How is nuclear energy produced at present in the UK?

Uranium atoms are split within an engineered structure (a reactor) to create a controlled nuclear reaction which results in the production of heat. This heats water to make steam which then drives turbines which turn generators to make electricity.

How much electricity is produced by nuclear energy in the UK?

Nuclear power stations supply over a fifth of UK electricity

How many nuclear power stations are there in the UK?

There are 23 reactors reactors generating electricity at 9 sites in the UK.

How many nuclear reactors are there in the world?

As of December 2003, there were 438 nuclear reactors generating electricity in the world

What types of nuclear power station are there in the UK? Where are they?

There are three reactor types in use in the UK. There are Advanced Gas Cooled reactors (AGRs); Magnox reactors (which like AGRs are gas cooled and so named because of the magnesium alloy cladding used to contain the fuel rods); and one Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR).

How many people does the industry employ?

The UK civil nuclear industry employs about 40,000 people directly, plus about 40,000 indirectly

How important is the industry to the UK economy?

The industry contributes about £3.3 billion to UK Gross Domestic Product. It exports over £650 million goods and services each year. The nuclear industry is an important part of the UK's science and technology base.

Does nuclear energy contribute to global warming?

No. Most experts agree that climate change is a danger because of the emission of ‘greenhouse gases’ like carbon dioxide (CO2). A major source of CO2 emissions is the burning of fossil fuels - such as coal, oil and gas. Nuclear power stations do not emit CO2.

Does nuclear energy cause acid rain?

No. ‘Acid rain’ usually refers to rain which has been made more acidic than normal because it has absorbed gases emitted by the burning of fossil fuels. The key gases are nitrogen oxides (usually referred to as NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Acid rain can damage trees and reduce fish stocks in lakes and streams. Nuclear power stations do not emit either NOx gases or SO2.

What about safety?

Safety is of paramount importance. The UK nuclear industry has a thorough safety strategy which identifies all the conditions which might lead to an accident, then sets up fail-safe systems and multiple barriers to combat them. The safety record of nuclear reactors in the UK is excellent.

How is the UK industry regulated?

The UK nuclear industry spends millions of pounds each year on safety to meet not only its own strict requirements but also those of several external regulatory and advisory bodies. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for licensing nuclear installations and the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (which is part of the HSE) carries out regular and rigorous inspections and checks. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Scottish and Welsh offices are responsible for safeguarding the environment. The International Atomic Energy Agency (a United Nations agency) recommends basic safety standards.

When did Britain’s first nuclear power station open?

Calder Hall in Cumbria was opened by the Queen in 1957. It was the world’s first operational civil nuclear power station.

How important is nuclear energy to UK energy policy?

Nuclear energy is a secure, large-scale electricity supplier. It provides diversity in line with Government’s energy policy objectives.

What types of radioactive waste are produced in the UK?

Radioactive waste is categorised into three types of waste according to the levels of radiation it contains. Low-level waste (LLW) includes items which might be contaminated with traces of radioactive materials - for example used protective clothing. Intermediate-level waste (ILW) consists of solid and liquid materials from nuclear power stations and from fuel reprocessing. High-level waste (HLW) is the concentrated waste produced when nuclear fuel is reprocessed.

How is radioactive waste managed in the UK?

Waste is stored on the surface in managed, safe, monitored and retrievable form. It can continue to be safely stored for many decades.

LLW is compacted and stored in drums and placed in engineered storage. Most of the UK’s LLW is kept at Drigg, near Sellafield

ILW is similarly stored in stainless steel containers and placed in engineered storage, at the site where it is produced

HLW nearly all arises at Sellafield where it is stored in liquid form in stainless steel tanks before vitrification (turned into glass blocks) and encapsulation into welded stainless steel containers

How are nuclear materials for the nuclear energy industry transported in the UK?

The transport of radioactive materials in the UK is strictly governed by internationally agreed transport regulations published by the International Atomic Energy Agency, (a United Nations Agency). Spent fuel from UK power stations is transported in very carefully designed safe flasks by rail. Spent fuel from overseas is carried by specially equipped ships. As with rail transport, safety is paramount and the ships are equipped and manned to very high standards.

Is the British nuclear industry opposed to renewable energy?

No. The world should develop as fully as possible the use of renewable energy sources. The NIA recommends continued funding of R&D into renewable energy sources and fully supports improvements in energy efficiency.

How can I find out more about nuclear energy?

The various sections of this website should give you further detail and also refer you to the websites and information sources of other organistations and companies in the nuclear sector. In addition, the NIA produces a range of information and education materials. These can be found in the publications section of this website.

If you require more information please write to us at :
NIA, Carlton House, 22a St James's Square, London SW1Y 4JH
E-mail: info@niauk.org