Debate and discussion - 'What's the future for nuclear power?'
The Science Museum features a variety of science and technology topics and themes, from flying CCTV to the climate change food threat.
Currently showing on gallery, on the Antenna website and as the subject of a recent event at the Dana Centre is 'What's the future for nuclear power?'
Sciencewise has provided a round up of some of the key discussion points raised by both the experts and the public.
The topic - nuclear power
Japan’s nuclear crisis has made countries across the world question their plans for nuclear power.
What’s the future of nuclear power in the UK? Will new plants provide low-carbon electricity safely?
‘With rising populations, demands for energy will grow. We get power from renewables, fossil fuels and nuclear power. There are limited fossil fuels and fewer will be used because of their impact on climate change. Renewable sources like wind have limited efficiency. Nuclear power certainly has a role to play.'
Laurence Williams, Professor of Nuclear Safety at the University of Central Lancashire.
Public opinion
An interview with Laurence Williams, Professor of Nuclear Safety at the University of Central Lancashire inspired debate from the public.
"Why should young scientists get their teeth stuck into atomic challenges for the next 20 years if you bind their energies with this?"
"They should better concentrate on orchestrating a mix of renewables so that we will have an efficient system in twenty years that allows us to get away from nuclear power."
View the interview with Laurence as well as more on this public perspective on the Antenna site.
What do you think?
'Solar, wind, wave and water power is much more environmentally friendly and probably just as good.'
'Do we really know the major risks and benefits yet to make a decision?'
'It's cheaper and more efficient than many so called greener alternatives.'
'I think in the right hands and with the right funding it can be used safely and effectively and can help improve our planet as a whole.'
'I believe that we need to develop all forms of energy – nuclear, wind, solar, wave, hep, fusion and fossil fuels. We also need to get better at using them efficiently.'
'Engineers and scientist know already that ‘green’ energies cannot be harvested quickly enough. We need to move forward with nuclear power now to sustain life as it is.'
What do you think about the future for nuclear power?