Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Development.

Abstract

NUCLEAR ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The main thrust of the seminar is to present to colleagues an overview of the course content of the MSc programme in Nuclear Engineering at Ghent University while providing background knowledge of the risk associated with operating a Nuclear power plant in comparison with other sources of electricity generation. The Brundtland report defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Three major issues normally arise when the question of the compatibility of nuclear energy with sustainable development is popped. These issues are germane to nuclear waste,nuclear accidents, proliferation and terrorism. However, the acceptability of the nuclear energy programme is highly dependent not just on resolving the issues which arise from the above listed worries but also, a public awareness drive to assuage the fears of the general public as it regards per-conceived negative notions surrounding nuclear energy and its ability to drive sustainable development. On this note, it is safe to conclude that commercial nuclear energy is sustainable which can be applied continuously to benefit future generations. In addition, it is also practicable within the Nigerian enclave as all materials necessary to kick start the programme are readily available. The M.Sc programme in Nuclear Engineering at the prestigious Ghent University, offers a wide range of useful information on the subject matter which features related courses such as; a basic introduction to Nuclear physics, Nuclear materials I and II, Nuclear fuel cycle and applied Radiochemistry also with advanced courses in topical day (enhancement of safety culture) and severe accident, Nuclear reactor theory, Nuclear thermal hydraulics, Radiation protection and instrumentation, operation/control of nuclear power plants, safety and reliability and lastly a thesis presentation. Each of the above listed courses as offered under the M.Sc Engineering program has a target aim to achieve in the would be student especially as it pertains to broadening his horizons in nuclear engineering and its sister studies.

Seminar presented by, Jonathan O. Oruru