UK-based Horizon Nuclear Power has signed an agreement with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), which allows it to start purchasing major equipment for its planned ABWR nuclear power plant at Wylfa in Wales.
The agreement relates to components and technologies designated 'Long Lead Items' that take a significant amount of time to manufacture and are needed early in the construction phase. Horizon said the components, which include the reactor pressure vessel, needed to be ordered "well in advance" of nuclear construction beginning on site.
Horizon announced, 25 November, that it has signed a deed with ONR to give the regulator oversight of Horizon's procurement activities for the LLIs in advance of Horizon applying for a full nuclear site licence at Wylfa.
Under the agreement, Horizon will inform ONR of its schedule for procurement and make documents, activities, and premises relating to the procurement of LLIs available for inspection. Horizon also said it will work with the regulator to ensure that all procurement activities are in compliance with licence conditions.
Horizon Nuclear Power was formed in 2009 to develop new nuclear power stations in the UK, and was acquired by Hitachi Ltd of Japan in November 2012.
Horizon is developing plans to build at least 5400MW of new nuclear power generation plant at Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in South Gloucestershire. The first plant at Wylfa Newydd is due to start generating in the 'first half' of the 2020s.
Photo: Cutaway of the ABWR reactor planned for Wylfa Newydd
