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I am delighted that John Ritch has provided me with an opportunity to address you all this morning on this special occasion. I would like to congratulate John on his initiation and enthusiasm for this project.

In view of the current global climate, I believe there has never been a more opportune moment for a global initiative such as the World Nuclear University to be launched.

Here in the UK, we are now facing a critical time in our energy history. Earlier this year the UK Government published its Energy White Paper "Our energy future creating a low carbon economy". This focused on ambitious long-term targets for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a commitment to carbon-free energy sources. This we welcome, as in this regard, nuclear and renewables are complementary. On nuclear power however the White Paper fluffed the issue; it said:
"While nuclear power is presently an important source of carbon-free electricity, the current economics of nuclear power make it an unattractive option for new generating capacity and there are also important issues of nuclear waste to be resolved. However we do not rule out the possibility that at some point in the future new nuclear build might be necessary if we are to meet our carbon targets."

On present projections, however, the UK's nuclear capacity will almost disappear over the next 20 years and thus the current benefit of zero carbon emissions will largely have been lost. If renewables cannot achieve these targets, a decision on nuclear energy and a balanced energy policy is urgently required.

In parallel, there has been a sharp decline over the last 15 years in the technical underpinning of the UK nuclear programme in terms of both Research & Development and the renewal of skills. Historically, the UK has had a wealth of valuable experience in the design, construction, licensing, commissioning and operation of nuclear plant. Much of this experience resides in individuals, many of who are in the later stages of their careers.

The UK is unique among nations holding significant nuclear fission capability but is failing to maintain any form of Government sponsored work in advanced nuclear reactor and fuel cycle technology.

The impact of this low level of funding on the nuclear skills base was highlighted in a recent study sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, which concluded that the UK will need to increase substantially the number of trained people over the next 10 years just to meet the needs of the legacy waste management programme alone.

Without action the UK is in danger is of being unable to retain the skills and capabilities needed to ensure the nuclear option is available if and when required. This point was further reinforced in a recently issued paper by the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee entitled 'Towards a Low-Carbon Fuel Economy' that states 'It is hard to imagine the nuclear skills situation improving, since the White Paper has all but ruled out new nuclear build. Even with no new build, nuclear engineers will be needed for many years to come to deal with decommissioning and storage but few graduates will be inspired to join an industry in its death throes'

In recognition of the serious impact on the UK nuclear academic base and in an attempt to reverse this downward trend, in 1997, BNFL embarked on a strategy of establishing University Research Alliances with the aim of underpinning key areas of nuclear technology in the UK. To date four University Research Alliances have been established in Radiochemistry (Manchester), Particle Technology (Leeds), Waste Immobilisation (Sheffield) and Materials Performance (UMIST). All the centres have created new, permanent staff appointments and assigned a Professor to each programme.

While an excellent start has been made in establishing the University Research Alliances more needs to be done to support nuclear technology and encourage regeneration of skills needed to keep present facilities operational and maintain the option of assessing and deploying future nuclear systems. That is why I am pleased that we have been presented with an opportunity to contribute to the World Nuclear University which will be complementary to what we have already established here in the UK.

The advent of the World Nuclear University is a strong affirmative stance by the industry that indicates that the nuclear industry is already a large market with the potential for further growth.

Although primarily a "virtual" institution, the new World Nuclear University mechanism of international co-operation will serve as a powerful worldwide stimulus:

Firstly, providing support to our current nuclear programmes. The continued safe and reliable operations of the world's existing nuclear power plants requires the retention of core capabilities in key technical areas such as safety, engineering and design.

Secondly, maintaining competence to select, license and operate new reactors. We must ensure that the necessary engineering and analytical skills are in place to make an informed assessment of candidate designs and to operate the plants safely and efficiently thereafter.

Thirdly, keeping abreast of international developments in the next generation of nuclear reactors and fuel cycles

On the international stage the World Nuclear University will help provide focus on existing nuclear knowledge and skills; international standards in academics, ethics and operational performance; and enhanced public understanding as needed to support a sound global nuclear policy.
Equally vital is the technical contributions and experience gained from direct participation in such a programme.

We must all endeavour to secure funding from our respective Governments to maintain the nuclear skill base and the capability for new build as a real viable option. Research and Technology investment has to continue for the future of this industry, without this support there is a serious risk that the nuclear option will not be effectively available when we need it.

We need to continue to improve other people's perception of us and our industry. We must concentrate on winning hearts and minds. The public debate has increased but we need a balanced communications programme that reiterates and also enhances the importance of nuclear energy.

Through a world wide network that co-ordinates, supports and draws on the strengths of established institutions of nuclear learning, the World Nuclear University will help to maintain the skills, capabilities, knowledge and technology to enable global companies to participate in this global market. In most instances it will serve to complement the programmes already established within many of our countries.

I look forward to seeing the World Nuclear University flourishing and making its contribution to our energy policy.