In 1956 #UK #engineers created the #nuclear industry. 60 years on, old, but safe, Magnox generators are now at end of life.
Europe’s EDF is building the huge, costly 3.2 GW Hinkley Point C plant. A 2nd, identical reactor may be built at Sizewell C
Or, we could build a high value industry of modular, virtually zero CO2 mini power stations..& #export them
Boris Johnson’s welcome offshore wind statement y’day, promoting the #NorthEast’s ports & future NE supply chain, is of strategic importance. But what about electrical BASELOAD, come rain or shine? Without nuclear we will still rely on gas imports to supply energy on still, dull days
The UK’s #RollsRoyce powered nuclear submarines have been operational for 50 years& RR employ most of the UK’s nuclear skills. Their consortium proposes reactors which can be trucked to site for simple installation
And in manufacturing, replication=cost saving
Typically at 400MW these mini reactors are 12% the size of Hinkley Point’s & would power a city the size of #Leeds #Newcastle or #Sheffield
With proven technology we could create a very big new, climate friendly industry.
Let’s go?!
#manufacturinguk #netzerocarbon #energytransition #STEM
Original article: https://www.ft.com/content/d7016b80-e0c4-4444-a059-2daf32b9a4ab
