Site licencing for an energy generation project is usually both multidisciplinary and complex, and even more so for nuclear energy; SRK Consulting’s technical involvement in a recent such project for the national energy provider demonstrates the breadth and depth of its expertise, according to SRK partner and principal engineer Bruce Engelsman.
The safety focus makes investigating the technical feasibility of a nuclear energy project a substantial endeavour in itself, explained Engelsman, drawing on myriad disciplines and specialists. After detailed studies, the proposed site for a nuclear installation must then be authorised by South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator (NNR). The regulator also exercises regulatory control over the subsequent design, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear installations.
“A range of site safety reports form a critical part of these projects, as they evolve from concept to feasibility stage,” he said. “These intricate processes can take many years, and involve careful investigation of all related risks.”
In the recent site investigation project for the national energy provider, SRK Consulting was engaged to explore all aspects of site licencing except for the seismic hazard, geology and oceanography and coastal engineering. In addition to harnessing its considerable internal resources, the company also engaged a vast array of independent technical consultants. These were experts in specific fields such as risk assessment, meteorology, ecology and town planning, to name a few.
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