174 / 234
MEETING CHALLENGE – THE WAY AHEAD
resistance to cavitation erosion, are of ever increasing importance in the construction of
the latest generation of hydroelectric power stations. The work of IIW’s Working Units,
therefore, plays a prominent role in diffusing the necessary welding expertise to the
engineering and fabrication industries to assist in the resolution of the inevitable technical
challenges existing in major hydroelectric power infrastructure projects. IIW can also advise
developing countries on the means of establishing less costly projects through skilling the
workforce and providing technical guidance through its membership.
In the 1990s, and right up to the present, IIW maintained a high level
of interest in the welding of critical components in coal-fired power stations,
as well as in the life extension of existing power stations. This was a constant
theme at several conferences associated with IIWAnnual Assemblies during
this period including the 65th Annual Assembly in Denver in 2012. The
IIW publication
Guidance on Assessment for Fitness for Purpose of Welded
Structures
, along with input from other welding research institutes within the
broad umbrella of IIW, was to provide the degree of surety, through careful
assessment, that the service life of such generating units could be extended
well beyond their original design life. This was of tremendous economic
importance since the vision for a transition from fossil fuel to renewable
energy resources appears to be optimistic at best – this shift ‘will take strong
political will and emotional fortitude and decades to accomplish’.
3
Interest in nuclear power capacity has increased significantly in recent times
with over 60 reactors currently under construction in 15 countries