Former Powergen boss to head nuclear regulator

The former chief executive of Powergen Nick Baldwin has been appointed interim chair of the new regulator for the UK nuclear power industry.

The Office of Nuclear Regulation was formally inaugurated on Friday, pending legislation that will confirm its status as a statutory body. The ONR brings together the disparate work of the Health and Safety Executive’s Nuclear Inspectorate with the Department for Transport.

Baldwin said he was very pleased to be appointed to the role and looked forward to creating an “organisation that delivers our mission of protecting people and society from the hazards of the nuclear industry.”

HSE chair Judith Hackett said: “Nick Baldwin has extensive board level experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors with substantial experience in governance, leadership, general management and strategic development.

“He has the skills and experience to lead ONR as it is established in its new form at this critical time.” 

The appointment comes after the current chief nuclear inspector Dr Mike Weightman set out his remit for his report on the implications of the Fukushima nuclear disaster for the UK industry.

Weightment said he is to set up an independent technical advisory panel to assist with pulling together the report, commissioned by energy secretary Chris Huhne.