Events
Events and Seminars
In this section you will find information on events and seminars relating to policy. The section currently includes information from the Standing Committee of Physics Professors and Seminars.
Upcoming events will be highlighted in this section.
Future nuclear power – the practicalities
Speakers:
Mr Adrian Bull, Westinghouse
Dr William Nuttall, University of Cambridge
Mr Sami Tulonen, European Atomic Forum
To be chaired by Professor Friedrich Wagner, European Physical Society
18 July 2008, Barcelona
as part of the European Science Open Forum 2008
Abstract: Nuclear fusion has long been hailed as the ultimate energy source, mimicking the processes which take place deep inside the Sun. Harnessing this energy would provide a virtually inexhaustible energy source with no greenhouse gas emissions. Results from the Joint European Torus (JET) mean that physicists now have a deep understanding of the processes involved. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project aims to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of a full-scale fusion power reactor. This session will illustrate the enormous potential of fusion energy, and describe what needs to be done to demonstrate that fusion is a commercially-viable source of electricity.
Fusion – will it always be 40 years away?
(A joint seminar organised by the Institute of Physics, and the European Physical Society)
Speakers:
Dr David Ward, UKAEA Culham
Dr David Campbell, ITER
Professor Hans-Harald Bolt, Max-Planck-Institute for Plasma Physics
To be chaired by Professor Friedrich Wagner, European Physical Society
18 July 2008, Barcelona
as part of the European Science Open Forum 2008
Abstract: There is renewed worldwide interest in nuclear power generation. Over recent years there has been a wave of new nuclear plant construction in the Far East, most notably in China and South Korea. Many EU nations now face important decisions as to whether new nuclear power stations are required in order to help meet their increasing demands for energy and reduce their dependence on imported natural gas from politically unstable gas-producing nations. Nuclear power plants provide large amounts of dependable base-load electricity capacity, they operate efficiently for several decades, and have made a significant contribution in helping many EU nations reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. New nuclear plants could play a role in maintaining and improving Europe's current diversity, security and environmental balance of electricity supply. This session will highlight: (1) the development of new nuclear reactors; (2) the economics of new nuclear build compared with other low carbon technologies; (3) the management of legacy and future radioactive waste and (4) the capacity for EU nations to engage in an expansion of nuclear power in terms of technical capability, legislatory and regulatory frameworks, and the necessary human resources.
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