How can nuclear play a part in a post-COVID-19 net zero future?
As the UK looks to implement a green recovery whilst sticking with existing targets for net zero, what does this mean for nuclear energy?
Panellists
- Henri Murison, Director, Northern Powerhouse Partnership (Chair)
- Professor Richard Taylor, BNFL Chair in Nuclear Energy Systems, The University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute
- Alan Woods, Director Strategy and Business Development, Rolls Royce
- Charlotte Nichols, MP Warrington North
As the UK looks to implement a green recovery whilst sticking with existing targets for net zero, what does this mean for nuclear energy? Should we be looking to invest in smaller and simpler 'modular' style reactors as a route to meeting our 2050 decarbonisation targets? And if so, how can we do that, boost the economy and 'level-up' the UK at the same time?
Watch the event where we discuss the UK's potential as a world leader in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the challanges facing the nuclear industry, the role nuclear can play in the green recovery, and more.
This event was recorded on 15 October 2020.
Further information
- On Net Zero is a collection of thought leadership and expert analysis on important climate issues from University of Manchester Academics which offers policy recommendations on how the UK can best meet its 2050 net zero decarbonisation target.
- The University of Manchester's Dalton Nuclear Institute is the UK's largest and most connected academic provider of nuclear research and development. A recent blog from a number of their academics, including Richard Taylor, considers the practicalities of using nuclear energy to help meet the UK’s Net Zero target.
- Policy@Manchester have put together some interactive data visualisations about nuclear power and wind energy in the UK