Nuclear Research and Development Capabilities

RSC response to the House of Lords Science & Technology Select Committee call for evidence on Nuclear Research and Development Capabilities.

Nuclear energy generation has been identified in the RSC's roadmap for the chemical sciences, Chemistry for Tomorrow's World as a central component of the energy mix for the UK in order for the country to meet its commitments to its energy challenges. 

These challenges include minimising carbon emissions to the atmosphere, maintaining a diversity of energy supply and ensuring sustainability into the future.

The chemical sciences have a key role to play in this. The future of nuclear energy relies on research and development (R&D) to enable the development of:

• the next generation (generation IV) nuclear reactors which are cheaper to build, more fuel efficient and inherently safer than current technology
• improved methods to reprocess spent nuclear fuel
• new fuels such as thorium which will enhance security of supply and ways of minimising opportunities for weapons proliferation
• safe ways to utilise or store spent fuel.

The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) possesses internationally recognised R&D facilities and expertise in reprocessing and recycling technologies. It is currently insufficiently funded to support future R&D requirements, with no opportunities for conducting translational nuclear research in the UK. This should be addressed through a government funded research programme.

With sufficient investment in people and training, the NNL can deliver the required research to support future UK nuclear energy policies.

This strength of this capability is at risk without long term plans. There is a time window of 3 years in which to develop an appropriate long term national strategy. A body for centrally coordinating, and identifying gaps, in research should be formed. Implementation of recommendations from this body should be a matter of urgency.