| Work Detail |
SRK Consultings technical involvement in a recent nuclear power plant site selection project for South Africas national energy provider demonstrates the breadth and depth of its expertise, according to SRK partner and principal engineer Bruce Engelsman.
Site licencing for an energy generation project is usually both multidisciplinary and complex, and even more so for nuclear energy.
The safety focus makes investigating the technical feasibility of a nuclear energy project a substantial endeavour in itself, explained Engelsman, drawing on myriad disciplines and specialists-
After detailed studies, the proposed location for a nuclear installation must then be authorised by South Africas National Nuclear Regulator (NNR). The regulator also exercises regulatory control over the subsequent design, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear installations.
UA range of site safety reports form a critical part of these projects, as they evolve from concept to feasibility stage/ he said. "These intricate processes can take many years and involve careful investigation of all related risks."
Who are the responsible organisations in a nuclear power plant site selection?
In the recent site investigation project for the national energy provider, SRK Consulting was engaged to explore all aspects of site licencing except for the seismic hazard, geology and oceanography and coastal engineering.
In addition to harnessing its considerable internal resources, the company also engaged a vast array of independent technical consultants. These were experts in specific fields such as risk assessment, meteorology, ecology and town planning, to name a few.
Engelsman highlights that any nuclear project is governed by stringent international
quality and safety standards, and the global nuclear community keeps a close eye on how all work is conducted. |
