Nuclear fission currently provides 20% of UK electricity and is widely seen as
a key part of the "trinity" of future fuel options for the UK, alongside renewables
and clean coal.
Research challenges in this area include legacy waste clean-up, decommissioning
and disposal, technological challenges for the current planned new nuclear build,
and future (generation IV) technologies. These challenges include, not only science
and engineering, but also the environmental, social and economic aspects and how
these influence regulation and policy. A further challenge is ensuring the sufficient
capacity of highly trained researchers.
We are currently supporting research in this area with a portfolio of
£41 million. This involves 20 projects of which 7 are collaborative with industry
involving 20 separate industrial partners.
Key investments include the £6.1 million
Keeping the Nuclear Option Open (KNOO),
a research programme focusing on new reactor technology, waste disposal and materials
as well as providing a significant levels of training.
Other investments include the £4.2 million
Decommisioning, Immobilisation
And Management Of Nuclear wastes for Disposal (DIAMOND) project and the £2.1
million Sustainability
assessment of nuclear power (SPRIng) project.
Continuing support in this area is critical to the continued development of new
nuclear build and its potential as a key component in delivering the UK's low carbon
economy.
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