The down-to-earth, technical and scientific story surrounding nuclear power plants

In the past week and the months before, nuclear power plants have been in the news quite a bit. Since its publication in the coalition agreement and the global search for alternatives to oil and gas, there has been a new political and emotional charge in this subject. Every now and then experts speak, but during the World of Technology & Science three speakers provide technical expertise on safety and robustness of nuclear power plants. With a maximum of 440 attendees for this seminar, you can still register for the down-to-earth story.

Nuclear technology, in all its diversity, is an indispensable part of our society. One of its applications is energy generation. The 'present state' of nuclear energy generation in nuclear power plants is discussed in Jan van Cappelle's presentation.

The speaker is a board member of the KernVisie Foundation and works at EPZ for, among other things, the nuclear safety of the Borssele location. He discusses the basics of nuclear energy in the current generation of nuclear power plants. The fuel cycle, including waste management, is discussed.

A look at new designs shows where the nuclear industry is moving. The speaker will also discuss the role of nuclear energy on the road to a CO₂-neutral society, with a focus on the perspectives within the Dutch context.

A nuclear installation functions within the requirements of a permit. NRG In-service Inspections is a team of specialists that inspects whether crucial welded connections meet the required requirements. How do the experts guarantee that safety is guaranteed? Jan Willem Spoelstra gives two concrete examples of inspections in the Netherlands and Sweden to show the public how such projects proceed.

Professor Jan Leen Kloosterman discusses the future of nuclear power plants. The speaker begins with an image of the characteristics of nuclear waste. How is nuclear waste treated and which components can be recycled?

This problem is the basis for achieving Generation 4 reactors. Are these reactors still far away or can they be realized soon? What about concepts based on Uranium and Plutonium? Which nuclear installations are possible based on Thorium as a breeding material?

The speaker will discuss molten salt reactors (MSR). Other future designs such as small modular reactors (Small Modular Reactors – SMR), current developments and the relevance of keeping up to date knowledge in this area are also discussed.

You can here register for a visit.