The UK needs to invest in a new breed of advanced modular reactors if it is to have any chance of meeting its decarbonisation targets over the coming years, energy entrepreneur Candida Whitmill argues in this paper. The government is supporting the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) – which are cheaper, safer and quicker to build than new nuclear power stations – as part of its strategy to move away from fossil fuels. But Whitmill warns that not all SMRs are capable of meeting the country’s particular energy demands. Only high-temperature advanced modular reactors (HTRs) – as opposed to the smaller versions of the traditional pressurised water reactors (PWRs) – can produce the necessary amount of carbon-free heat, hydrogen and electricity. ‘Choosing the wrong sort of SMR for the UK could derail any attempt to meet carbon targets, vastly increase the cost of energy bills and leave a legacy of environmental, social and balance of trade issues,’ she writes.
Civitas 30th Nov 2018 read more »
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has been appointed by the UK and Welsh Governments to develop an outline design for a proposed national thermal hydraulic research and testing facility, at the Menai Science Park. The island’s science park was opened in May by the First Minister Carwyn Jones to promote innovation and business. The new nuclear tech facility was announced in the Department for business, energy and industrial strategy’s ‘Nuclear Sector Deal’ and aims to boost the UK’s nuclear new build programme and development of Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors.
North Wales Chronicle 30th Nov 2018 read more »