MANCHESTER is to become a leading centre for the development of nuclear energy, despite being the first city in Britain to declare itself "nuclear-free" during the Cold War.

When the Dalton Nuclear Institute opens next month it will be a focal point for nuclear research at Manchester University, in conjunction with research councils, industry, government and regulators.

The institute's director, Prof Richard Clegg, said the combination of academic expertise and Manchester University's long-standing pedigree in nuclear science will make it one of the best research centres of its kind.

The announcement comes as the prime minister has refused to rule out the possibility of a new generation of nuclear power plants across Britain.

Prof Clegg said: "The aim of the institute is to put back on the map nuclear research and education within this country's education sector. This has slipped over the past couple of decades which is a result of a trend rather than a policy decision."

The Dalton Institute will include newly refurbished and re-equipped laboratories for handling radioactive material, which will allow researchers to undertake work not possible at any other university. The centre will have between 50 and 60 researchers as well as lecturer posts, post-doctorate positions and Phd studentships.

Prof Clegg added: "All different types of energy have a role to play, whether they are renewable, based on fossil fuels or nuclear. But if we invest in nuclear power, it will give us benefits of security of supply while also tackling CO2 emissions.

"We need security of supply in this country as it appears as though we are going to become increasingly reliant on gas powered fire stations.

"In the future, our gas will be bought from other countries. If we invest in nuclear energy, it will ensure that we have independence."

Hurdles

Speaking at Prime Minister's Question Time on Monday, Tony Blair said that the nuclear industry will have to overcome the twin hurdles of "cost and acceptability" to the public before it can hope to win approval for new generating facilities.

Manchester became Britain's first "nuclear-free" council and in 1980 called on the government "to refrain from the manufacture or positioning of any nuclear weapons of any kind within the boundaries of our city". The council updated that policy to oppose nuclear power and support renewable energy.

This year it adopted a "peace policy", which talks of "promoting social inclusion, social justice, good citizenship and peace between the peoples, cultures and faith communities that it serves".

Veteran councillor Bill Risby, who led the move to make Manchester nuclear-free, said: "Our local authorities can't tell universities what to do, but if a company applied to build a nuclear power station in Manchester they would get very short shrift."

Is nuclear energy the future? Have your say or take part in our vote below.

Tweet