Last Thursday Coalition Government announced plans for the next generation of nuclear power stations in the UK as part of its new Energy National Policy Statements. The strategy laid out the framework for investment in a range of new energy sources, including eight nuclear sites which are all set to be built by 2025.
Whatever your opinion on nuclear power, there is no doubt that the UK faces challenging times ahead to achieve a secure, reliable and low carbon electricity supply. As MOSI plans its new energy gallery, in the light of this interesting announcement about nuclear developments, we will make sure that our visitors get the chance to learn as much as possible about nuclear energy and make up their own minds.
We must consider both the pros and the cons: the hidden benefits for the local economies, the rejuvenation of the supply chain, utilisation of other service companies needed to build and run large facilities, plus the creation of secure jobs. Do these help to neutralise some of the more negative public perceptions of nuclear energy - fears of its safety, concerns about the disposal of waste?
For those with an interest in the history of nuclear power, then why not join the Newcomen Society for the study of engineering and technology? They are holding a conference at MOSI on the subject in the autumn of 2012: get in touch with them via the Newcomen Society website if you'd like to attend. http://newcomen.com/
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