Systemic risk and polycrisis: Potential for novel risks to impact the nuclear industry now and in the future

Contributors: Nick King and Phil Adams 

Published in Nuclear Future 22.3

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63198/nuclearfuture223917

SUMMARY

• This paper discusses systemic risk and polycrisis and how these phenomena have the potential to impact on the nuclear industry.
• The nature of systemic risk and polycrisis are described with the aid of historical examples. The context and mechanisms for how the global industry could be impacted by these novel sources of risk now and in the future are also presented, underpinned by multiple scenarios.
• The opportunity for the nuclear industry to recognise the potential for its risk environment to change in future, and the scope to respond with proactive measures and changes of mindset, is highlighted.

AUTHORS

Nick King is a Principal Environmental Consultant in the AtkinsRéalis nuclear business, providing technical services including radioactive waste management and dose assessment to UK and international clients in different stages of the nuclear lifecycle. Nick is also active in the academic and think tank sectors as an independent visiting researcher, with interests in systemic risk and the energy transition.

Phil Adams is a Technical Director in the AtkinsRéalis nuclear business, overseeing work to the New Build Sector. Phil has a background in Nuclear Safety, and has built a team that successfully delivers complex facility safety cases for new and existing assets.