Nuclear Careers

Women in Nuclear: Speed Mentoring & Networking

Women in Nuclear (WiN) Central England Branch held a networking and speed mentoring event at UKAEA on the Culham Campus, Oxford, last night (06/11/25).

There were five mentors representing UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Waste Servies (NWS), Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and Collaborative Environmental Advisors (CEA) with six mentees who all had the chance to talk to all mentors.

Speed mentoring is a great way to introduce both mentor & mentee to each other in short, timed sessions of ~15/20 minutes. Mentees are able to gain insight from each mentor in order to foster quick relationships as opposed to the longer-term commitment of a traditional mentor.

This concept is also valuable for the mentor who gains skills and a development opportunity by talking to different professionals and offering important support.

The evening offered diverse perspectives, a focused learning opportunity, the ability to network during, before and after sessions, and allows a more informal setting than some traditional methods.

Please reach out if you are interested to hear how you can join your local branch of WiN for free! We encourage men and women to join as we want to foster collaboration and allyship in the industry.

Tihange 3: Modernising for a Resilient Nuclear Future

Belgium’s energy strategy is evolving, and Tihange 3 is at the centre of this transformation. As part of a landmark 2023 agreement between Engie and the Belgian government, the 1,030 MWe pressurised water reactor (PWR) —commissioned in 1985—will undergo a major modernisation to extend its operational life by a decade.

Framatome has been entrusted with upgrading the reactor’s rod control system, a critical component for safe and precise power regulation. The project involves replacing legacy control cabinets with Framatome’s advanced Rodline technology, ensuring enhanced reliability and automatic failover capabilities. This upgrade is not just technical—it’s strategic. It reflects Belgium’s pivot from nuclear phase-out to long-term energy security, driven by geopolitical realities and the need for low-carbon baseload power.

The modernisation aligns with broader European trends: leveraging proven nuclear assets while integrating cutting-edge instrumentation and control systems. For professionals in the nuclear sector, this initiative underscores the growing demand for expertise in life extension programs, digital modernisation, and regulatory compliance.

As Laurent Thieffry of Framatome notes, this partnership is “part of a long-term vision,” signalling opportunities for engineers, project managers, and innovators committed to shaping a resilient, sustainable energy future.

Full press release: https://newsroom.engie.com/actualites/closing-de-laccord-entre-engie-et-le-gouvernement-belge-df4b7-ff316.html

Picture: enercore.global

UKAEA – Fusion of Talent

Fusion of Talent: Celebrating Women in Computing

On 4th November 2025, UKAEA hosted Fusion of Talent at Culham Campus—a one-day event spotlighting the diverse roles and contributions of women and underrepresented genders in computing. The programme featured:

Keynote by Alison Kennedy on diversity’s impact in computing.
Inspiring talks from early-career professionals.
A poster session showcasing research and experiences.
A panel discussion tackling barriers and opportunities for inclusivity.

The event fostered networking, collaboration, and open dialogue on how diversity drives innovation in sectors like high-performance computing and nuclear safety. It welcomed allies and advocates from academia, industry, and government, reinforcing the message: representation matters for the future of tech and energy.

UK Atomic Energy Authority – GOV.UK

Nuclear Futures for a Better Tomorrow

London Youth Foresight Workshop took place on Monday 03/11 and was focused on the nuclear future by exploring 4 different scenarios.

The event was hosted by the Swiss Embassy in London and organised by the School of International Futures (SOIF) and the Next Generation Foresight Practitioners (NGFP).

SOIF is a global non-profit transforming futures for current and next generations and NGFP is a network of over 900 people from all over the world who are using futures and foresight to create positive impact and systemic transformation globally.

The 4 scenarios were Growth: Nuclear Renaissance 2050, Collapse: Nuclear Chaos 2050, Discipline: Nuclear Control 2050, Transformation: Beyond the Nuclear – Regenerative Futures 2050. All thought provoking topics and future scenarios that enabled the ~24 participants to consider & discuss what the nuclear future could look like.

The drivers and trends to consider included, but were not limited to private sector involvement, international collaboration, public education & awareness, intergenerational partnerships, economic interests, technical advancements and the environment.

We were focused within the growth scenario where we explored a future in which nuclear energy gains renewed importance due to increasing energy demands, technological progress and private investments.

Nuclear infrastructure is massively expanded, modular reactors are rapidly developed, and artificial intelligence manages monitoring, safety, and efficiency. National interests and fragmented international cooperation lead to regulatory gaps, while geopolitical tensions and an arms race shape global order.

Public concern about risks and the environmental impacts coexists with the acceptance of nuclear energy; the shortage of skilled workers is addressed through education and knowledge management.

