“Time for action” – nuclear energy for net zero
Our partners Research impact and institutes 8th July 2021
Could nuclear energy play a telling role as the UK aims to meet its 2050 net zero target?
According to a new paper from The University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute, it very well might… but – importantly – only if the right action is taken. And taken now.
Entitled ‘Nuclear energy for net zero: a strategy for action’, the paper provides a roadmap detailing the crucial actions that can help assess nuclear’s possible contribution – and discusses the important decisions facing policymakers in the decades ahead.
Looking to the future
The future of nuclear energy has been a hot topic of late – indeed, here on The Hub we recently discussed this very matter in an episode of The Buzz podcast – and the new 41-page position paper considers the steps needed using an objective, well-developed economic assessment system.
It debates nuclear energy’s role in both supporting the UK’s hydrogen ambitions and delivering economic growth – through industrial development, jobs, and in supporting the levelling up agenda.
Among the recommendations made by the Dalton Nuclear Institute, which is home to the largest, most advanced nuclear research capability in the UK, are the optimisation of research and development programmes, the development of advisory bodies, and non-partisan modelling of the economic path.
It certainly won’t be easy, or quick – but enacting real change rarely is.
Professor Francis Livens, Director of the Institute, said: “Net zero by 2050 is such a massive challenge for this country that it is really all hands to the pumps. The reality is we need to explore all these options and evaluate them on a level playing field and come to an objective decision about ‘does nuclear have a part to play in our energy future or not?’.
“Either way the UK needs to move fast to resolve this question and take any opportunity that is there. If it continues to prevaricate, any opportunity will certainly be lost.”
^Professor Francis Livens
Taking action
Why has the Dalton Nuclear Institute decided, now, to release this paper?
Professor Gregg Butler, Head of Strategic Assessment at the Institute, explains: “We have developed this paper because we felt a responsibility as an impartial academic community to support our colleagues in government and industry. The UK has set a world-leading net zero target. But simply setting the target is not enough – we need to achieve it.
“Now is the time to take key actions which will determine the roles nuclear can play, recognising that they should only be adopted if they contribute to an optimised economic and environmental solution.
“We might know a lot about nuclear energy – but it’s got to be viewed as a candidate for helping to reach net zero – not as an end in itself.”
Net zero by 2050 certainly seems an ambitious target – and it will likely take decisive action to achieve it.
Whether nuclear energy plays a big part remains to be seen, but it’s important to move the conversation forward. This paper is an important step.
Read ‘Nuclear energy for net zero: a strategy for action’ in full.
Images: The University of Manchester, Shutterstock
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