PA Consulting selected to work with Jacobs on asset management programme for UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

PA is the strategic supplier to Jacobs. Together they will support the NDA on the implementation of its asset management strategy, applying new digital decision-making tools to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs on nuclear-licensed sites in the NDA estate under the four-year contract.

Julianne Antrobus, PA Consulting’s Global Head of Nuclear, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Jacobs on the delivery of this strategic work for the NDA and across the NDA estate. Our joint asset management approach integrates process, organisation, technology and information with a move from predictive to condition-based maintenance on critical nuclear assets and drive value for money across the NDA estate.”

Clive White, Jacobs Critical Mission Solutions International Senior Vice President, said: “Working closely with PA, we will deploy our joint delivery capability to support the NDA in implementing its asset management strategy. Harnessing our deep domain experience and best practice, combined with our data-driven and digitally-enabled solutions, we will help the NDA drive improvements and deliver better outcomes.”

The NDA is responsible for decommissioning 17 nuclear sites spread across England, Wales and Scotland, some dating back to the 1940s. These include Sellafield, Europe’s most complex nuclear site, the first generation of Magnox power stations, the U.K.’s low-level waste repository in West Cumbria, the Dounreay former fast reactor research site in Scotland, and other research and fuel facilities.

PA and Jacobs are currently working with Sellafield Ltd to introduce a new approach to asset management through use of digital decision-making tools for optimising the reliability and availability of critical assets such as utilities, cranes and batteries. This involves installing sensors on the equipment to record data. A digital twin is then created which generates information to improve decision making so that the equipment can be managed more efficiently and at lower cost.

Nuclear plays a vital role in achieving the carbon-neutral future. However, PA recognises that this will only be possible through innovation, and with commitment across government and the supply chain. Through our work on transformation programmes in other highly regulated industries, we understand the best practices that can drive performance across diverse nuclear assets.