Britain to step up development of next-generation nuclear technology

LONDON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The British government announced Thursday that it will boost the country's development of next generation of nuclear technologies with significant funding and other support.

According to a statement from the government, funding is being made available over the next three years to help support research and development into innovative advanced and small modular reactors. In the process, their feasibility will be assessed and the development of promising designs will be accelerated.

The government also plans to shortly launch the second phase of its Nuclear Innovation Program, including up to eight million pounds for work on modern safety and security methodologies and studies in advanced fuels.

"New industry figures show that the UK's civil nuclear sector contributed 6.4 billion pounds to the UK economy last year. Today's announcements recognize the importance of industry driving innovation, supported by government, so the sector continues to compete at the very highest level, not just in the UK but globally," said Britain's Business Secretary Greg Clark.

A further 86 million pounds was also announced for fusion research, which will see the establishment of a national fusion technology platform at the UK Atomic Energy Authority's Culham Science Center.

The new investment will reinforce the UK's fusion research and development capability, and allow UK firms to compete for international contracts for fusion technologies, according to the statement.

"The nuclear sector has a key role to play in increasing productivity and driving clean growth across the country," said Britain's Energy Minister Richard Harrington.

"Nuclear is a vital part of our energy mix, providing low carbon power now and into the future, so today's package of new measures will help boost innovation and provide greater clarity on our future plans." Enditem