Investigation into the challenges and scenarios faced in decommissioning

Description

Construction of PWR’s at Sizewell C is considered critical for the energy security and future of energy supply in the UK. All new power plants require estimation of decommissioning and waste management costs to be included. While several methods are used to estimate these costs, ‘scenario modeling’ as a approach seems like an innovative option which has been used for AGR’s in the past. However such an approach has not been completely concived for PWR’s. The research project, a collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Sizewell C, will investigate the challenges and scenarios faced in decommissioning Pressured Water Reactors (PWR).

Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C’s approach to estimating decommissioning & waste management costs is based on a base cost with the risk and contingencies modelled using a hybrid approach with comparison to existing decommissioning plans. The plan then adds an additional contingency to the decommissioning and spent fuel management costs. In 2022, it was noted by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in their role advising the UK Government that an alternative approach has been adopted by the current AGR fleet called “scenario modelling”. This PhD project is part of the future plan to investigate the use of a scenario modelling approach as a future option for Sizewell C.

The proposed research project will investigate the challenges that have been faced by other operators around the world in delivering the decommissioning of PWR reactors to time, quality and cost, with the aim of building a number of scenarios that could be used in a scenario based risk and contingency model for Sizewell. The successful applicant will participate in the design, setup and execution of the analysis work. They will work with simulation packages required for radiation detector development and will have the opportunity to work closely with the nuclear industry.

SATURN_Nuclear_CDT

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Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in **Degree Title** and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor [Andrew.Boston@liverpool.ac.uk], those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the School Physical Sciences PGR Office or specific question on the SATURN CDT framework for PhD to saturn@manchester.ac.uk

Note: Interviews will be conducted as soon as applications are collected and a suitable candidate has been identified.