Chloe Fletcher

Chloe Fletcher

Senior Consultant (Environment and Radioactive Waste Management)

Tell us about yourself

In 2021, I graduated with a First Class Honours ‘MChem with external placement’ from the University of St Andrews. I completed a 12-month external placement in 2019-2020 with Lucite International (now Mitsubishi Chemicals Corporation) on palladium catalysis for the production of acrylics.

My nuclear career began at Moltex Energy Ltd conducting research and developing their Stable Salt Reactor (SSR) technology and reprocessing CANDU spent fuel using molten salts. In January 2023, I joined TÜV SÜD as a Senior Consultant working in the Environment and Radioactive Waste Management group.

I’m also an ambassador for the Women in Nuclear Network as I want to help improve diversity and gender balance within the UK nuclear industry. Additionally, I have been elected Chair of the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) Advanced Nuclear Technologies working group.

Why did you choose to join TÜV SÜD?

I decided to join TÜV SÜD as I am passionate about the development of the nuclear industry and working for a consultancy gives me the chance to support and lead on a great diversity of projects. The team is very friendly and the working environment supports the development of people both technically and personally.

Where do you work?

I am based in the Warrington office in Birchwood Park but occasionally I take the chance to reduce my carbon emissions by working from home.

What are your main areas of expertise?

My main expertise is Chemistry – Spent Fuel, Corrosion Control, Molten Salts. I also focus on Advanced Nuclear Technologies.

What does your role involve?

Presently, I work in the Spent Fuel decommissioning team supporting strategy development and providing technical expertise such as corrosion control. However, my previous experience in the Advanced Nuclear Technologies sector means that I also support work in progression of this technology.

What most excites you about your role?

I really enjoy the flexibility and diversity of projects that is available with my role. I have gained experience leading projects as well as using my technical knowledge to deliver them to our clients.

The exposure to so many different clients from all parts of the industry is exciting. You could be working on developing novel technology with a private company one week, then the next week be working with a governmental body on strategic utilisation of resources.

What future trends do you see developing in your area of work?

With the government announcement of increasing nuclear capacity to 24GWe by 2050 and the promise of delivering ‘net zero by 2050’ there will be a drive to commission more nuclear power plants to generate electricity. Development of nuclear technologies to support the decarbonisation of other industries will play an important role in the next decade and so further research will be instrumental in this sector.

What exciting developments have you seen in the company since you started?

TÜV SÜD gaining industrial chartership for ‘Women in Nuclear’ and promoting diversity both internally in the workplace and externally to our clients. Also, staff are promoting STEM to young minds by visiting schools (both primary and secondary) around the local areas.

What do you see as the top perk of working for TÜV SÜD?

The supportive and friendly work environment is a substantial perk of the job. Having a supportive network that encourages growth both technically and personally really helps to progress my career. It’s encouraged me to seek other opportunities to support my consultancy role such as ‘Deputy Chair of the NIA ANT working group’.

How have TÜV SÜD supported you?

They have provided an environment which has cultivated my confidence to pursue other opportunities that benefit myself and the company such as presenting at conferences, chairing a working group, and attending outreach events in schools.

I’ve also been encouraged to pursue interests that I would like to work on in addition to the diversity of work which has exposed me to different clients and working environments.

Describe your fellow workers in five words

Friendly, supportive, knowledgeable, dedicated, innovative.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a role similar to yours?

Apply! Nuclear is an exciting industry to get involved in! If you have any questions, please get in touch with a member of our team.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Do you sit on any standardisation committees or any other relevant industry committees?

• Chair of the NIA Advanced Nuclear Technology Working group

Have you presented at any industry events?

• NIA Advanced Nuclear Technologies Conference, 14 June 2023, ANT: State of the Nation
• Energy Exports Conference, 7 June 2023, Evolution of Nuclear

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