Horizon cleared to purchase Wylfa Newydd reactor components

Nuclear power firm Horizon has been given the go-ahead to begin purchasing reactor components for its proposed Wylfa Newydd development.

The licensee certificate was issued to Horizon by independent assessment organisation Bureau Versitas. The certificate confirms that Horizon’s internal arrangements are suitable for the procurement of Long Lead Items (LLIs).

LLI’s require long manufacturing times and are needed early on in the construcution process for new power stations.

The first LLI’s for Wylfa Newydd are planned for purchase in the first half of 2017. These materials include: The Hydraulic Control Units that form part of the reactor’s primary shutdown systems; the Reactor Pressure Vessel; and the Reinforced Concrete Containment Vessel Liner.

Head of engineering procurement and construction, at Horizon Joe Savage said: “This is a significant milestone for Horizon as it marks another step in our journey towards becoming a Nuclear Site Licensee and the construction and operation of Wylfa Newydd.

He added: “The licensee certificate demonstrates our ability to act as an ‘intelligent customer’ when procuring items or services from our suppliers to ensure they meet the correct technical specification and that adequate documentation is available to justify the safety of those items.”

The issuing of this certificate represents the culmination of two years’ preparation work by Horizon and a six-month assessment process by Bureau Veritas.

It also follows a recent consultation on the generic design assessment for the UK version of the Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy’s Advanced Boiling Water Reactor – the reactor planned to be deployed at Wylfa Newydd.

Horizon has already concluded the final stage of its public consultation on the plant. The feedback received from the consultation is being analysed while Horizon prepares to submit its planning application for the plant.