EQ is a systematic approach to ensuring that safety-critical components and systems being manufactured for nuclear power stations meet the relevant quality standards.
It aims to focus on cost reduction and minimising the impact of potential delays by mitigating potential risks.
The EQ Alliance will work closely with the Nuclear AMRC and industry stakeholders during the development phase, with a detailed report produced on EQ requirements for the UK new build programme, and an examination of the UK's current capability to meet those requirements.
Due in spring 2018, the report will provide strategic guidance to help ensure that UK manufacturers are ready to meet nuclear customer requirements, reducing the risks of new build while maximising the opportunities for the UK supply chain.
Says Nuclear AMRC managing director Andrew Storer: "UK suppliers seeking to win work in nuclear new build need to understand the requirements for qualifying safety-classified equipment. This can be a barrier to winning work in the nuclear sector, and is often overlooked.
“However, by developing the UK's capabilities for EQ, the EQ Alliance can help UK manufacturers win work. We can also help the UK become a recognised global centre for equipment qualification for the nuclear sector, providing new export potential.”
Mark Tipping, offshore technology manager at Lloyd's Register, adds: "EQ is an essential element in demonstrating that a nuclear power plant can be operated safely, and is a regulatory requirement which must be satisfied in order to obtain a license to operate. Naturally we are delighted to be working with our EQ Alliance partners to ensure successful delivery of this EQ project for the Nuclear AMRC and, by extension, the UK's new nuclear build programme.”
Over the next 12 months, the Alliance will investigate the UK's capabilities to meet and manage the EQ requirements of the various technologies being developed for the UK's nuclear new build programme, and help the Nuclear AMRC make recommendations for intervention.
Nuclear AMRC awards EQ contract to UK alliance
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The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) is working with a new alliance of Lloyd’s Register, Rolls-Royce, Assystem, and Arexis to support the UK's nuclear new build programme through equipment qualification (EQ).
