The views of the British Nuclear Energy Society and the Institution of Nuclear Engineers

Contribution from the British Nuclear Energy Society and the Institution of Nuclear Engineers submitted by David Whitworth president of INucE on behalf or the two societies.

The British Nuclear Energy Society (BNES) is the leading ‘Learned Society’ covering all aspects of the use of nuclear energy. The society functions almost completely by the contributions of volunteers who make available their experience and dedication to provide information to members in the UK and worldwide on nuclear energy issues, to promote nuclear energy specific training in the UK and to further increased public understanding of the issues surrounding the use of nuclear energy.

The Institution of Nuclear Engineers (INucE) is a professional body representing a broad cross-section of nuclear engineers involved in many aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle from fabrication, through operation of nuclear power plants, to decommissioning and waste management, as well as regulation. The institution’s mission is to promote the highest professional and safety standards for the nuclear industry.

The BNES and INucE collectively represent the largest body of nuclear professionals associated with the UK’s nuclear industries. We jointly publish a periodical journal ‘Nuclear Future’ which can be accessed through the website www.nuclear-future.com from January 2007.

The benefits to the UK electricity supply market that a significant contribution from nuclear power currently brings and should in the future include:

Reduced carbon emissions. Lifecycle emissions are similar to wind-power and hydropower, and very much less than fossil-fuelled generation.

Stable electricity prices, insensitive to the price of fuel.

Secure supplies of fuel. Significant proven uranium reserves are found in many countries considered long-term, reliable suppliers, such as Canada and Australia.

Affordable electricity. Modern nuclear generation worldwide is demonstrably sustainable at current electricity prices, without the need for public subsidy.

We therefore welcome the overall conclusions of the Energy Review and in particular government’s recognition of the role of nuclear, alongside other low-carbon options. We also support the view that the private sector should take decisions to progress new power stations. However in order for the private sector to have sufficient confidence to proceed, progress must now be maintained on a number of fronts which are the responsibility of government:

Pre-licensing, pre-authorisation and planning considerations

The White Paper due shortly, with more specifics on nuclear policy

A positive government response to the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) recommendations and clearly defined steps towards implementation of solutions for the UK’s long term radioactive waste disposal and any related radwaste management issues.

For further information, please visit www.inuce.org.uk or www.bnes.org.uk