MPhil visit to Westinghouse Springfields
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination circles the world."
Einstein's words welcomed us to the training centre during our recent visit to the Westinghouse site at Springfields where we learned that an electric vehicle could circle the world 50 times with the electricity generated from a single Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) fuel pin.
We were guided through the end-to-end manufacturing process for nuclear fuel, where the uranium pellets, resembling dark, cylindrical necklace beads, are used in both AGRs and LWRs (Light Water Reactors). But it was the passion and dedication of our guides, some of whom have worked at Springfields for their whole career, which brought the processes to life. They also embodied the characteristics that are a key strength of the nuclear industry - safety and security - with a focus across site on criticality control.
The Springfields site has been in use since the 1940s and cyclical periods of growth have mirrored the fortunes of the UK and global nuclear industry. In 2010, Springfields became a part of Westinghouse global nuclear business and after a period of steady state operation, the future looks bright for Springfields with new opportunities being actively pursued, including fuels for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – potentially Westinghouse’s own AP300 SMR as well as other advanced fuel types. The site seems ready to undergo its own renaissance which can only be good for the local community and for the nuclear industry in the UK.