New Techniques Speed Nuclear Plant Construction, Undercutting Key Criticism

Advanced construction techniques and project management strategies are significantly reducing nuclear power plant build times, undercutting a common argument against nuclear energy that the facilities take too long to construct. According to analysis by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), several recent large-scale nuclear projects took between 6 to 10 years to complete, versus past averages of 10 or more years, due to the effective deployment of modular fabrication, lessons learned from previous builds, early engagement with regulators, and other innovations.

Faster Build Times Make Nuclear More Viable Amid Rising Electricity Demand

Proponents say the emerging ability to build new nuclear plants in under a decade, versus the typical decade or longer timeframes of the past, makes the zero-carbon baseload energy source more viable amid rising electricity demand and as nations race to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear energy faces criticism that plants are too slow and costly to deploy at the pace and scale needed to address climate change. But construction schedule reductions, along with cost declines through standardization and other factors, are gradually improving nuclear's profile in the eyes of policymakers, utilities and investors.

Modular Construction Crucial to China's Reduced Nuclear Build Times

Modular construction techniques were key to the time savings seen at China's Fuqing-5 and -6 reactors, which utilized the nation's indigenous Hualong One pressurized water reactor design. Prefabricated steel liner sections were lifted into place rather than installing a single massive component, shaving 70 days off the process. Use of 3D measurement technologies for tasks like pressure valve installation further optimized construction quality and schedules. Many of the improvements were informed by feedback from prior Chinese nuclear builds about where delays occurred.

Russia Benefits from First Unit Experience to Cut Schedule

Russia's newly built Leningrad 2-2 reactor also benefited from analysis of the first unit and focused on where schedules could be compressed. An "open top" technique that allowed installing major components through the unfinished roof gave the project an early start on key steps. Parallel welding work on the reactor coolant loops rather than sequential saved nearly three weeks.

Early Planning and Management Essential to US Project

For the US's Vogtle-3 and -4 units, the first new American nuclear construction project in over 30 years, Southern Nuclear's CEO said starting with owner control of construction from the outset was pivotal, rather than leaving it in vendors' hands initially as often done in the past. He also stressed frequent early engagement with nuclear regulators to address issues, proven contractors, and properly aligned incentive payments.

Faster Construction Key to Meeting Climate Goals

With global nuclear power capacity needing to at least double by 2050 to meet climate goals, according to International Energy Agency estimates, construction timeliness is a pivotal factor. Refurbishing existing plants, extending operational lifetimes, bringing new capacity online, and expanding nuclear energy beyond electricity into hard-to-decarbonize sectors like industry and transportation must all accelerate dramatically.

Innovations Demonstrate Feasibility of 6-10 Year Nuclear Builds

The recent 6-10 year construction timelines demonstrate the feasibility with the right technologies like modular fabrication and standardized designs, along with early planning, regulator involvement, past project feedback, and sound management. Continuing to compress schedules can make nuclear more financially attractive by optimizing capital costs and timing unit revenue generation.

Industry Cites Progress on Key Barrier to Scale-Up

Along with commercialization of small modular reactors and advanced reactors that can further shorten construction, nuclear proponents see steadily declining build times as key to unlocking the vast carbon-free power potential of atomic energy. While challenges remain, from project management execution to supply chain logistics, the industry can cite growing evidence that nuclear plants need not take "too long" to deploy at scale when applying lessons and innovations emerging worldwide.