Dalton Seminar Series: The nuclear solution to electric power production in the UK
| Dates: | 29 June 2016 |
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| Times: | 12:00 - 13:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Dalton Nuclear Institute |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, Adults, Alumni, Current University students |
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| Speaker: | Tony Wickham |
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The supply of electricity in the UK is on something of a knife edge with the closure of the life-expired Magnox nuclear reactors and the continuing programme of fossil-fuel plant closures in the context of the climate-change policies of the UK and the EU. ‘Renewables’ are desirable but costly and are also unreliable, requiring back-up generating capacity.
In my talk, I objectively review benefits and risks with reference both to nuclear accidents and the everyday risks which are willingly accepted by the public alongside a general but uninformed anxiety about the perceived risks of nuclear power. Add to this the continuing economic and political delays over replacement nuclear generation, especially at Hinkley Point ‘C’, and you would be right to wonder how much longer we can rely on the lights coming on when you throw the switch…
Speaker
Tony Wickham
Role: Visiting Professor
Organisation: University of Manchester
Biography: Tony Wickham is a Visiting Professor in MACE, working with members of the Nuclear Graphite Research Group. After 27 years in the nuclear electricity industry, focussed on Magnox and Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors, he now works with the International Atomic Energy Agency, EdF Energy, The Office for Nuclear Regulation and other national and international organisations on topics mainly related to graphite-moderated reactor systems, including decommissioning.
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
C1
George Begg Building
Manchester
