What is it?

Nuclear energy comes from the binding energy that is stored in the centre of an atom.  To release this energy, the atom must be split into smaller atoms in a process called fission.  This process is carbon-free and does not contribute greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.   This makes it an essential tool as the government attempts to reach net zero.

How does it work?

During the fission reaction, the smaller atoms do not require as much binding energy to keep them together, so the excess energy is released as heat and radiation.  This heat is then captured and used to boil water into steam.  The steam is then used to turn a turbine, similar to the process seen in deep geothermal and biopower plants.  The used fuel from the reaction is then either recycled or put into canisters which are then locked up underground, sealed by rocks and clay.

What are the advantages of nuclear power?

• Efficiency – Nuclear power is significantly more efficient than fossil fuels or biomass power.  5g (equivalent weight to a single piece of paper) of fuel is enough to power the average UK home for a year.

• Low Emissions – Once constructed, nuclear power plants produce almost zero amounts of direct greenhouse gas emissions.

• Reliability – Nuclear power production is not affected by fluctuations in weather.  The rate at which a power plant produces electricity can be controlled and production can be increased when other renewable sources are unable to meet demand.  This makes it an essential technology in the UK’s energy mix.

What are the disadvantages of nuclear power?

• Cost – The production and running costs of a nuclear power plant are very high.  This method is more expensive than its fossil fuel equivalents such as coal and gas.

• Waste – The disposal of toxic nuclear waste remains controversial.  The burying of this waste underground is classed as safe if it is done in a controlled manner and meets specific industry standards.  However, the impact that a leak of this material could have on the surrounding environment is unknown.

• Mining for Fuel – Open pit mining for uranium is a destructive process and has a devastating effect on the local environment.  Despite measures being in place, it is common for toxic runoff to filter into the water cycle surrounding the mines and pollutants can be spread far from the original mining location.

Current energy production?

There are currently eight operational power stations in the UK, which accounted for 16.1% of the total electrical energy that was produced in 2020.

Where are the nuclear power plants located?

The illustration shows both power plant locations and their total capacity for energy production.  The illustration shows that the power plants tend to be in rural areas, close to the coast or large bodies of water.  This is essential for ensuring the safety of the reactor as large quantities of water are needed for cooling.

Nuclear power plants in the UK 2022 (Credit, Carbon Brief)

Key projects in the industry

• Hinkley Point B - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/hinkley-point-b

• Hunterston B - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/hunterston-b

• Heysham 2 - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/heysham-2

• Torness - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/torness

• Hartlepool - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/hartlepool

• Sizewell B - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/sizewell-b

• Heysham 1 - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/heysham-1

• Dungeness - https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/dungeness-b

Future projects and development of nuclear power

As we progress towards net zero, nuclear power has been identified as an essential technology for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.  However, the nuclear sector is currently in decline. In 2010 the government permitted eight new power plants to be constructed, yet only one of these is currently in production.  This is a result of incredibly high production costs and the complexity involved with the development of new sights.  As a result, the government is not willing to build power stations themselves, and they have struggled to find companies that are willing to take on the scale of the work.

Rolls-Royce is currently in the process of providing a solution to this problem through the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).  The small reactors would produce less electricity but come with a more palatable price tag (only 10% of the cost of a large reactor) and could be produced in 3-4 years.  This gives the government the option to build several small reactors on a quick time scale.  The key point for service leavers is this technology is designed around the small reactors that are used by the Royal Navy on their nuclear submarines.  This is a key link to MOD and as SMRs grow in popularity, service leavers will be in a good position to exploit the new job roles that will be created. Further information on SMRs can be found here - https://www.rolls-royce.com/innovation/small-modular-reactors.aspx#/