The UK has committed to a net zero 2050 target, but what place does nuclear energy have in meeting this ambition? In this blog, Professor Francis Livens from the Dalton Nuclear Institute outlines the recommendations of a new roadmap for the UK’s nuclear sector, including its role in hydrogen production, and what steps are needed […]
The 2020 Energy White Paper- Is nuclear power back?
The long-awaited Energy White Paper, Powering Our Net Zero Future, sets out an ambitious pathway to decarbonisation of the UK. It maps out many possible scenarios, with nuclear energy ranging from an irrelevance to a major contributor. Here, Professor Francis Livens from the Dalton Nuclear Institute, looks at what needs to happen in order for […]
Nuclear powered decarbonisation?
At the moment, Net Zero permeates Government policies and programmes, but the true scale of the challenge it represents is only now beginning to become clear. Could nuclear power play a role or is it a costly distraction? Here, Will Bodel, Gregg Butler, Francis Livens, Juan Matthews and Richard Taylor from the Dalton Nuclear Institute […]
Managing radioactive waste
The UK nuclear industry is predicted to generate just under 5 million tonnes of radioactive waste across its entire lifetime. A small fraction of this, about 6%, will remain radioactive for millennia, which means that a long-term plan is required for managing new nuclear waste as well as the long-lived waste already being stored in […]
Climate Change: Should we take the nuclear option?
In this blog, William Bodel a post-doctoral research associate at the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester, looks at the future of low-carbon energy generation in the UK to see whether nuclear energy should support the UK Government’s climate change commitments. Concerns around climate change, and the political drive to achieve net-zero greenhouse […]
Are small modular reactors back on the agenda?
The recent suspension of the Wylfa Nuclear power project has been seen by some as a potential opening for small modular reactors. Here Professor Richard Taylor, the BNFL Chair in Nuclear Energy Systems, at The University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute looks at what needs to happen for small modular reactors to actually become part […]
Brexit risks supply problems for nuclear medicine
As the UK moves towards the intended ‘exit day’ of March 29th, 2019, some of the details of the foreseen – and unforeseen – consequences of Brexit are becoming clearer. One of these is the UK Government’s stated aim to withdraw from Euratom, and the likely effects or otherwise of Brexit upon medical isotope supply. […]
Fine weather ahead for the nuclear industry?
On the 28 June, the long awaited “Nuclear Sector Deal” was launched. The response from the nuclear industry has been enthusiastic and it could be an important step in establishing a nuclear renaissance. Professor Juan Matthews of the Dalton Nuclear Institute takes a closer look at the likely impact and some other recent developments. The […]
New approaches needed for nuclear
Nuclear power is an essential part of the low carbon energy mix and in this piece for Policy@Manchester Professor Juan Matthews and Dr Neil Irvine explain why new approaches are needed to reduce its cost. Nuclear power needs to become cheaper, safer and more flexible. It needs to contribute to a wider usage of energy […]
Euratom and leaving the EU – an update
Earlier this year, Professor Juan Matthews contributed to a policy blog on the consequences of Britain’s planned withdrawal from Euratom as part of the Brexit process. Here, he gives us an update on the progress (or lack of it) around the issues of Euratom withdrawal and scientific collaboration with the European Union. In the months […]