Maintaining reliable site-wide communications is essential throughout nuclear decommissioning, particularly when existing infrastructure must be removed to accommodate demolition works. The challenge is replacing critical systems without disrupting operational communications, while making effective use of existing equipment and infrastructure.
AMS Nuclear provides end-to-end engineering solutions that combine modern technology with the refurbishment and integration of legacy assets, delivering maintainable systems with minimal disruption to site operations.
At Hinkley Point A, NRS required a replacement Public Address (PA) system as part of the Turbine Hall Decommissioning Project, with much of the existing equipment located in areas scheduled for demolition. AMS Nuclear developed a comprehensive survey, design, build, installation and commissioning solution for a distributed digital radio-based PA system. The proposed system incorporated 12 operational fixed outstations, 15 mobile outstations, eight handheld receivers and two operator consoles, alongside system health monitoring and a defined spares provision. By reusing suitable existing equipment and planning a phased changeover with both systems operating in parallel, AMS Nuclear established an approach designed to maintain communication coverage, minimise intrusive works and support the site’s evolving decommissioning requirements.
Maintaining Critical Communications in a Changing Site Environment
As part of Hinkley Point A’s progressive decommissioning programme, key infrastructure within the Turbine Hall area, including elements of the existing PA system, was due to be removed.
The PA system is essential for broadcasting operational messages, fire alarms and incident alerts across the site. Maintaining this capability during structural changes was critical to ensuring continued safe operations.
However, the fixed and distributed nature of the legacy system meant relocation was not viable. A replacement solution was required that could:
- Operate independently of demolition zones
- Integrate with existing site infrastructure
- Provide reliable, site-wide coverage
- Support future changes in site layout
At the same time, partially installed legacy wireless PA equipment presented an opportunity, if validated, for reuse within a modern system. This required a partner capable of assessing legacy assets, working within nuclear site constraints and delivering a solution that balanced innovation with practical site realities.
“We needed a solution that would adapt to the site, not the other way around. That meant understanding what we could reuse, what we had to redesign and how to keep the system live throughout.”
Project Lead, AMS Nuclear
Engineering a Flexible, Radio-Based Communication Solution
AMS Nuclear designed a distributed, digital radio-based PA system tailored to the operational realities of the site.
The system architecture included:
- Two operator consoles located in the Security Lodge and Shift Leader’s Office
- A central radio repeater base station installed within the PABX room
- Fixed outstations connected to existing speaker zones
- Mobile outstations and handheld receivers for flexible coverage
- Integrated system health monitoring to support maintenance and fault finding
A defining feature of the solution was the intelligent reuse of legacy assets. During the site survey, AMS Nuclear identified components from a decommissioned analogue wireless system that could be refurbished and integrated into the new design.
Where documentation was unavailable, AMS Nuclear reverse engineered equipment to produce new design data, ensuring full traceability and compliance with nuclear quality standards.
All designs were developed under formal quality plans and verified through Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) prior to deployment.
Innovation Through Adaptation and Reuse
This project highlights a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to engineering in the nuclear sector.
Key lessons and innovations include:
- Designing for Change: Distributed radio systems provide flexibility for sites undergoing phased decommissioning
- Maximising Asset Value: Refurbishment and reuse can deliver significant benefits when managed under robust QA processes
- Maintaining Operational Continuity: Parallel system operation is essential for safety-critical upgrades
- Engineering Without Complete Data: Reverse engineering enables progress where legacy documentation is incomplete
These practices are directly applicable across the UK nuclear fleet, particularly in environments where ageing infrastructure and evolving site conditions must be managed together.
This project demonstrates AMS Nuclear’s ability to solve complex EC&I challenges with clarity, accountability and technical rigour – delivering solutions that support safe, reliable nuclear operations both now and in the future.
