From Atoms to Power Stations
Explore how splitting an atom can be scaled all the way up to running a vast power station.
The building blocks of the universe
The atom is the building block of the universe – the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist!
How to split an atom
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller parts.
Controlling the chain reaction
The reactor core is where the magic happens to create energy. Learn about the different pieces of the reactor core puzzle.
Turning heat into electricity
Unfathomable amounts of heat. Ludicrous temperatures and pressures. Ridiculous quantities of water and steam. How exactly do you turn all that into electricity?
Operating a Nuclear Power Station
We’ve now explored all the bits and pieces that are needed to start generating power. How do we bring it all together and keep it going for decades?
The building blocks of the universe
The atom is the building block of the universe – the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist!
How to split an atom
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller parts.
Controlling the chain reaction
The reactor core is where the magic happens to create energy. Learn about the different pieces of the reactor core puzzle.
Turning heat into electricity
Unfathomable amounts of heat. Ludicrous temperatures and pressures. Ridiculous quantities of water and steam. How exactly do you turn all that into electricity?
Running a nuclear power station
We’ve now explored all the bits and pieces that are needed to start generating power. How do we bring it all together and keep it going for decades?
The Nuclear Reactor
Explore the most important components of almost any nuclear reactor.
Reactor Core
The reactor core is where the magic happens to create energy. Learn about the different pieces of the reactor core puzzle.
Moderators
In nuclear fission reactors, moderators are the key to retaining control of the reaction.
Control Rods
It’s in the name with these, they control the fission reaction inside the reactor.
Reactor Core
The reactor core is where the magic happens to create energy. Learn about the different pieces of the reactor core puzzle.
Moderators
In nuclear fission reactors, moderators are the key to retaining control of the reaction.
Control Rods
It’s in the name with these, they control the fission reaction inside the reactor.
Reactor Types
Nuclear reactors come in many different shapes and sizes. Explore the most common ones.
Pressurised Water Reactor
Pressurised Water Reactors, or PWRs, are the most common nuclear reactors in the world today.
Boiling Water Reactor
The second most common reactor type in the world boils its coolant directly, turning it into steam.
Magnox Reactor
Gas-cooled Magnox reactors were the UK’s first generation reactor fleet.
Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor
Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors, or AGRs, are the UK’s second generation reactor fleet.
Small Modular Reactor
Small Modular Reactors are the most exciting innovation in nuclear right now.
Advanced Modular Reactor
Advanced Modular Reactors, or AMRs, are Generation IV reactors and are going to be the future of the nuclear industry.
Pressurised Water Reactor
Pressurised Water Reactors, or PWRs, are the most common nuclear reactors in the world today.
Boiling Water Reactor
The second most common reactor type in the world boils its coolant directly, turning it into steam.
Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor
Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors, or AGRs, are the UK’s second generation reactor fleet.
Small Modular Reactor
Small Modular Reactors are the most exciting innovation in nuclear right now.
Advanced Modular Reactor
Advanced Modular Reactors, or AMRs, are Generation IV reactors and are going to be the future of the nuclear industry.
Radiation and its Uses
Radiation makes nuclear power possible. What is it and what else can it do?
Fission
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller parts.
Uses of Radioisotopes
Radioisotopes emit radiation. If harnessed correctly and safely, this can be a really useful property.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is used to provide imaging and treatment capability.
Fission
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atomic nucleus into smaller parts.
Uses of Radioisotopes
Radioisotopes emit radiation. If harnessed correctly and safely, this can be a really useful property.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is used to provide imaging and treatment capability.
Learning from History
Nuclear has had a complicated history. Find out what really happened.
Events that shaped Nuclear
Explore the key events in history that have shaped the nuclear industry of today.
Events that shaped Nuclear
Explore the key events in history that have shaped the nuclear industry of today.
Nuclear and the Environment
Explore the contributions of nuclear to net zero and how we keep our industry safe.
Climate Change and the Road To Net Zero
Net zero is a balance between CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.
Low-Carbon Energy
Explore the different types of low carbon energy – hydro, nuclear, solar and wind.
Nuclear vs Other Energy Sources
Find out how nuclear compares to the other major energy sources.
ONR, Site Licenses and Legislation
The Office for Nuclear Regulation, ONR for short, ensures the nuclear industry in the UK is safe and secure.
Climate Change and the Road To Net Zero
Net zero is a balance between CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.
Low-Carbon Energy
Explore the different types of low carbon energy – hydro, nuclear, solar and wind.
Nuclear vs Other Energy Sources
Find out how nuclear compares to the other major energy sources.
ONR, Site Licenses and Legislation
The Office for Nuclear Regulation, ONR for short, ensures the nuclear industry in the UK is safe and secure.