Nuclear energy for net zero: a strategy for action
Our paper 'Nuclear energy for net zero: a strategy for action' provides a roadmap detailing the eight key actions required to assess the role of nuclear energy in the UK’s net zero future objectively.
The UK’s target of net zero by 2050 is extremely ambitious and the scale of the effort required to achieve it must not be underestimated.
The paper
Nuclear energy for net zero: a strategy for action.
In this paper, we address aspects of the national discussion that are currently underdeveloped, considering nuclear energy in the context of the net zero challenge, in supporting the UK’s hydrogen ambitions and in delivering economic growth, through industrial development, jobs and in supporting the levelling up agenda.
The paper provides a series of recommendations for supporting the nuclear sector in achieving its best potential, setting out the steps needed to examine the possible roles for nuclear energy using an objective, well-developed economic assessment system.
New nuclear could have a vital role to play in achieving net zero but if this potential is to be realised, there is much for the sector to do in the next three decades and important decisions lay ahead for policymakers.
We have developed this paper because we felt a responsibility as an impartial academic community to support our colleagues in government and industry. 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.
Professor Gregg Butler / Head of Strategic Assessment, Dalton Nuclear Institute
The authors
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William Bodel - Research Associate in Nuclear Systems Choice, Dalton Nuclear Institute
Will's doctoral research into nuclear engineering materials focused on nuclear graphite and its behaviour under reactor conditions. He subsequently worked on material fracture and life-extension of the UK’s AGR fleet. His current research focus is on energy policy, and nuclear systems choice for net zero.
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Gregg Butler - Head of Strategic Assessment, Dalton Nuclear Institute
Gregg has over 50 years’ experience in most aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle: R&D, planning, commercial, plant, site and company operations and management, director and advisory committee roles. He has published extensively on nuclear topics, and is currently concentrating on Nuclear Energy’s role in Net Zero.
Read more on Gregg's research profile
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Juan Matthews - Visiting Professor in Nuclear Energy Technology, Dalton Nuclear Institute
Starting as a theoretical physicist Juan carried out and managed research on nuclear safety and advanced reactor systems at Harwell. He later set up and managed activities across Asia for AEA Technology, before working on international business and innovation in the nuclear and energy sectors, mainly for Government.
The Director
The University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute is a world-leading cross-disciplinary nuclear research institute, providing research across the whole fuel cycle, delivering impact to industry, governments and regulators, and supporting the UK’s long term nuclear ambition. Read more about the Dalton Nuclear Institute.