Based on the IEE’s Alan Blumlein Lecture, which Dr Hawley entitled “The History and Future of Nuclear Power”, the author outlines the conflict between a desire to reduce global warming and the increasing demand, particularly of developing nations, for electrical power.

Whilst renewables such as wind-generated electricity have a place in the ‘clean’ energy spectrum, it is argued that only nuclear energy is able to fulfil this ever-increasing demand. As fossil fuels become scarcer, particularly in the UK, the security of supplies of oil, gas and coal from less than stable regions cannot be assured - another reason to concentrate on the construction of a new generation of nuclear power stations.

Dr Hawley considers the progress of other nations’ plans in this area and concludes by listing the actions which the UK Government ought to be taking so as to ensure a stable electricity supply in the future.