Energy Minister Stephen Timms addressing the Energy Choices Conference

The Minister began his speech congratulating NIA on their new image, fresh direction and objectives. He very much welcomed the profound interest in the establishment of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) that the industry had shown and is keen to move forward with working on common objectives. Along similar lines, BNFL's Lawrie Haynes gave a presentation on the Government's measures to create the NDA to deal with legacy waste and conveyed BNFL's vision of the clean up work with optimism.

John McDougall of The Institute of Mechanical Engineers, forecast a bright future for the industry on the condition that certain measures are taken: further investment in research and development for plant life extension and new reactor designs; the UK keeps abreast of international developments; and the government aid British companies to find contracts and business abroad. Dr Lisa Woolhouse presented 'Modelling the Energy Future', demonstrating the idealism of the objectives set out in the Energy White Paper. A comparative example was offered by Milton Caplan of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, who displayed AECL's success story which could open the door to a wealth of possibilities for the UK.

Opening the afternoon session Malcolm Grimston of Imperial College, commented on the lack of availability of university courses in nuclear engineering. A challenging and much needed speech on how the industry can improve its image and encourage the public to see it in a more positive light came from Judy Larkin of Regester Larkin. One of the industry's greatest obstacles is the issue of public perception, but according to Larkin, this could change dramatically with a shift in the industry's persona. Rod Hague, Former Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Newcastle, gave a presentation reinforcing this point with a show of statistics from MORI polls.

An enlightening and thought provoking day closed with a passionate speech by two members of the Young Generation Network, representing young professionals in the nuclear industry, Claire Gallery-Strong and Neil Crewdson. Their words highlighted the plentiful reasons for young people to join and stay with the industry for a unique and stimulating career.

Palace of Westminster events
The NIA's Annual Palace of Westminster Reception, which traditionally precedes the Energy Choices Conference, was once again a sociable occasion set against the splendid view from the Terrace Marquee. Among the eminent guests were Energy Minister Stephen Timms, along with many MPs, Peers and NIA Members. The marquee was brimming with 150 attendees taking the opportunity to network with the movers and shakers in Government, as well as catch up and enjoy a little pre-Christmas festivity with friends and colleagues from the industry.

Stephen Timms also appeared as guest speaker at the first Annual Dinner of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy the same evening. Hosted by Lord McNally, Vice Chair of the Group, the dinner was an amicable event, giving industry members and Parliamentarians the opportunity to converse at length in an informal atmosphere.

Annual dinner
The Minister made yet another appearance at a nuclear function at the NIA/BNES Annual Dinner on 4 December. Mr Timms had an excellent picture of the size of the industry painted for him, as the 2003 event was the biggest ever, with some 900 guests. Hugh Collum, Chairman of BNFL and after-dinner speaker for the evening, gave a highly inventive and extremely amusing presentation, which included a video of a news clip set in the future, portraying a less than comfortable view of a future without nuclear - and lights!

The feedback on the activities of 3-4 December has been extremely positive and attendees remarked on how varied, constructive and enjoyable the events were. NIA thanks everyone who helped organise and attend Energy Choices 2003 and looks forward to further excellent events in December 2004.