UK Report Says ‘Traditional Nuclear Projects’ Will Have To Adapt

4 Jul (NucNet): Traditional nuclear power projects delivering baseload electricity will have to adapt if nuclear is to have a significant role in a future UK low carbon energy system, according to the UK’s Energy Technologies Institute (ETI), which has released a series of project reports into nuclear energy from its research portfolio. Analysis carried out by the ETI has shown that new nuclear plants can form a major part of an affordable low carbon transition in the UK with potential roles for both large nuclear and small modular reactors (SMRs). Large reactors are best suited for baseload electricity production, but actual deployment will be influenced by a number of factors – not all of them technical – and SMRs could fulfil an additional role in a UK low carbon energy system by delivering combined heat and power helping to decarbonise energy use in buildings. However, the nuclear industry has to clearly “articulate its role in a changing energy system and also demonstrate realistic cost reduction in the development of nuclear power generation”, the ETI said. Mike Middleton, strategy manager for the ETI’s nuclear programme, said the UK benefits from an established knowledge base and supply chain in nuclear power plant operations, but there is competition for nuclear to prove itself economically against other low-carbon options. Details online: http://bit.ly/2slMMkg