In today's episode we revisit the subject of project commissioning - a vital, often underestimated stage of infrastructure delivery.

What is commissioning – well in a nutshell it’s the complex process of preparing an asset to operate exactly as intended from day one.

So to be clear, it's not testing!

And to discuss this we are back with Paul Turner, chief executive of the newly renamed Institute of Commissioning & Assurance. This time last year Paul had just launched what was then the Industrial Commissioning Association – ICxA - a Canada-based organisation with a global mission to raise commissioning standards across infrastructure, industrial, and process sectors.

Since then, it’s expanded rapidly – growing to over 4,300 members, forming 27 local chapters, establishing a Board of Directors, and convening an Advisory Council to guide strategy and outreach. And changed its name – more on that later I’m sure

In its second year, ICxA has moved from advocacy into delivery. It has launched two new global standards – one defining best practice in commissioning, the other focusing on outcome assurance, helping to reduce the all-too-common risks of delayed openings, unexpected failures, and spiralling costs.

On top of that, ICxA has created a commissioning certification framework and a career development pathway to support both current professionals and the next generation of project leaders

So let’s hear more about how the association has matured, and about how these new standards and certifications can transform project outcomes.

Resources

• ICxA website: www.icxa.net
• ICxA Podcast
• ICxA Free Membership
• ICxA Certification
• Infrastructure Podcast episode 82 - Commissioning for Success

In this episode we’re focusing on the management of nuclear waste; one of the most complex, long-term, and often misunderstood aspects of the UK’s energy future.

Because while nuclear power is increasingly seen as a vital part of the transition to a low-carbon energy system, - and the UK government has just committed tens of billions of public pounds to accelerating its development - the question of what we do with the waste it produces remains both a technical and social challenge.

At the heart of the UK’s approach is Nuclear Waste Services, part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The organisation is charged with safely managing the UK’s radioactive waste — waste that includes the low level materials generated today by nuclear power stations through to the legacy waste from decades of energy production, reprocessing, and defence activity.

It’s a huge task, requiring not just robust infrastructure and rigorous safety standards, but also long-term thinking, innovation, and trust.

Joining me to help make sense of this challenge is Mike Pigott, Director of Waste Operations and Sites at Nuclear Waste Services.

Mike brings deep experience across the full lifecycle of the nuclear industry — from working on operational power stations and nuclear new builds to reprocessing and, now, long-term waste disposal.

He’s also worked as a regulator, advisor, and duty holder in the UK and overseas. He currently oversees the UK’s Low Level Waste Repository, where over 750,000 cubic metres of radioactive waste has already been disposed of.

All of which make him well placed to explain the UK’s current and future approach to nuclear waste management!

Resources

• Nuclear Waste Services website
• Low Level Waste Depository
• Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
• Government announcement to invest in new nuclear
• Geological Disposal Facility

In today’s episode we’re diving into one of the most pressing – and controversial – sectors in UK infrastructure: water.

Following years of public outrage over pollution, poor service and rising bills, the water industry in England and Wales now faces a once-in-a-generation reckoning.

That reckoning arrived this month with the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe. Backed by over 50,000 responses and extensive consultation, the report sets out 88 recommendations to overhaul the way water is regulated, governed and delivered.

It proposes sweeping reforms: replacing Ofwat with a new integrated water regulator, creating regional water planning authorities, mandating compulsory water metering, and embedding a new “public benefit” duty into water company licences.

It also calls for a National Water Strategy and much tighter regulation of company ownership, governance and long-term resilience. In short, no one comes out of this review smelling of roses – not the government; not the regulators; not the water companies. As Sir Jon puts it “This sector requires fundamental reform on all sides”.

Meanwhile, Ofwat’s PR24 price review landed with a heavy thud at the back end of last year, demanding a 21% uplift in investment over AMP8, challenging companies with tough efficiency expectations and a step change in renewing creaking assets. The sector faces the daunting task of transforming itself while remaining affordable, investable – and trusted.

To unpack the Commission’s findings and explore the future direction of the sector, I’m joined today by Blair Mitchell, Managing Director for Water at WSP.

Blair has spent three decades working across all sides of the water sector – as a client, as a supplier and advising on everything from resilience and regulation to long-term asset strategy. So I’m hoping he will be able to put some context to what is clearly a landmark moment for everyone involved in the water sector.

Let’s find out ….

Resources

• The Cunliffe Review
• The Cunliffe interim review
• Ofwat PR24 Price Determination
• Scottish Water strategic plan
• WSP website - water