Conference Agenda

Partners instead of opponents, Why nuclear and renewable energy together secure the future

The UK has a unique nuclear history. In the post war period the need for certain materials resulted in a period of intense nuclear development and deployment resulting in the worlds first commercial nuclear power plant at Calder Hall in 1956. The design of these reactors was dictated by a lack of access to enriched uranium and heavy water and hence the MAGNOX carbon dioxide cooled, graphite moderated technology was developed utilising natural uranium metal fuel. In the 1970s, the UK further developed gas cooled reactors resulting in the deployment of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGR) which are the current operating fleet. Today, the sector is transitioning to a PWR future through the building of the European Pressurised water Reactors (EPR) at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. These giga watt scale plants are needed to replenish the generating capacity that will be lost in the next few years when the AGR fleet comes off-line.

There has also been intense interest in Generation IV technology to meet certain policy requirements aligning to decarbonisation by 2050. These advanced reactor technologies are characterised by novel coolants and/or novel fuel designs and offer a mix of potential benefits including intrinsic safety characteristics, modular design and build, increased thermal efficiency and higher outlet temperatures. In this presentation I will review some of the experiences and challenges of developing new nuclear technology and the roles of government, national laboratories, industry and academia. High Temperature Gas Reactors (HTGR) are a particular focus in the UK building on the experience of operating previous generations of gas reactors for over 70 years and are a natural development for the UK sector. However, this has not proved to be a smooth journey and the need for cross sector collaboration will be discussed. I will also discuss one of the biggest challenges faced by the entire European nuclear sector – access to talent and the development of the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers.

The sustainability and safety of nuclear-related academic programs, research centers and industries in Europe depends on a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing the evolving challenges of the sector. The shortage of qualified professionals exacerbated by an aging workforce and expanding nuclear projects, poses a significant risk to energy security and the broader applications of nuclear science and technology.

To mitigate this challenge, ENEN proposes a multi-faceted approach to reconnect industry, research and education:

• Strengthening mobility programs to facilitate the exchange of expertise.

• Reinforcing the integration of education within EU-funded research projects to ensure knowledge transfer to the next generation and new-knowledge sharing across EU.

• Developing targeted initiatives to attract young talents from all academic levels, from the primary schools to the long life learning programs, ensuring a continuous influx of new persons into the nuclear field.

• Creation of a recognized, EU wide “skills passport”.

• Enhancing collaboration between universities, research centers and industry to provide relevant training and career pathways.

• Promoting international cooperation to maintain and elevate nuclear education and research excellence.

ENEN, with its broad network of European and international stakeholders, is uniquely positioned to coordinate these efforts. By ensuring strategic alignment between industry needs and educational initiatives, ENEN can support the EU’s long-term vision for a sustainable and innovative nuclear sector. Immediate action and dedicated funding are crucial to securing a competent workforce and preserving Europe’s leadership in nuclear science and technology.