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The UK’s nuclear industry has been experiencing a strong resurgence due to innovative new projects and increased demand for new nuclear power. We explore what this means
 

The UK’s nuclear industry is a force to be reckoned with. It has gone from strength to strength, and Great Britain is considered one of the top innovators in the industry.

2016 saw progress on a number of high-profile nuclear projects. This includes both experienced and safe decommissioning of old plants, as well as the opportunities for nuclear new builds. 2017 is set to be just as momentous.

The impact of the resurgence in the UK’s nuclear industry will affect British business – in a positive way. These new projects help to support growth across the UK’s supply chain, as well as boosting innovation and skills, and improving competition. Now is the time for relevant UK businesses to ensure that they are investing in the equipment and tools required to meet the demand on these projects, as well as putting time and money into training and retraining employees to face the future.

The expanding workforce requirement is a problem facing the UK nuclear industry, and one that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Many employees within the industry today are retiring or approaching the end of their careers, and the next generation needs to be ready to meet the challenge head on.

Brexit uncertainty

While the nuclear industry is currently strong, there is mounting uncertainty over its future in the wake of Brexit. At the moment, the UK is part of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), formed as part of the 60-year-old Euratom Treaty. Euratom is legally separate from the EU, but it is governed by EU institutions. However, there are fears that leaving Euratom could hinder the progress and safety of the industry within the UK.

Recent reports suggest that options are being considered to ensure that the UK maintains the same benefits as it currently has in regards to its nuclear power industry. It’s possible that one of these options could be to become an associate member, similar to the arrangement that Switzerland already has with Euratom. However, some argue that this is not enough. In an article in The Guardian Dame Sue Ion, honorary president of the Nuclear Skills Academy and former chair of the Nuclear Innovation Research Advisory Board, said: “Associate membership is better than nothing, but it all depends on exactly what that means. It’s normally associated with access to Euratom research, not the wider cover provided by the treaty for everything else [such as transport of nuclear materials].”

The Euratom treaty has been described as “vital” to maintaining the nuclear power industry in the UK. In an opinion piece, Ian Chapman, CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, says that any decision to leave Euratom could stall the UK’s status as a pioneer of fusion research. Many high-profile and on-going fusion projects that the UK is involved in, are coordinated through Euratom and its member countries.

The government has made a commitment to retaining excellence in the field of nuclear fusion, so we will be watching to see what decisions are made to ensure the ongoing innovation in this important area to continue and secure the UK’s future as a leading country in nuclear power.

Topics: Corrotherm News

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