Business

An experimental nuclear fusion reactor could be built in Pembrokeshire

Published

4 years ago

May 11, 2021

PEMBROKESHIRE could be the location of an experimental nuclear fusion reactor, which could produce abundent clean energy, if the council backs plans for a site on land owned jointly between Valero oil refinery and Pembroke Power station.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week (May 17) to support the project, which it is hoped could create limitless energy.

The officers of the council are recommending to Cabinet that members approve the nominated site being included on the list of UKAEA candidate sites.

Elsewhere in Wales, the Vale of Glamorgan Council is bidding for it to be built at the Aberthaw power station site.

Communities had until the end of March to nominate locations.

If approved the nuclear fusion station, the council’s officers say, could position Pembrokeshire at the international forefront of the clean energy revolution, bringing visibility to the community on a global stage. It was also recommended that the project will bring long-term and enduring environmental, employment, skills and economic benefits to the host community.

However, Greenpeace believes that nuclear fusion is an expensive distraction from the real agenda of providing environmentally benign, reliable energy supply. The campaign group gas also written to Parliament saying that the deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel mixture used in nuclear fusion produces four times as many high energy neutrons per kilowatt-hour of energy produced than sandard nuclear fission.

Council officers recommend approval for a nuclear fission reactor near Valero refinery (pictured)

Nevertheless the government has a concept programme called STEP, which is an ambitious programme for the conceptual design of a fusion power station. It is a UKAEA administered programme, currently with £220 million funding to produce a phase 1 concept design by 2024.

Beyond 2024, it is claimed, phase 2 intends to move into the engineering design and build phases to deliver the prototype of a commercially viable fusion plant. The prototype will hopefully demonstrate the commercial viability of fusion. The learning from this will enable the future development of a UK fleet of commercial fusion plants, the government said. The target date for the first fully operational plant will be 2040.

In November 2020, the UK Government released an open call to communities across the UK to identify sites that could accommodate a STEP power station, with the site near Valero being chosen.

A report to councillors sitting on the Cabinet states that unlike with conventional nuclear power, there is a benefit of limited risk of nuclear materials proliferation. This is because nuclear fusion doesn’t employ fissile materials like uranium and plutonium. There are no enriched materials in a fusion reactor that could be exploited to make nuclear weapons.

The STEP programme said that it seeks to maximise the recycling and re-use of materials and only use disposal routes where there is no other option.

It said to this end research is being carried out on suitable materials to minimise decay times as much as possible. Any radioactivity of the components in the tokamak structure is classed as low level and relatively short lived.
Fusion is regarded by Government as being carbon free, safe, low land use, low, manageable waste, reliable energy baseload with unlimited fuel.

Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture on Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Haven Waterway has provided livelihoods, underpinned by fossil fuels, for thousands of Pembrokeshire families, mine included, for more than 50 years.

“Its my job to help ensure the waterway continues to provide high skilled, engineering, science and technology jobs for the next generation of this county and so linked to our focus on climate change (and in addition to our existing multi-million pound commitments to supporting wind, wave and tidal clean power generation) my team have been exploring whether we can also support the development of clean, green fusion technology.

“It very early days in the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s site selection process but we’ll provide regular updates as things progress.”

What is nuclear fusion?

Fusion is the process that takes place in the heart of stars and provides the power that drives the universe. When light nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus, they release bursts of energy. This is the opposite of nuclear fission – the reaction that is used in nuclear power stations today – in which energy is released when a nucleus splits apart to form smaller nuclei.

To produce energy from fusion here on Earth, a combination of hydrogen gases – deuterium and tritium – are heated to very high temperatures (over 100 million degrees Celsius). The gas becomes a plasma and the nuclei combine to form a helium nucleus and a neutron, with a tiny fraction of the mass converted into ‘fusion’ energy. A plasma with millions of these reactions every second can provide a huge amount of energy from very small amounts of fuel.

One way to control the intensely hot plasma is to use powerful magnets. The most advanced device for this is the ‘tokamak’, a Russian word for a ring-shaped magnetic chamber. CCFE’s goal is to develop fusion reactors using the tokamak concept.

