According to Energy Choices 2006¹, CO2 emissions in the UK continue to rise, progress on energy efficiency and renewables uptake has been less than hoped, and the depletion in the North Sea gas and oil reserves has been faster than expected. All these factors contribute to the challenge now facing those working in the energy supply industry.
The Systems Performance Centre (SPC) is a research alliance between the University of Bristol and British Energy. This world-class research and education facility will deliver system-based solutions to help maintain safety and optimise operating performance of nuclear power plant.
David Smith, Director of the Centre and Professor of Engineering Materials at the University of Bristol, said: “Understanding fundamental behaviour and complex interactions is the key to improving performance. Our Centre provides underpinning skills and expertise to delivery system-based solutions. We are delighted to be collaborating with British Energy in this area.”
John Bouchard of British Energy and research co-ordinator of the Centre, said: ”Long-term partnerships with universities such as Bristol will make a vital contribution to British Energy operations that will help to sustain future UK energy supply. We are excited about the future of the Centre and look forward to working even more closely with the University of Bristol.”
The SPC will focus on producing results from consultancy and research collaborations as well as providing PhD and EngD, training and professional development opportunities. The Centre will deliver strategic research ranging from monitoring and understanding the behaviour of nuclear plant, to high-integrity engineering of safety-critical systems and studies improving operational management and performance.
Other areas for future collaboration including lifetime management, high temperature plant technology, safety case development, management and economics and human factors.
The SPC is one of only four research alliances British Energy has formed with UK universities. The others are at the universities of Manchester, Strathclyde and Imperial College, London.
The SPC will be formally launched at the University on 2 May 2007.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Thomas, will host the event and key players from industry, as well as senior staff and academics at the University, will gather to highlight the benefits of working together.