As Lady Barbara Judge, now the chairwoman of the Institute of Directors has a long history of involvement in nuclear energy governance, it is surprizing she could include so many inaccuracies as she manages in her business comment article “When it comes to nuclear’s future, it’s time to think small.” Her arguments follow the equally misguided position paper (Number 10) on nuclear options currently circulated for comment (responses by 26 April) by the European Commission Joint Research Centres (JRC – Institute for Energy and Transport ) by the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) – Plan Secretariat on 6 April, which asserts: “small modular reactors and co-generation plants may develop on a shorter timescale than 2050, (the target date for advanced generation 4 reactors.)”
Dave Lowry’s Blog 12th April 2016 read more »
Letter Dr Colin Elcoate: Lady Judge’s comment piece (“When it comes to nuclear’s future, it’s time to think small”, Business, Apr 11) rightly highlights the potential of small nuclear reactors (SMRs) and accurately acknowledges the significant contribution that this technology could bring to creating a low-carbon future for the UK. Few outside the industry are aware of the leading technology the UK is developing in this area. The broader point is that the SMR programme will enable the UK to continue to develop skills, capability and capacity to support global growth in the nuclear sector — a sector that will benefit from huge investment and interest particularly in China, where five to six reactors are being constructed every year to 2020.
Times 13th April 2016 read more »