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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

More pathways

Book a demo

Ready to get started?

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Expert led content

+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

Learning analytics

Keep track of learning progress with our comprehensive data

Interactive learning

Engage with our video hotspots and knowledge check-ins

Testing & certification

Gain CPD / CPE credits and professional certification

Managed learning

Build, scale and manage your organisation’s learning

Integrations

Connect Sustainability Unlocked to your current platform

Featured Content

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Evolution of Nuclear Energy

Evolution of Nuclear Energy

Olivia Oddi

Join Olivia Oddi to discover how nuclear energy has evolved, its current role in providing reliable low-carbon power, and the exciting innovations shaping its future.

Join Olivia Oddi to discover how nuclear energy has evolved, its current role in providing reliable low-carbon power, and the exciting innovations shaping its future.

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Evolution of Nuclear Energy

14 mins 43 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Outline the current state of nuclear energy

  • Understand the future of nuclear energy

  • Identify the industry challenges regarding nuclear energy

Overview:

Nuclear energy complements renewable energy sources like solar and wind by providing a stable and reliable baseload power supply. Nuclear energy is one of the largest sources of low-carbon electricity, providing about 10% of the world’s electricity through nearly 440 power reactors. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including ageing infrastructure, high construction costs, and lengthy build times for new plants. The future of nuclear energy lies in advancing technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors are smaller, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional reactors, offering flexibility in location and faster construction. 

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Summary
What is the current state of nuclear energy? 

Nuclear energy is one of the largest sources of low-carbon electricity, providing about 10% of the world’s electricity through nearly 440 power reactors. This represents 26% of the world’s low-carbon electricity, making it a key contributor to stable and secure energy systems. Over 50 countries utilise nuclear energy in research reactors, which are used for research, medical and industrial isotope production, and training. Thirteen countries produce at least one-quarter of their electricity from nuclear power, with countries like France generating nearly 70% of their electricity from it. 

What are the challenges facing the nuclear energy industry?
 
The nuclear industry faces significant challenges, including ageing infrastructure, high construction costs, and lengthy build times for new plants. Nearly 63% of existing nuclear power plants are over 30 years old, approaching the end of their licences, though extending their lifetimes could act as a bridge while new reactors are built. Other issues include limited private investment due to regulatory hurdles, lack of market incentives for low-carbon energy, and concerns about safety and waste management. The disposal of nuclear waste and the decommissioning of ageing reactors require substantial planning and funding. Public perception of nuclear risks also continues to impact its development in some countries. 

What is the future of nuclear energy? 

The future of nuclear energy lies in advancing technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors are smaller, safer, and more cost-effective than traditional reactors, offering flexibility in location and faster construction. SMRs can operate for longer periods without refuelling, making them a promising option for expanding nuclear capacity. Nuclear energy also has potential in areas like hydrogen production and industrial heat supply. Demonstration projects are exploring hydrogen production at nuclear sites, while co-generation systems could provide heat for industries and district heating networks. These developments could further enhance the role of nuclear power in supporting a low-carbon energy future. 

How does nuclear energy fit with other low-carbon energy sources? 

Nuclear energy complements renewable energy sources like solar and wind by providing a stable and reliable baseload power supply. Unlike intermittent renewables, nuclear power consistently generates electricity, helping to stabilise the energy grid and prevent outages. Nuclear power also requires less land compared to many renewable installations, making it particularly valuable in densely populated areas. Its ability to produce large-scale electricity efficiently positions it as a key player in the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system. 

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Olivia Oddi

Olivia Oddi

Olivia Oddi, a Nuclear Safety Department employee at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has over 30 years of experience in managing nuclear safety activities. With 25 years of experience, she has worked closely with colleagues in the Nuclear Safety Department on fundraising, project management, and environmental remediation for decommissioning nuclear power plants.

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