Wed, 11 September, 2024
We are delighted to introduce TWI’s new Senior Sector Manager for Nuclear and Fusion, John Ruddleston FMM, FNucl, MRAeS, MIET.
Having begun his career as a Marine Engineer in the Royal Navy, John’s career path took him to the aerospace industry, where he spent 26 years before moving to the nuclear sector.
His work in this area has seen him provide considerable support and guidance to government departments and programmes, including the BIS, DECC, DTI, Welsh government, KTN, Nuclear AMRC, MTC and UKAEA. He was also the lead (and chair) for the Government Supply Chain Optimisation Strategy (SCOS), a government-sponsored strategic approach to support the growth of the UK’s nuclear supply chain.
John’s experience also includes as strategic Sourcing Lead at UKAEA, where he was responsible for sourcing companies, technology and materials from around the globe for the development of nuclear fusion. He has also worked as the nuclear manufacturing advisor for the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and one of four Lead F4N Assessors in the UK with responsibility for the South West of England (Hinkley Point C), as well as supporting EDF, Somerset Chamber of Commerce and later the HPC supply chain as Manufacturing Technical Advisor.
With a Fellowship in Manufacturing Management, a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Fellow of the Nuclear Institute, John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role at TWI.
We took some time to find out more about John joining TWI, the challenges faced by the nuclear sector, how TWI can help, and plans for the future…
Why did you decide to join TWI?
TWI has been at the cutting edge of technology for over 70 years, with 13 overseas facilities, and with 4 UK sites, TWI’s reputation is recognised around the world. When this opportunity arose there wasn’t any hesitation, I wanted to be part of this forward-thinking company and support the fission and fusion industry with the technology that is available at TWI. My first surprise came very quickly after joining; they have so much expertise and knowledge that is already supporting the nuclear industry and fusion developers around the world, it was great to see the industries I love taking advantage of the technology, expertise and innovation that is part of TWI’s DNA.
Fission and Fusion – each have their own distinct challenges. So, firstly, what are the challenges facing nuclear fission right now – and how do TWI help?
Firstly, we need more nuclear power stations, energy consumption is increasing and with it the base line. The UK needs a constant clean and safe energy source and that can only come from nuclear power (until fusion arrives), this can be from mainstream nuclear power stations like Hinkley Point C, and hopefully Sizewell and later Wylfa in Anglesey, and then we move on to the Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular reactors (AMRs).
The cost of nuclear power stations do not come cheap and that is where TWI’s technology, innovation and experience come in. From world leaders in welding and bonding to the development of advanced inspection solutions, our expertise supports everything from nuclear new build (NNB) nuclear reactor extension (advanced inspection solutions), to decommissioning (robotic laser technology) and the maritime defence industry. We have been the RTO of choice for decades, but we are not resting on our laurels and are constantly seeking new ways to reduce the time and cost of the industry projects while always putting quality at the forefront of everything we do.
How about nuclear fusion? What are the challenges here and how are TWI helping to meet them?
One of the first things to know, is that it is going to happen, we need it and the planet needs it.
Two of the main challenges with fusion, are the science and the development of materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures and hold this innovative technology together. New exotic materials are being developed all around the world and with these new materials comes the challenge of joining them, and this is where TWI is the go-to RTO, with its cutting edge technology and experience in the friction process, electron beam welding, lasers and cold spray, just to mention a small portion of what TWI is doing in the fusion industry. The good news is that the fusion industry knows this, as we are supporting fusion developers from around the world - not just the UK. Our expertise is helping the industry bring this truly challenging and complex energy source to fruition and we are proud to be part of this amazing journey.
Looking to the future, what do you see as the next steps for the industry?
I am truly excited about the future, the nuclear industry delivers safe, clean and reliable energy to the grid, supply chains are getting more robust and feel confident enough to plan and invest ready for future opportunities. SMRs and AMRs are just around the corner, which will open up more opportunities but also come with complex challenges, and Sizewell C has government backing and hopefully others will follow
As mentioned before, fusion is going to happen, it’s not if but when. Everything is moving fast and the challenges are getting more complex and the technology requirements are very challenging, but let’s not forget that a lot of the learning and technologies coming out of nuclear and fusion have a spin off in the defence, aerospace and medical industry, so it’s a win-win situation for us all.
Technology is advancing and TWI are in the thick of it, supporting all those that require cutting edge technology in the fission and fusion industry including:
- Additive manufacturing
- Coating and surface engineering
- Inspection and testing technologies
- Material evaluation and corrosion management
- Welding, joining and cutting
Our people are at the heart of everything we do and are leaders in their disciplines and internationally recognised as such. Both nuclear and fusion are going to leave a positive legacy for future generations and TWI will be there supporting them and the industry.