A roadmap to prepare for the nuclear supply chain

The return of nuclear power to the European and international energy debate is opening up new opportunities for the manufacturing and engineering industries. The construction of new nuclear power plants, the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and the modernization of existing infrastructure will require a qualified industrial supply chain capable of meeting particularly stringent technical, regulatory, and organizational requirements.

In this context, AIPE has launched the AIPE Nuclear program, an initiative designed to support companies in a structured process of understanding, preparing for, and navigating the nuclear supply chain.

The program's goal is to support companies in assessing their positioning with respect to industry requirements and in transforming their industrial expertise into recognized and marketable capabilities in the nuclear market.

 

A path structured in several phases

The AIPE Nuclear program is divided into several operational phases, designed to progressively support companies on their path to entering the sector.

Phase 0 – Initial Evaluation

The process begins with a company self-assessment, aimed at understanding the company's level of preparedness with respect to the requirements of the nuclear sector.

The analysis concerns in particular:

  • the degree of familiarity with nuclear codes, rules and standards

  • the organization and maturity of company management systems

  • any experience in industrial sectors with high requirements

The goal is to collect useful data to understand the companies' starting point and guide subsequent activities.

Phase 1 – Awareness and awareness raising

The nuclear sector requires not only technical skills, but also a strong Nuclear Safety Culture, which represents one of the fundamental elements for operating in the supply chain.

In this phase, workshops dedicated to:

  • nuclear market scenario and opportunities

  • organizational requirements required by the supply chain

  • adaptation of quality management systems

  • major industry benchmarks (such as ISO 19443 and other nuclear standards)

The goal is to foster a paradigm shift and develop greater awareness of industry requirements.

 

Phase 2 – Technical and regulatory training

The next phase includes technical and regulatory training activities, aimed at deepening the standards and operational practices used in the nuclear sector.

Le attività formative hanno l’obiettivo di aiutare le aziende a comprendere l’impatto concreto dei requisiti nucleari sulle proprie attività industriali, con riferimento ad esempio a:

  • design and engineering

  • fabbricazione e saldatura

  • non-destructive testing

  • management and traceability systems

The training content can also be tailored to the needs expressed by participating companies.

 

Phase 3 – Access to the supply chain and qualification

The final phase of the process is aimed at transforming the information, training, and awareness-raising process into concrete opportunities for businesses.

AIPE promotes meetings between participating companies and qualified providers operating in the consultancy, certification and training sector, in compliance with clear and transparent rules of engagement.

The goal is to support companies in their journey towards the nuclear supply chain, facilitating their understanding of the requirements and methods of accessing the supply chain.

 

The AIPE Nuclear Help Desk

The program also includes a Nuclear Help Desk, which represents a point of reference for companies interested in learning more about specific topics.

Through this service it is possible to:

  • receive guidance on industry requirements

  • clarify technical or regulatory doubts

  • be directed to qualified providers for consultancy, training or certification activities

 

An ecosystem of skills

The AIPE Nuclear program is based on the construction of a ecosystem of skills, in which companies, experts and providers collaborate to foster the growth of the industrial supply chain.

AIPE plays a coordinating and guarantee role, defining provider selection criteria, common operating methods, and transparent rules of engagement, with the aim of facilitating the matching of supply and demand for specialized services.

 

Information

Companies interested in learning more about the AIPE Nuclear program can contact the AIPE Secretariat.