Advantages of fusion power

With increasing concerns over climate change and finite supplies of fossil fuels, we need new, better ways to meet our growing demand for energy. The benefits of fusion power make it an extremely attractive option:

No carbon emissions. The only by-products of fusion reactions are small amounts of helium, an inert gas which can be safely released without harming the environment.
Abundant fuels. Deuterium can be extracted from water and tritium will be produced inside the power station from lithium, an element abundant in the earth’s crust and seawater. Even with widespread adoption of fusion power stations, these fuel supplies would last for many thousands of years.
Energy efficiency. One kilogram of fusion fuel could provide the same amount of energy as 10 million kilograms of fossil fuel. A 1 Gigawatt fusion power station will need less than one tonne of fuel during a year’s operation.
Less radioactive waste than fission. There is no radioactive waste by-product from the fusion reaction. Only reactor components become radioactive; the level of activity depends on the structural materials used. Research is being carried out on suitable materials to minimise decay times as much as possible.
Safety. A large-scale nuclear accident is not possible in a fusion reactor. The amounts of fuel used in fusion devices are very small (about the weight of a postage stamp at any one time). Furthermore, as the fusion process is difficult to start and keep going, there is no risk of a runaway reaction which could lead to a meltdown.
Reliable power. Fusion power plants will be designed to produce a continuous supply of large amounts of electricity. Once established in the market, costs are predicted to be broadly similar to other energy sources.

Business

Wales’ biggest Specsavers store opens in Haverfordwest

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS HAVERFORDWEST has relocated to a larger, state-of-the-art premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre, becoming the largest Specsavers store in Wales following a £1.2 million investment by local partners.

The grand opening of the new landmark store took place on Monday 16 December, with customers and local dignitaries, including several mayors, in attendance.

On arrival, guests were welcomed with performances from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and local musician and dispensing technician, Kyle Kirkhouse, followed by a ribbon cutting by one of the store’s long-standing customers, Madaline Roberts, who runs the Milford Haven branch of the Macular Society.

William McNamara, owner of Bluestone National Park Resort and patient of Specsavers Haverfordwest was also in attendance.

To encourage guests to explore the new store and learn fun facts about optometry and audiology, staff organised an interactive treasure hunt.

‘After years of planning and preparation, we are delighted to officially open our brand-new store,’ says Wayne Jones, retail director. ‘We are confident that this investment will bring lasting benefits to the local community for years to come.’

***Bosses Andy Britton and Wayne Jones survey the plans during the construction of the new store***

He adds, ‘A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our relaunch event. It was incredible to see so many customers, both familiar faces and new ones, celebrating with us. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible team, whose hard work and dedication made this all possible. Without their commitment, none of this would have materialised.’

The new premises at 21 Riverside Quay offers cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs with 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites.

As the largest Specsavers practice in Wales and one of the largest in the UK, the store is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to deliver exceptional care. These services will also help alleviate pressure on local NHS resources, providing convenience and vital support to residents who previously had to travel significant distances for specialised treatment.

Narbeth local, Sandra Tarrant, previously needed private consultations in Swansea, but she was referred to ophthalmic director, Andy Britton by her consultant earlier this year, who recognised his expertise and the store’s advanced diagnostic equipment.

Mrs Tarrant explains: ‘The staff at Specsavers Haverfordwest are highly trained and genuinely care about your eye health. I no longer face long journeys for tests, and the team’s professionalism gives me complete confidence in their care. You feel like you’re in good hands, with staff who take you seriously and don’t pass you around.’

Partners Andy Britton and Wayne Jones are also passionate about shaping the future of optometry. The new store will provide hands-on training opportunities for optometrists pursuing advanced qualifications such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, ensuring they gain essential clinical experience in a world-class facility.

The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Business

Ferry traffic surges at Pembroke Dock due to Holyhead closure

Published

4 days ago

December 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FERRY traffic at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal has surged following the temporary closure of Holyhead Port due to severe damage caused by Storm Darragh. The Port of Milford Haven, which owns and operates the terminal, has implemented measures to manage the increased volume of vehicles and minimise disruption in the area.

