Hyder expands nuclear consultancy through strategic alliance

Hyder Consulting has signalled its intention to expand in the nuclear advisory sector through a long-term strategic partnership with Bradtec Decon Technologies, the nuclear decommissioning specialist.

Hyder UK regional managing director Rod Stewart commented: "The UK is at a crossroads in its energy needs – our existing nuclear power plants are reaching the end of their life and there is a pressing need to find new, secure and environmentally friendly power generation solutions to meet our energy needs today and into the future."

The agreement with Bradtec extends an existing partnership which is currently working on an a waste reduction framework for Magnox South, the operator of five nuclear sites being decommissioned. It also recently secured a four-year contract advising the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on its 'direct research portfolio' for waste processing.

"We have secured several new consultancy frameworks this year and this has put us at the centre of the new-build power stations planning programme and at the cutting edge of nuclear waste reduction strategies," said Mr Stuart.

Several other major environmental and engineering consultants are actively building capabilities in the nuclear sector, including Atkins - which has recently appointed a chief executive with nuclear experience Ivor Catto - as well as Jacobs and White Young Green.

• NIA news release