Energy supply, technological innovation, and safety are closely interconnected, yet the system remains vulnerable. A world that grows and renews itself technologically but stays fragile.

We are left contemplating the future we will end up in and found this a really thought-provoking, and interesting workshop to be involved with.

Front Page – School of International Futures
Home – NGFP

Westinghouse, Brookfield & Cameco Partnership

Westinghouse, Brookfield & Cameco Announce $80 Billion Strategic Partnership with U.S. Government

Westinghouse Electric Company, Brookfield Asset Management, and Cameco have entered a landmark strategic partnership with the U.S. Government to deploy $80 billion worth of new nuclear reactors across the United States. This initiative, aligned with the May 2025 Executive Orders, positions nuclear energy as a cornerstone of America’s energy sovereignty, AI infrastructure, and national security.

At the heart of this deployment is Westinghouse’s AP1000® reactor technology, known for its passive safety systems, modular construction, and minimal land footprint per MWe. Each two-unit AP1000 project is expected to create or sustain 45,000 engineering and manufacturing jobs across 43 states, with national deployment projected to generate over 100,000 construction jobs.

Technical & Strategic Highlights

AI Integration: The reactors will power data centers and compute infrastructure, supporting America’s leadership in artificial intelligence.
Supply Chain Revitalization: The partnership aims to reinvigorate the U.S. nuclear industrial base and expand global exports of Westinghouse technology.
Global Reach: AP1000 reactors are already operational or under construction in Poland, Ukraine, and Bulgaria, reinforcing Westinghouse’s global footprint.

Recruitment & Thought Leadership Implications

This partnership signals a nuclear renaissance, creating unprecedented opportunities for engineers, project managers, AI specialists, and supply chain professionals. It also reaffirms the importance of cross-sector collaboration—between energy, technology, and government—to meet future energy demands.

For professionals and graduates considering careers in nuclear, this is a pivotal moment. The scale and ambition of this initiative will require next-generation talent across disciplines—from reactor design and AI integration to regulatory affairs and infrastructure development.

For original release visit; https://westinghousenuclear.com/strategic-partnership/

Picture: Westinghouse

RWE Nuclear and Focused Energy Fusion at Biblis

RWE Nuclear and Darmstadt-based fusion tech company Focused Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a pioneering pilot project at the Biblis decommissioning site. The initiative will explore the use of Laser Driven Radiation Sources (LDRS)—a cutting-edge imaging technology derived from laser fusion research—for potential applications in nuclear decommissioning.

The project aims to demonstrate how LDRS can enable non-destructive material testing with higher resolution and deeper penetration than conventional methods. RWE will provide infrastructure, including the repurposing of a former emergency feed building, and supply non-radioactive test materials. The collaboration is supported by the Hessian Ministry for the Environment.

This partnership not only advances fusion-related innovation but also reinforces Germany’s role in foundational nuclear research.

Visit; https://www.rwe.com/presse/rwe-nuclear/2024-07-01-rwe-nuclear-und-focused-energy-unterzeichnen-absichtserklrung/

Picture: RWE

Nuclear Institute & APM: An Audience with Adrian Bull

Last night we had the pleasure of joining ~30 other nuclear industry professionals hearing from Adrian Bull who is due to take over the NI Presidency position in January 2026.

Adrian’s background with the Dalton Nuclear Institute, Westinghouse, the BNFL and NNL, mean that Adrian was well-placed to take us on a journey through nuclear.

We were given an interesting insight to the nuclear sector through the ages beginning with the post-war resurgence and technical advancement, through to the present day focusing on nuclear new build, the GDF and SMRs.

A summary of topics:

The 1970’s was a time when the reputation of the nuclear industry was not great mainly due to the Windscale and Three-Mile Island disasters.

During the 1980’s Britain had an enlarged nuclear fleet and the nuclear baseload helped the nation; however, in April 1986 the Chernobyl accident happened. Plans for a fleet of 10 PWRs were thwarted and instead only one was built, Sizewell B.

In the 1990’s, “Dash for Gas” was the was the focus as the electricity supply sector was broken up and privatised. Several Magnox sites were closed while SZB came online in 1995.

Throughout the early 2000’s the government lacked the mechanisms to make nuclear happen and by 2008 there was policy support, but no direct funding route for the sector.

The industry was not without its bad press and, unfortunately, in 2011 the Fukushima disaster happened. While this happened there were different financing models which allowed Hinkley Point C to progress.

The fracking of gas was the main concern for the public and by the 2020’s Sizewell C and SMRs don’t have significant public opposition. Energy security and affordability have become the important topics compared to net zero. The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused high volatility and the GDF siting process sparked local concerns.

