Sellafield Ltd
Technology as well as community initiatives were showcased at the world-renowned Sellafield nuclear power plant in Cumbria during a visit to the site’s Engineering Centre of Excellence this week by CEO Euan Hutton.
The Engineering Centre of Excellence (ECOE) is an off-site Sellafield Ltd facility which hosts a number of teams which benefit from the freedom of being outside the nuclear site’s boundaries, giving them the opportunity to test and explore new possibilities which are then used on site.
There’s a positive atmosphere and the sense of pride in what they do and a sense of belonging. You can see that all of the staff here feel part of something.
The visit highlighted the significant contributions of the Cleator Moor based facility to the Sellafield site, wider nuclear sector and its engagement with local communities.
Hutton who observed various teams working on groundbreaking projects at the centre which is known for its innovative approach, and mixing strict safety protocols with creative problem-solving, says: “It has been a really uplifting experience spending an afternoon at the Centre of Excellence. There’s a positive atmosphere and the sense of pride in what they do and a sense of belonging. You can see that all of the staff here feel part of something.
“They clearly feel empowered to try things differently, but with the interests of the wider company in mind. They’re not restricted by the necessary rules and requirements found on site.
“There’s real passion at the Engineering Centre of Excellence which I’d like to see replicated across site.”
A key highlight of Hutton’s visit was the socio-economic team’s efforts, including their engagement with local schools and training programmes aimed at upskilling the workforce and supporting future generations.
Technological innovations at the Centre were particularly impressive, with advancements in 3D printing, virtual reality for safety training, and the use of drones and robotic technologies like Spot the robotic dog, reflecting new operational standards within the industry.
Craig Branney, Sellafield’s Head of Off Site Developments, says: “The visit was a testament to Sellafield Ltd’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
“There was a genuine interest from Euan about all of the projects that everyone is working on and I know that was appreciated by the team. He is incredibly supportive of what we are doing at the facility and can see the benefit which we really appreciate.”
Claire O’Connor, Socio–Economic Lead, adds: “It’s not often that you get the opportunity to talk about the work that you do and it was great to have Euan come in to our bay and hear what we are doing with schools, apprentices, cared for children, foster children, and upskilling, the list goes on. Euan really took the time to understand the work that we do and asked questions. Knowing the CEO of your company sees the value in your work does give you that little boost.”
The Engineering Centre of Excellence remains a cornerstone of Sellafield Ltd’s strategy to enhance nuclear safety and efficiency through innovation, while also making significant contributions to the socio-economic well-being of the surrounding communities.
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