Edinburgh risk management consultancy lands 'significant' Norwegian nuclear contract

A consortium led by an Edinburgh-based risk management consultancy has landed a “significant” deal with the Norwegian nuclear safety regulator.

The nuclear reactor at Halden in Norway, one of a series currently being de-commissioned by the Norwegian regulator, with safety expertise provided by Edinburgh's Arc.

Abbott Risk Consulting (Arc) said the consortium had been selected by the Norwegian regulator, DSA, to support its activities related to nuclear safety and security for up to four years.

The contract was awarded under framework arrangements that are potentially worth up to £4 million over the next four years.

Arc said the appointment was further international recognition of its reputation as “one of the leading independent providers of safety case and risk assessment services”.

The consortium was awarded the contract by the Norwegian nuclear safety authority in the face of “stiff international competition”, it added.

Jon Baggs, who leads the company’s nuclear business unit, said: “This is a significant appointment for us, because the calibre and experience of the consultants who will deliver our services – across all six partners – has clearly been recognised. It shows that small and medium sized enterprises can compete against the large international consortia in open competition.”

In July, Abbott Risk Consulting was appointed to provide safety assurance expertise in the pioneering HyFlyer project that has already seen a key demonstration flight launch from Orkney.

The venture, funded by in part by Innovate UK, aims to decarbonise medium-range small passenger aircraft by replacing conventional turboprop engines with electric motors, hydrogen fuel cells and gas storage – achieving the world’s first zero emissions commercially viable flight.

Arc is providing the safety assurance of the demonstration phase of the technology where standards and best practice are evolving in parallel to the technology.

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