A state-of-the-art facility built by Kier Western for teaching sustainable energy techniques and alternative energy innovations was formally opened last week by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP.

Representing an £8 million investment by funders EDF Energy, the National Skills Academy (Nuclear), the South West Regional Development Agency and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, the Energy Skills Centre (ESC) at Bridgwater College is the first of its kind in the south-west and forms a key part of plans to deliver the region’s economic and skills development objectives. Further industry support has been provided in the form of sponsorship from EnergySolutions and the Kier Group. Sedgemoor District Council has also supported the project through the donation of the land on which the Centre is built.

The ESC reinforces the position of Bridgwater College as one of the leading training providers for the nuclear and sustainable energy sectors. The 2,800sq m facility has been designed to meet the growing demand from local employers for training in science and engineering, and includes a two-storey-high Realistic Work Environment - complete with 3.2 tonne full traverse overhead gantry crane - which will be used to provide a range of specialist training and simulated experiences. The ESC also provides an engineering workshop housing a range of heavy machinery; a welding workshop; two science laboratories; a nuclear analytical workshop; an engineering maintenance laboratory; an instrumentation and control laboratory; a computer aided design suite and a computer numerical control room, as well as a 40-seater conference room with video conferencing facilities and a café.

-- Advertisement --

The ESC was designed with significant input and advice from industry. Kier Western completed the construction of the building, which is fully in line with the BREEAM standards of excellence for sustainable design and environmental performance, in just 15 months. Features include roof mounted photovoltaic cells and solar hot water heating, a 6kW wind turbine, rainwater harvesting and an area of sedum roof which provides insulation. The roof doubles as an outdoor classroom to demonstrate how sustainable design has been integrated into the building fabric. Sunpipes allow additional natural light to the first floor corridors (thus saving on electricity), underground rainwater holding tanks provide water to flush the toilets and there is an electric car charging point and cycle park.

During his speech, Mr Huhne said: "It is great to see the south-west flagship delivery centre of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear coming to fruition with the strong support of leading players in the industry. The future of skills development is in the strong relationships between industry, academia and skills bodies. We are already seeing progress here and I look forward to watching this grow further. This new centre is a great place to inspire the young and deliver the skills necessary for a career in the industry on their doorstep."

(CD)