Holyhead Port, a key hub for ferry services between Wales and Ireland, has been closed since December 7. Repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure are ongoing, with reopening not expected until at least Thursday, December 19. The closure means more lorries in Pembroke Dock.

Irish Ferries has temporarily replaced the Isle of Innisfree ferry with the larger James Joyce on its Rosslare route..

**The James Joyce has been diverted whilst repairs are carried out at Hollyhead, she will be operating from Pembroke Dock for a few months (Pic: Martin Cavaney)**

***Drivers in their lorries waiting to board ferry at Pembroke Port (Image: Martin Cavaney)***

Traffic management plans in place

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are expecting to see ongoing increased traffic to Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal. To manage traffic in the area, we have opened up different areas of the Port to reduce the number of vehicles queueing at the Port entrance. We have also been liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Emergency Planning team to identify other areas for longer-term parking, if needed, so that traffic around Pembroke Dock is managed as effectively as possible.”

Sawyer acknowledged the inconvenience to local residents and businesses and expressed gratitude for their understanding: “Our priority is to ensure the safe and effective operation of all traffic on the Milford Haven Waterway. We’d like to thank everyone, particularly those living in and around the Pembroke Dock area, for their understanding and support. We will endeavour to take all actions possible to keep the area as uncongested as possible.”

Concerns over Christmas delays

The closure of Holyhead Port has raised concerns about delayed Christmas deliveries, as the route is a critical link for goods between Ireland and the UK. An Post, the Irish postal service, has reassured customers that alternative routes are being utilised, and the backlog of parcel trucks at Holyhead is decreasing.

A spokesperson for Holyhead Port stated: “Safety is of paramount importance to Holyhead Port, and a thorough investigation into the extent of the damage and repairs required is ongoing. At this point, it is estimated that the berths will reopen for ferry traffic on Thursday, December 19, at the earliest.”

Local impact and advice

Residents near Pembroke Dock have reported increased congestion due to the diversion of ferry traffic. The Port of Milford Haven continues to monitor the situation closely, working with local authorities to alleviate the impact on the community.

Photo Caption: Increased ferry traffic at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal due to Holyhead Port closure (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald).

Business

Global green hydrogen pioneers choose Milford Haven as new HQ

Published

5 days ago

December 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAUSH LTD, a leading green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has announced Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters. The move marks a significant step toward making the area a global powerhouse for green hydrogen production and innovation.

Pioneering green hydrogen solutions

Haush Ltd aims to be the first company of its kind to provide green hydrogen solutions for decarbonising land, sea, and air transportation, as well as exporting fuel to Europe. The company’s new headquarters will be established at Fleet Surgeons House, where work is set to begin immediately. The project will create local jobs and includes plans for an education centre to promote skills development in the community.

The Welsh Government is backing Haush through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR). This initiative focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen production and refuelling services for onshore and offshore fleets, including the design of a permanent hydrogen refuelling solution for the Port of Milford Haven.

High-profile visit to Milford Haven

Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans toured the new site on Thursday (Dec 12). She was accompanied by Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne, Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Adam Hill, and Chief Financial Officer Peter Kristensen.

Rebecca Evans said: “Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK head office.

“The company’s ambitious growth plans align with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy. This investment will benefit both our climate and economy, generating quality, skilled jobs.

“Haush has committed to training local residents to the highest standards and expanding their educational initiatives to benefit the wider community.”

Driving green innovation

Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne expressed excitement about the project:
“Haush is delighted to make this announcement and move forward with this groundbreaking green hydrogen production project. We look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to maximise training and educational opportunities for the local community, equipping a future workforce with valuable, transferable skills.”

Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver emphasi sed the company’s innovative approach:
“Haush is operating at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and aims to play a significant role in advancing the local green energy transition.”

A brighter, greener future

Haush’s decision to base its UK headquarters in Milford Haven underscores the town’s growing importance as a hub for renewable energy innovation. With strong support from the Welsh Government and a focus on local job creation, the project promises to boost the regional economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

(Photos by Martin Cavaney/Herald)