A number of interesting
issues surround nuclear energy. On one hand, large amounts of base-load
electricity can be generated by nuclear power stations with
minimal emissions. On the other hand, questions surround the economic
viability, and perceived risks and public acceptability associated with
powerplant operations and radioactive wastes. The UK is currently building
two large nuclear power reactors at Hinkley Point on the Somerset coast.
The OU collaborated with Windfall Films and the BBC in the production of
a documentary series ‘Building Britain’s Biggest Nuclear Power Plant’.
The first two episodes were shown on BBC2 in June 2021. Link:
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/tv-radio-events/tv/building-britains-biggest-nuclear-power-station
Research
at The Open
University focusses in two main areas. The first area looks at
improving the characterisation of materials that are contained within
these reactors. OU research informs appropriate strategies to prolong
plant lifetimes. OU research also considers the properties of materials
needed for future reactors that may be constructed in the UK. The
second area looks at nuclear policy and its impact on energy generation
scenarios within the UK and for other countries that are developing
nuclear power.