The current energy crisis hit the world at a particularly difficult time, with the combining effects of the credit crunch, food price increases, and the energy crisis causing a perfect storm front that has caused governments around the world to reconsider their energy strategies.
A recent report commissioned by the CBI, released in July 2009, has stated that unless more emphasis and investment is made in nuclear energy generation, the cost of electricity will rise by 30 percent by 2030. Currently a reported 4 million households in the UK (16%) are experiencing fuel poverty, meaning that increases in energy production costs is definitely not an acceptable situation, even though the need further low-carbon energy production remains high. The only solution, according to the report, is to increase available budgets for nuclear energy whilst reducing investment in gas projects and wind power.
The first nuclear power station in the UK was put into operation as far back as 1956. Since then, the number of nuclear power stations in the UK stands at 18, with a number of stations closed though the early years of this century. At their peak in 1997, nuclear stations generated around 26% of the total electricity output. Currently nuclear energy accounts for about 15% of electricity production. The goal of the Department of Energy is to increase this output to over a third by 2030. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said: “"We are already taking a number of responsible, far-sighted steps to put the UK on a secure, low-carbon, affordable energy footing in the long-term.”
Although nuclear power stations are still being actively decommissioned, 4 new stations have been proposed for sites in the UK. So what does this mean for professionals in the nuclear industry?
Well, according to the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency, the new reactors would generate around 9000 extra jobs during the construction phases, and 1000 additional roles for skilled nuclear workers ongoing. In addition the decommissioning of old reactors will generate even more jobs.
Being well placed to supply the increasing global demand for nuclear expertise is a major goal for the Department of Energy and Climate Change. In a conference in March 2009, the Energy Minister at the time, Mike O’Brien, stated that UK manufacturing industry could play a key role in the delivery of new power stations throughout the UK. Mr O’Brien said: “these events are important because it will help British business be first off the blocks in the global supply chain race. It has the potential to secure tens of billions of pounds for the wider UK economy.”
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