C-NET - The Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology: Meeting the challenge of Advanced Reactor Deployment

摘要

In February 2008, The University of Manchester, through its Dalton Nuclear Institute, announced plans to establish the Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology (C-NET) which is intended to help put back onto the map academic reactor capability to support the needs of the public and private sectors as well as other stakeholders. Over the next five years, the Centre plans investment of ￡25m in disciplines such as Reactors Physics, Thermal Hydraulics and Materials Irradiation, It is an intention that C-NET works collaboratively with other academic institutions in the UK and overseas. The investment includes funding from The University of Manchester, private sector sources and also proposed support from the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) of ￡4.2m following endorsement for C-NET from the Northwest Science Council. The concept for the Centre has been developed over the past few years following close work with BNFL to determine the skills and capability needed to support the 2003 UK Energy Policy of Keeping the Nuclear Option Open. At that time, the health assessment of skills concluded that a number of areas were in a fragile state. In particular, the need for authoritative technical expertise which possesses a deep understanding of specific aspects of advanced nuclear reactor systems. It is not a case of requiring vast numbers of experts; instead a small but finite number with a significant in-depth understanding of aspects such as fuel performance, control systems, safety assessment, thermodynamics and materials will be needed to help receive and deploy advanced systems in the UK.