Growing confidence in nuclear power as a cornerstone solution to achieving net-zero goals has led to a surge in projects. As a more sustainable energy source, nuclear infrastructure projects are naturally under more scrutiny to have green construction credentials and it’s critical that every aspect of the build is aligned.
In recent years nuclear has been a central focus, both to guarantee energy security and to accelerate the shift towards renewable sources. However, there are a number of considerations that must be taken when expanding nuclear infrastructure. Quick delivery to meet the government’s net zero targets, cost effectiveness to ensure taxpayer money is well spent, but crucially, ensuring development is carried out to strict sustainability credentials. One solution that can help meet this criteria is the use of modern methods of construction, particularly offsite construction.
Sustainability credentials are a key factor when it comes to nuclear energy infrastructure projects. Utilising modular buildings for temporary ancillary support will help reduce carbon emissions and work towards net zero construction, all whilst contributing to a circular economy. Installed and used throughout the duration of the project, once finished with, the modules are then re-used and redeployed – whether that’s elsewhere on the same project or a different one – until the end of their lives.
A benefit of offsite construction, the modules are prefabricated in a factory setting using precision manufacturing. This means they have increased thermal integrity, which increases operational efficiency and reduces the running emissions as a result.
Prefabrication doesn’t just enhance sustainability, but enables faster delivery than traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ construction. Modules are designed, manufactured, transported and installed, sometimes in a matter of weeks, which is particularly essential on large infrastructure projects, where being agile to timelines is key.
As well as speed, cost effectiveness is also a vital consideration. Modules being built in a factory minimises delays onsite as variables such as weather will not affect the build timeline. Additionally, hiring modules to be used as temporary ancillary support buildings, such as offices, for site workers during the duration of the project, allows organisations to keep ultimate flexibility of use and also pay for the facilities from OpEx, rather than CapEx budgets, giving greater financial flexibility and avoiding large upfront costs.
With nuclear power stations often being built in remote coastal locations where hotels and venues are often in short supply, there are often a significant number of ancillary welfare buildings needed for the large workforce. In some cases, companies have to provide temporary accommodation for the entire duration of the project, which can be a number of years, so accommodation needs to comfortable for workers. Modular buildings can be designed to have a high quality internal environment, in line with a permanent building specification, including insulation, heating systems, lighting and acoustics. Additionally, because these rural sites typically have limited amenities, recreational spaces are also needed for supporting a healthy work/life balance.
Whilst providing temporary infrastructure to support in the construction of large-scale infrastructure in challenging environments, it’s critical that the buildings are both durable, in order to withstand a harsher coastal climate, and compliant. Like nuclear plants themselves, ancillary facilities must also comply with rigorous health and safety requirements from the regulators and licensing authorities. Modular buildings typically meet these requirements, allowing them to be used for both temporary ancillary facilities and more permanent offices, if required.
Countries will reap investment in nuclear in a number of ways, including an increase in renewable energy sources and job creation, but in order to support nuclear construction, sustainability must be properly considered. With a number of important priorities and requirements, all construction methods, including modular should be utilised where appropriate for successful and sustainable delivery.