In conclusion, it was apparent that the nuclear industry needs to work harder and smarter in the way we communicate. What is the message? What voice do we need to speak in at a given time? What channel do we utilise to spread this message? Who are the audience we are talking to? And, perhaps a good starting point, what outcome are we trying to achieve?

Adrian gave us lots to think about and there were some thoughtful questions during the Q&A at the end of the presentation.

Sellafield £4.6 billion high hazard framework

Sellafield has awarded a new £4.6 billion high hazard risk reduction framework contract to Amentum (remediation and hazardous waste retrieval), Atkins Realis and Altrad (decommissioning and nuclear waste management.), through the Decommissioning and Nuclear Waste Partnership (DNWP).

The Decommissioning Alliance (TDA) is A joint venture involving Amentum, AtkinsRéalis & Westinghouse, handling pond retrievals.

The framework agreement will focus on the retrieval, storage and treatment of waste materials from the oldest facilities on the site and will be in place for 15-years.

All the companies involved with develop a sustainability plan to enhance collaboration with local priorities, ROI and delivering impact.

James Riddick, Sellafield Ltd chief supply chain officer, said:

“Cleaning up the legacy of historic operations on our site is at the heart of our mission. It is important that we achieve this safely, efficiently, and sustainably – our supply chain, and this partnership plays a key role in that.

We’re pleased to welcome our new partners. Their specialist capabilities and teams, working alongside our skilled Sellafield workforce, will help us deliver our mission and drive progress both on site and across our wider community.

Just as importantly, these partners share our values and our commitment to creating lasting social value for the communities we serve.”

Check out the original release; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sellafield-ltd-awards-high-hazard-risk-reduction-framework-contract

Picture: gov.uk

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Taiwan

Saft Expands APAC Footprint with Landmark Energy Storage Project in Taiwan

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies and a global leader in advanced battery solutions, has secured a major contract to deliver a 356 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Taichung, Taiwan. This milestone project, awarded by Foxwell Power Co., marks Saft’s 11th contract in Taiwan and its largest to date, reinforcing its strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The BESS will play a pivotal role in supporting Taiwan’s ambitious 2050 net zero strategy, helping to stabilize the grid and manage the intermittency of renewable energy sources. The system will provide frequency regulation and peak-shifting capabilities, essential for integrating renewables into the national energy mix.

Comprising 108 I-Shift lithium-ion battery containers, the installation is designed for a compact footprint and high efficiency. A key differentiator in Saft’s offering is its cybersecurity-integrated control system, developed in-house and manufactured in Europe. This AI-enabled solution meets the highest cybersecurity standards, a critical factor for Foxwell Power Co., which has now partnered with Saft on five consecutive BESS projects.

The Taichung project is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025 and continue through 2026. Upon completion, Saft’s installed energy storage capacity in Taiwan will reach 630 MWh, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to energy innovation and regional collaboration.

“The success of this partnership is built on years of mutual trust and shared vision for a sustainable energy future,” said Vincent Le Quintrec, ESS Sales Director at Saft.

Click for official story: https://saft.com/en/media-resources/press-release/saft-strengthens-its-apac-presence-major-bess-project-taiwan-0

Picture courtesy of: SAFT

Ocean-based energy storage raises $8 million

Sizable Energy Secures $8M to Launch Ocean-Based Energy Storage

Sizable Energy, a startup founded by engineers from nuclear, mechanical, and maritime backgrounds, has raised $8 million to accelerate the commercial rollout of its offshore pumped hydro energy storage system—a gravity-based solution designed to store gigawatt-scale power beneath the ocean’s surface.

The funding round, led by Playground Global, follows successful testing at the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) and the launch of new sea trials off the coast of Reggio Calabria, Italy. The company’s patented system pumps dense salt brine from the seabed to a surface reservoir, using ocean depth as a natural energy storage medium.

Unlike traditional onshore pumped hydro, which is limited by geography and environmental constraints, Sizable’s modular, scalable, and invisible-from-shore design offers a faster, more flexible path to long-duration energy storage (LDES)—a critical need as global demand is expected to reach 120 TWh by 2040.

With a megawatt-scale pilot in the Mediterranean on the horizon and commercial projects planned for 2026, Sizable Energy is positioning itself as a key player in the clean energy transition.

Why It Matters for Nuclear Careers

This project highlights how nuclear-trained engineers and systems thinkers are driving innovation beyond traditional boundaries. As the energy sector evolves, cross-disciplinary expertise—from nuclear safety to marine engineering—is becoming essential to solving complex infrastructure challenges.

If you’re passionate about energy resilience, systems design, or sustainable innovation, this is the kind of frontier where your skills can make a global impact.

https://www.sizableenergy.com/news/2l26pidy71-sizable-energy-raises-8-million-to-launc

Picture from: Sizable Energy

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