The University of Birmingham and the General Nuclear International Ltd (GNI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to forge a long-term partnership in the education, training and development of civil nuclear energy studies.
The MoU marks the start of an important partnership through which the University and GNI will work together closely to build a collaborative platform aspired to make long-term and significant contributions to the civil nuclear energy development in the UK and China.
The University of Birmingham has a long tradition of performing excellent research and education supporting the UK nuclear industry. It continues to be the largest provider of graduates to the nuclear sector and its research has helped underpin the life extension of the UK nuclear power plant. The University also has a strong track record in driving UK policy in the field of nuclear energy. In December 2015, a collaborative report with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on “Education and Training in Nuclear Decommissioning” was published, following its widely acknowledged report of the “Future of Nuclear Energy in the UK”.
Professor Andy Schofield, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, said:
“The University of Birmingham is delighted that, further to the strategic MoU we formed in 2014 with China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), the parent company of GNI, we are now entering into an agreement on nuclear education and training with GNI that builds on the heritage of the University in the nuclear sciences and our long and strong association with China. Through the agreement, the University and CGN will work in close partnership to contribute to the creation and operation of safe and clean low carbon energy systems in the UK and China.”
Professor Martin Freer, Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute and the Birmingham Centre for Nuclear Education and Research, said:
“This is a very exciting time for nuclear energy in the UK as we move towards the construction of the Hinkley Point C project. This will mark the first nuclear power plant for a generation and signal the UK turning the corner in terms of the UK future energy policy. The University of Birmingham is extremely proud to both be part of this journey and to work with GNI on securing the skills pipeline required to deliver a new generation of nuclear power plants."