Sheffield Uni opens £3m nuclear research facility

A new £3 million facility for nuclear materials research has officially been opened in the University of Sheffield. Academics in the research centre will develop new technologies and “efficient and […]

A new £3 million facility for nuclear materials research has officially been opened in the University of Sheffield.

Academics in the research centre will develop new technologies and “efficient and environmentally sound” strategies for the safe treatment and disposal of radioactive waste.

The launch of the Materials for Innovative Disposition from Advanced Separations (MIDAS) facility follows the UK Government’s plans to expand nuclear power in the country.

Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom said: “Britain is a world leader in nuclear power – from construction to generation to waste management – and it is key to our plans to deliver secure, low carbon electricity and create jobs providing financial security for more hardworking people and their families.

“This government backs the industries of the future and is committed to maintaining our position as global leaders in nuclear research.”

The new facility is jointly funded by the university and DECC.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently said global nuclear capacity will continue to expand in the coming decades – but a slow pace.

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