Assystem : Signs Agreement with Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

The agreement expresses the common intention to collaborate on research related to improving the cost effectiveness, safety and supportability of future nuclear plants. This will include Assystem and Nuclear AMRC combining cutting edge digital design and highly advanced manufacturing techniques.

The agreement is between Assystem, one of the top three nuclear engineering companies worldwide, and Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, an industry-led centre part-funded by the UK government.

Assystem brings over 50 years' experience across nuclear power plant design, build, operation and support and works with a range of OEMs, constructors and operators. The Nuclear AMRC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, an alliance of seven leading manufacturing research centres backed by government. As a result, the Nuclear AMRC combines the knowledge, practices and expertise of manufacturing companies with the capability of universities. Since its launch in 2011, it has developed and consolidated its position at the heart of the UK's civil nuclear manufacturing industry.

Assystem and Nuclear AMRC believe that AMRs have the potential to make a big impact on the future of energy production in the UK and globally. The joint research programme will initially focus on exploring the synergies between Assystem's capabilities in advanced systems engineering and digital asset management and Nuclear AMRC's research into novel manufacturing technologies. It is expected a cross-fertilisation between the two entities will create a new body of knowledge that will attract young talents in the nuclear industry and accelerate the development of the AMR business. The projects will consider how improvements can be delivered at the system level as well at the component level.

This MOU shall commence on the Signing Date and continue for five years.

Robert Plana, Assystem's Chief Technical Officer, said, 'We are proud to be contributing to the future of the nuclear industry. Our commitment to participate in research is a clear fit with Assytem's nuclear development strategy in the UK, France and Internationally. The agreement we have signed strengthens our position in the worldwide nuclear industry and opens up new opportunities for working with other key players in the industry.'

Professor Steve Jones, Nuclear AMRC's Chief Technology Officer, said: 'We are delighted to work with Assystem to support the design and manufacture of a new generation of nuclear plants. New reactor designs present a great opportunity to use advanced manufacturing technologies to reduce cost and ensure construction to schedule, while sustaining the highest integrity and safety levels demanded within our industry. Combining our knowledge and capabilities will underpin and accelerate the innovative technology themes we are already working in that encompass joining, machining, modularisation and inspection.'