Nuclear Power

Challenge

All over the world, nuclear power is experiencing a renaissance. In 2015, there were 72 reactors under construction in countries like Finland, France, the United States, and China. Another 92 new builds are planned and construction is expected to begin in the next decade. In Canada, the U.S., and Argentina, major refurbishment programs are being planned or are under way to safely prolong the life of existing reactors.

This growth is not without its challenges. Nuclear technology offers safe, clean, emission-free, and low-cost power. However, the public’s perception can often undermine the benefits of nuclear power.

The increasing demand for nuclear energy and the number of reactor new builds and refurbishment projects are also creating a shortage of skilled labor—resources needed to successfully deliver these projects on time and on budget.

Capabilities

Uranium fuel fabrication

Hatch has direct project execution experience in uranium mining. This includes optimization of the mine and the associated buildings and services.

We offer our clients integrated applications that apply to all aspects of resource project development and have in-depth knowledge and global experience in uranium processing, including refinement, conversion, and nuclear fuel fabrication.

Regulatory requirements, codes, and standards

Understanding and respect for regulatory environments and expectations are paramount. We’re agile and flexible, always meeting or exceeding these requirements. Hatch has expertise and experience both in working and interfacing with a number of regulatory authorities. Many of our professionals contribute to technical, regulatory, and standards oversights committees and groups.

Nuclear—new builds and refurbishments

We’ve been participants in the nuclear industry for many years, both in Canada and abroad. Our clients benefit from our extensive experience with a wide array of new nuclear construction and refurbishments projects, particularly in the CANDU space. We go beyond design basis to ensure safe and efficient projects that consider fire protection, seismicity, security design, and human factor or radiation safety.

Operations support

To improve our clients’ bottom lines, we offer smarter and more efficient solutions to operating issues, and support their delivery strategies by improving operating business. These include support for obsolescence issues and minimizing outage durations and impacts.

Research and technology development

Working together with owners, regulators, and industry associations, we have contributed substantially to the nuclear operating experience and body of knowledge. Hatch was founded as a technology development organization—at the core, we’re innovators, always looking for the next, better solution. Some of our best nuclear specialists are now working on new nuclear technologies, such as SMRs and PBMRs.

Nuclear waste management and long-term storage

For the management of low-, intermediate-, and high-level waste products from nuclear energy production and used fuel dry storage, we’ve partnered with our clients to develop tools and methods.

Blogs

Why protective relays are the watchdogs of electrical power systems

Hector Medina

Fifteen years ago, a massive blackout left the United States and Canada without power, for days in some places. Experts were left asking why and wondering how to prevent it from happening again. A key piece of the puzzle was protective relays—the watchdogs of electrical power systems.

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