TÜV SÜD Independent Assurance Services – building compliant nuclear power projects

With global energy needs projected to rise sharply, many countries are opting for nuclear power projects to ensure a safe, reliable and carbon reduced energy production. However, constructing a new nuclear power plant is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders and decision makers, with safety, security and quality being priorities for licensees, governments and nuclear regulators.

To translate a nuclear power plant concept into a safe reality, project owners must find a suitable site, secure financing, acquire licenses, and manage construction timelines. Independent assurance (IA) services play a critical supporting role throughout a project’s lifecycle, giving project owners confidence that processes and outcomes meet the highest standards of safety, quality and regulatory compliance.

TÜV SÜD’s IA services

TÜV SÜD provides independent expert oversight to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards and industry best practices. Through continuous verifications, we help projects move from concept to deployment realisation, on time and on budget.

IA acts as internal “challenger” that reports directly to the licensee’s senior management, working collaboratively to identify risks, verify adherence to standards, and recommend improvements. Our experts focus on quality and safety by questioning existing processes within the organisation, providing impartial evaluations of designs and activities, and advising on enhancements.

The nuclear licensing process is complex, with multiple safety and security requirements that are not yet globally harmonised. Non-compliance results in project delays, monetary penalties, reputational risk and potential loss of contracts.

Case study: TÜV SÜD acting as IA for Horizon Nuclear Power

TÜV SÜD provided IA services for Horizon Nuclear Power’s proposed Wylfa Newydd project in Anglesey, Wales – a 2,700 MWe station planned to host two Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWRs). This would have marked the first deployment of ABWRs in the UK.

For over two years, until the project’s cancellation inJanuary 2019, TÜV SÜD provided IA services to help Horizon navigate the challenging nuclear regulatory environment.

TÜV SÜD was chosen for three key reasons:

1. Our extensive operational experience with BWRs in Germany.

2. Our knowledge of international codes and standards.

3. Our in-depth understanding of the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation requirements.

Our involvement strengthened Horizon’s processes, improving efficiency and supporting smoother regulatory engagement, ensuring risks were managed proactively and potential costly delays avoided.

Why work with TÜV SÜD?

TÜV SÜD has supported the global nuclear energy industry for over 60 years. Our extensive experience with diverse technologies and international codes and standards underscores our versatility. Our highly qualified nuclear energy consultants will help you to avoid project delays and costly reworks.

In 1866, our founders’ mission was to protect people, the environment and assets from technology-related risks. Almost 160 years later, sustainability and safety continue to be the backbone of our mission and services. TÜV SÜD stands for independence and impartiality, as we are not publicly listed and have no shareholder influence over our assessments.

We anticipate technological developments and facilitate change by defining standards and going beyond regulatory compliance. Staying true to our founding principle, we add value by creating a safer and more sustainable future.