Arup has been appointed by Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N), to provide early-phase foundation engineering and design support for the Wylfa nuclear power plant project, the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR).
Wylfa, located on Anglesey, has been chosen as the site for the UK’s first SMRs. The project will supply up to 1.5GW of clean energy to the grid.
Together with project partners LDA Design, TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies, Mace Consult and Gleeds, Arup will deliver early phase foundation engineering to assist the client in delivering optioneering, feasibility and a subsequently integrated site-specific concept design.
Jeremy Stain, Nuclear Business Leader at Arup, said:
“The project represents the first of the UK’s anticipated fleet of small modular reactors and aligns with the UK’s energy policy, supporting the need for all available technologies to address carbon reduction and energy security challenges, with nuclear as a vital part of the energy mix. We are delighted to contribute Arup’s multidisciplinary engineering skills and local knowledge to this landmark nuclear project.”
Wylfa will position the UK at the forefront of the global SMR market, which is projected to be valued at over £500 billion by 2050. It is also expected to generate significant economic benefits for North Wales, including the creation of up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction and offering long-term career prospects within the wider supply chain.
Simon Roddy, Chief Executive of GBE-N, added:
“Delivering a safe, high-quality, and integrated site-specific design for the UK’s first SMR requires strong collaboration, innovation and precise technical decision making with our Technology and Foundation Engineering Partners. I welcome Arup and their project partners to this landmark nuclear project alongside GBE-N and our preferred technology partner bidder Rolls-Royce SMR.”
Arup said its partners will be key to the successful delivery of this important work at the outset of the GBE-N Wylfa project. TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies brings deep expertise in nuclear safety, licensing and regulatory compliance, providing critical input to early design decisions and ensuring that safety considerations are embedded from the outset, Arup said.
LDA Design is a placemaking consultancy specialising in design, planning, and the environment. They will lead the master planning process and have a wealth of experience on major infrastructure and other UK nuclear projects, including Sizewell C. Mace Consult will leverage its major programme delivery capabilities to support programme implementation, integration and optimisation. Gleeds will contribute their expertise in cost engineering to the early phases of the site and infrastructure development.
