Horizon Nuclear Power, a unit of Hitachi, has signed an agreement with Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) to provide technical support services to advance the construction of the proposed Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station in North Wales, UK.
Under the terms of the deal, JAPC will work with Horizon as it grows its own operational capability in readiness to run Wylfa Newydd.
Additionally, Horizon will utilize JAPC’s experience and knowledge in boiling water reactors, covering their design, construction, operation and maintenance.
JAPC will also support Horizon in areas including construction costing, licensing, and planning for commissioning.
Full scale construction of the facility is scheduled to commence by 2020. The plant, which is overseen by Horizon, is expected to cost £10bn ($14.4bn).
JAPC president Mamoru Muramatsu said: "Our company’s Tokai Nuclear Power Station, which was Japan’s first commercial nuclear power station, was introduced from the UK.
"Taking advantage of the many years of operating experience, and the know-how gained from that experience, beginning with the Tokai Nuclear Power Station, and including the Tokai No. 2 Nuclear Power Station (BWR) and Tsuruga Nuclear Power Station No. 1 and No. 2 (No. 1: a BWR, No. 2: PWR), we will help to ensure that Wylfa Newydd is built successfully."
In May, Horizon selected Menter Newydd, a specially created joint venture, to deliver a new, two-reactor nuclear plant in Anglesey, Wales, UK.
Menter Newydd is a joint venture of Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe, Bechtel Management Company and JGC Corporation.
Expected to create 8,000 to 10,000 jobs during construction phase, the project is designed to provide low-carbon energy for up to 5 million households.
For the project, Hitachi Nuclear Energy Europe will leverage its experience in deployment of boiling water reactor, including four advanced boiling water reactors (ABWRs).
Image: Officials from Hitachi, Horizon Nuclear Power and Japan Atomic Power. Photo: courtesy of Horizon Nuclear Power.