As reported by Electric; regulators and builders are apparently blaming each other for construction delays as designs await approval for UK nuclear reactors. The UK’s nuclear reactor building program is already behind schedule as the safety regulator confirms that the first reactor will not be built for some time.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has suggested that it might have to issue an interim decision regarding the safety of two new proposed reactor designs next June. This comes as the regulator anticipates a significant amount of additional work that will need to be resolved before it can finally approve or reject the design. However, it is not certain how long this could take.

Kevin Allars, director of the assessment program, explained how companies would be able to continue planning and carrying out preparatory construction on proposed nuclear sites whilst waiting for a final decision but that construction of a reactor cannot start without consent.

Furthermore, Mr. Allars promised that they would avoid the chaotic construction that has consumed Finland. This was originally supposed to house Europe’s first new reactor in decades however, the Areva plant is more than three years behind schedule as well as £1.6 billion over budget. And, EDF who promised that the UK’s first reactor would be operational by 2017 has said that it will now be running by the end of 2018.

According to HSE, companies associated with the designs have repeatedly submitted information, but it has been incomplete and late. In response, these companies blame the regulator for not having sufficient resources to carry out the work.

Source: Electric

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The Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) registration deadline is imminent – September 30, 2010 – however, businesses are hoping to be granted an extension after concerns about missing the cut off date.

Under the mandatory scheme, businesses will have to buy carbon allowances that equal their carbon emissions for the year. The aim is for businesses to change the way they behave by reducing their carbon emissions and consequently their business energy bills.

However, the Environment Agency has revealed that only 31% of the anticipated 5,000 full participants have successfully completed their registration. Furthermore, those who are obliged to follow the scheme but miss the deadline – could face being fined up to £45,000 and details of their non-compliance published.

Subjective evidence from energy firm, npower, implies that some businesses are still compiling data and that they are relying on the possibility that the Environment Agency will extend the deadline giving them more time to complete their submission.

Commenting on the issue, Dave Lewis, head of business energy services at npower, said:

“Businesses are working hard to get the necessary data together, but many are facing challenges in compiling all the information required. It’s likely that some will miss the deadline and secretly, many are hoping the Environment Agency will extend the registration period”

The CRC will have an impact on a number of the UK’s leading retailers, banks, service businesses and large public sector organisations. They will be required to purchase allowances to cover their CO2 emissions. As a result, the higher their emissions, the more allowances will be needed.

Participants of the schemes introductory phase has been determined using 2008 electricity consumption whereby organisations with at least one half-hourly settled meter and consumption of 6,000MWh or more through all half-hourly meters during this time, are required to participate.

npower, a leading integrated UK energy company, is now working with a number of businesses to support their CRC registrations. The energy supplier believes that part of the problem is down to companies failing to appreciate the full scale of the task.

Source: npower (Press Release)

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