2022 provided GBP700m (which gave 50% share holding with EDF). In August 2023 the UK Government allocated a further GBP341m and in September commenced seeking private investments.
In January 2024 the UK Government added an additional GBP1.36bn.
During my career in the electricity industry, I had occasion in the 1980’s to examine alternative fuel resources for electricity generation to replace liquid fossil fuels. At this time there was publicity relating to Small Modular Reactors (SMR); however, this is still the position today. Rolls Royce have announced that they plan to have an SMR of possibly 250MW to 500MW size available by 2035 at the earliest.
John Griffin
Brief Bio – Dr John Griffin
Dr. John Griffin is a distinguished professional with a diverse background in engineering, management, and public service. He has held significant positions, including General Manager of the Northern Territory Electricity Commission, City Manager of the City of Keilor in Victoria, and General Manager of Tweed Shire Council. Throughout his career, Dr. Griffin has been actively involved in various professional, industry, government, and sporting organizations. His commitment to public service is further exemplified by his tenure as an Officer in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve and his membership on the Veterans Review Board.
In recognition of his dedication, Dr. Griffin is a Life Member of the Returned and Services League of Australia and currently serves as President of the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch. He is also a Life Member and Director of the Twin Towns Services Club. His contributions to the health sector are notable; he is a Member of the Health Professional Councils Authority and serves on the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Previously, he was a member of the Sydney and Regional Planning Panels. Since 2016, Dr. Griffin has been a dedicated member of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Board, contributing to the governance and strategic direction of the health district.
Dr. Griffin’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to community service have significantly impacted the organizations and communities he has served.
