Japan: UK assistance at Fukushima Dai-Ichi
Published 6 May 2014
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0.1 Summary
Despite a sceptical media, significant progress in decommissioning Fukushima Dai-ichi, especially removing fuel from damaged fuel ponds. UK firms are well positioned for multi million contracts.
0.2 Detail
3 years on from the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, and despite sceptical press reports, there has been remarkable progress in decommissioning Fukushima Dai-Ichi, particularly with the removal of fuel from one of the damaged fuel ponds. The Fukushima Decommissioning HVO, reinforced by our 2012 Civil Nuclear Co-operation Agreement, has positioned UK companies for multi-million pound contracts. Our strategy has been to help Japan define the technical and structural challenges.
We have a long history in this field. The UK commissioned the world’s first nuclear power station, Calder Hall, in 1956, and has an extensive and mature nuclear decommissioning industry. Our experience tells us that the decommissioning and clean-up exercise following the accident will require specialist skills and capabilities, and as the only country with a national Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (the NDA), we are ideally placed to help.
Over the last six months the restructuring of the Tokyo Electric Power Company, responsible for both power generation and decommissioning, has been carried out based on the UK model. The new decommissioning arm of TEPCO is set to have a budget of around £6bn over the next 10 years. The draft structure has been adapted based on UK advice. There are extensive opportunities for UK contractors
The Fukushima Decommissioning HVO project has already brought in contracts in excess of £5m, with additional contracts in the Civil Nuclear area almost doubling this figure. We are aiming for at least double that this year. Unique UK technologies, and advice based on UK experience have been the key differentiators
0.3 Comment
Nuclear decommissioning is a long term endeavour. The biggest commercial benefits take time to filter through. But as we have seen from other nuclear fuel cycle business between UK and Japan over the years it can be very profitable.
The authority that our national decommissioning body (the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority) commands has been key. The joint working between UKTI, the NDA and the NDA owned company International Nuclear Services has been important to the success of this project.
We are similarly engaged in Vietnam, South Korea and Taiwan, we are working together in order to further develop opportunities in this important area.
0.4 Disclaimer
The purpose of the FCO Country Update(s) for Business (”the Report”) prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information and related comment to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Report’s contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Report’s contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report.