Siting implications of nuclear energy: a path to net zero

Our paper 'Siting implications of nuclear energy: a path to net zero' outlines the key actions needed to deliver a responsible nuclear sector in the UK's net zero future.

In the UK, nuclear energy seems at last to be returning to the fore after decades of comparative, if productive, obscurity. For the expansion necessary to help deliver our net zero ambition and the new applications envisaged for nuclear energy, the limited number of nominated nuclear sites in the UK is insufficient. Delivering on these ambitions will therefore require new nuclear sites to be identified, and new communities to accept nuclear facilities.

This is not a trivial task, and common to all discussions is the ever-present question of waste. It is only by addressing this issue now and taking time to understand the impact of the whole lifecycle, can we realistically and responsibly deliver the scale of siting required.

This report aims to further discussion on the matter, and provides recommendations on how to use nuclear energy responsibly to deliver net zero.

The authors

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  William Bodel - Research Associate in Nuclear Systems Choice, Dalton Nuclear Institute

  Will's doctoral research into nuclear engineering materials focused on nuclear graphite and its behaviour under reactor conditions. He subsequently worked on material fracture and life-extension of the UK’s AGR fleet. His current research focus is on energy policy, and nuclear systems choice for net zero.

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  Adrian Bull MBE - BNFL Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society, Dalton Nuclear Institute

  Adrian holds his Dalton role alongside a position as the National Nuclear Laboratory's External Relations Director. He also worked for BNFL for 23 years and Westinghouse for six. He was awarded an MBE for his work on improving stakeholder engagement around nuclear issues – a subject he is passionate about.

  Read more on Adrian’s research profile

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  Gregg Butler - Head of Strategic Assessment, Dalton Nuclear Institute

  Gregg has over 50 years’ experience in most aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle: R&D, planning, commercial, plant, site and company operations and management, director and advisory committee roles. He has published extensively on nuclear topics, and is currently concentrating on Nuclear Energy’s role in Net Zero.

  Read more on Gregg's research profile

The Director

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  Francis Livens - Director, Dalton Nuclear Institute

  With more than 35 years’ research experience across the fuel cycle, Francis has acted as advisor to the nuclear sector both in the UK and overseas. Francis is Chair of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB), a member of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Board, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (awarded the 2021 Becquerel Medal) and Member of the Institute of Strategic Studies.

  Read more on Francis's research profile