Two nuclear engineers from the University of Sheffield have been appointed to HM Government’s Advisory Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM).
Professor Neil Hyatt and Dr Claire Corkhill – from the University of Sheffield Energy Institute and Immobilisation Science Laboratory – have many years’ experience of developing and evaluating solutions for the long-term safe storage of waste materials generated by the world’s nuclear industry.
CoRWM is an independent body that actively scrutinises and advises ministers of the UK government, and devolved administrations, on the plans and programmes for long-term management of higher activity radioactive wastes.
Members are appointed by, and report to, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on behalf of the UK government and devolved administrations.
Dr Corkhill said: “We have accumulated nuclear waste for over 70 years, and while this material is safe and secure in the short term, existing storage arrangements are inadequate for long-term disposal.
“Given the 100,000 years or more these wastes will remain hazardous, it is crucial we don’t leave the problem to be solved by future generations.”
Professor Hyatt added: “We are looking forward to bringing our expertise, and working with the Committee, to support the development of policy and strategy for the safe long-term management of the UK radioactive waste inventory.”
The Energy Institute carries out energy research across a wide spectrum of fields, including renewable, nuclear and conventional energy generation, and energy storage.
Research into nuclear energy is one of the institute’s strengths, with academics conducting world leading research.