The Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) �INEL

His comments came at a Generation IV seminar on next generation nuclear reactors, research and development, on 9 March at the DTI. Prof King said he looks forward to a focus on public consultation, a more positive image in the media and effective planning, which could lead to a future decision for new build. He also stressed the benefits of a hydrogen economy from nuclear and feels it is vital that the Government assumes a role in filling the potential skills gap, which could hinder the future of nuclear power.

"I would like to see more young people battling down the door," agreed Claire Durkin, Head of Energy Innovation and Business at the Department of Trade and Industry, who also spoke at the conference. She applauded the launch of the new Cogent Sector Skills Council, set up to address the shortage.

The event, run by the Institution of Nuclear Engineers and sponsored by BNFL, provided a welcome platform for prominent speakers such as Rob Versluis of the US Department of Energy, Romney Duffey, Chief Scientist at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Gian Luigi Fiorini, Deputy Director of Advanced Nuclear Systems at the French Atomic Commission. These, among others, constitute a collaboration, the Generation IV International Forum, which has produced a technology Roadmap examining six nuclear energy systems, the Very High Temperature Reactor, the Gas Cooled Fast Reactor, the Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor, the Super-Critical Light Water Cooled Reactor, the Molten Salt Reactor and the Lead Cooled Fast Reactor, that are expected, if developed, to become commercially available during the period 2020-2030.

Project Dalton
Also speaking at the event was Professor Richard Clegg from BNFL who gave an account of the achievements of Project Dalton. This new institution led by University of Manchester (UoM) and supported by Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) and BNFL focuses on nuclear science and engineering to fill the skills gap and take part in research and development to support future nuclear programmes. He announced that 140 researchers have already been recruited. Professor Clegg was appointed first Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute on 1 April 2004.
A business plan for Project Dalton will be presented to the University at the end of April 2004 following wide consultation with government, industry and academic stakeholders.

The first priorities are to develop UoM expertise in nuclear technology, across the fission, fusion and medical sectors; to establish a new research group in nuclear engineering to support decommissioning and clean-up, and be responsive to UK policy on keeping the nuclear option open; to expand the present research groups in fusion (to support the Culham and ITER programmes) and radiochemistry and to establish partnerships and negotiate access for researchers to use specialist nuclear facilities in the UK and overseas.

Ten universities and institutes, including City, Imperial College and HMS Sultan have indicated their desire to discuss the establishment of a consortium in connection with the Dalton Nuclear Institute. NTEC (Nuclear Technology Education Consortium) is expected to run the first courses from September 2005. For the 2004/5 academic year, UoM has launched a Postgraduate Certificate in Nuclear Engineering which is comprised of the four core course units of an MSc programme.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has confirmed with Dalton that they will consider a stand-alone Collaborative Training Account (CTA) bid from a single, non-exclusive consortium to fund the initiative.

For more information see:
www.nuclear-engineering.org.uk