Clean Futures in Nuclear
The Government’s Civil Nuclear Roadmap describes how the UK could meet its existing target to generate up to 24GW of nuclear power by 2050 – supporting our net zero ambition and providing 25% of the nation’s projected electricity demand. In our region, the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk is due to begin construction in 2024 and once completed will power 6 million homes for 60 years.
The existing global energy industry is fossil fuel-dominated, and the source of around 75% of current greenhouse gas emissions. Renewables like wind are rapidly ramping up capacity to help us reduce our fossil fuel dependency, but must be supplemented by alternative energy sources until they reach sufficient scale and performance. Nuclear power stations produce zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, so are a vital ‘clean energy’ source. Additionally, as generators of low-carbon electricity and heat, nuclear power stations can become hubs for other net zero technologies which require electricity, such as green hydrogen production and direct air capture.
Employment
Nuclear fission energy generation - the process of splitting atoms to release energy - though not without its challenges, will be relevant for the foreseeable future. It's crucial for picking up capacity in support for the UKs drive for net zero by 2050 and ensuring our energy security, buy aiding clean and renewable sources in meeting the nation's electricity demand. Careers can include: Nuclear Engineer, Radiological Monitoring Assessor, Reactor Operator and Nuclear Project Manger. STEM Skills are crucial for many of these roles and you should look to develop them if you are interested in nuclear careers.
The UK is also already a world leader in developmental nuclear fusion technology. The opposite of current fission production, fusion is the atom-fusing process that happens inside stars and could become a zero-emission source of the future. The government’s £650 million Fusion Futures Programme is part of plans to transform UK fusion, including training for over 2,000 people, a new fuel cycle testing facility and dedicated funding to support fusion companies. Fancy being a Nuclear Physicist?
Local nuclear opportunities:
- EDF's Sizewell C begins its construction phase in 2024, a process that could take around 10 years. The power station will create some 70,000 UK jobs and 1,500 apprenticeships, with as many of these opportunities going to the local workforce as possible, contributing £4 billion to the region’s supply chains and economy.
- Sizewell B power station on the same site near Leiston in Suffolk has been producing electricity since 1995 and is expected to contribute to the UK’s energy mix until at least 2035, with an operational-life extension quite likely. Jobs at the site include roles related to the daily operation of nuclear facilities, security and technical maintenance.
- 'Outage' work is also available at all operational nuclear sites, often for several months at a time and approximately every 18 months. Outage work is scheduled cleaning and maintenance that keeps nuclear plants in top condition and frequently includes many entry-level cleaning and maintenance roles. These can be a valuable access route to experience at nuclear sites and will include training and security vetting (at the expense of the employer) that can be useful for workers looking for opportunities at other nuclear facilities.
