New grant for nuclear research

Wednesday, 2 November 2005 12:00 AM

Scientists at Imperial College have been awarded the largest UK grant for nuclear energy research in 30 years.

Researchers hope the £6.1 million will help increase the acceptability of nuclear power as an energy option and maintain the UK's expertise in nuclear technology.

The money will be used to examine how reactors are monitored and how best to deal with nuclear waste.

Professor Robin Grimes, principle investigator and project co-ordinator at Imperial, said: "Having neglected nuclear reactor science and technology for 20 years, it is now clear that a broad research programme is necessary if we are to be in position to underpin a new reactor based generating capacity.

"Nuclear power is clearly a route to achieving the UK's commitment to reducing its carbon emissions under the Kyoto accord."

The programme involves collaborative research between scientists at the universities of Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, and Open University.

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