Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, before the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011
Nuclear is an important part of world's energy mix, despite the risks
By
Tue Mar 22 2011
As radioactive vapour still rises from Japan’s damaged Fukushima atomic plant, we ask David Elmes, an energy expert at Warwick Business School, for his views on the future of nuclear power.
Who are the world’s biggest players in nuclear energy? Nuclear power stations are run by a mixture of state-owned and private companies, including large energy firms such as EDF (France), KEPCO (Korea), TEPco (Japan), Excelon (US), and E.On (Germany). The countries that rely most on nuclear power are historically those who have not had hydrocarbon resources and have built a significant nuclear base as a result such as France, Korea & Japan.
Do you think the situation with the Japan’s Fukushima atomic power station will change attitudes to nuclear energy? The recent earthquake and tsunami have been a terrible tragedy and the incident now happening at Fukushima will certainly have an impact on the energy industry. At Fukushima you have seen several events piled on top of each other to cause the current problem. First the earthquake shut the plant down and then the tsunami knocked out both primary and back-up power provision. With both power systems lost, the cooling systems failed leading to the fires and explosions. What’s happened will lead to a new debate about safety in the nuclear power industry and reviews have been announced in several countries already. One aspect that will be discussed are so called ‘tail events’ - low probability but high impact events which often involve multiple or sequential incidents that overwhelm the safeguards put in place. Such events are not exclusive to the nuclear industry: BP’s Gulf of Mexico disaster and the world financial crisis had ‘tail risks’ that came together to cause a major incident.
Germany and China are two major economies to halt some nuclear activity following the Fukushima incident. Will they resume? It’s only right that this incident has led to some countries putting plans on hold while governments take stock. Thinking about the future, you need to consider each country’s energy needs and how they can be met. For countries like China and Germany it’s difficult to imagine a future energy supply without a nuclear element - China’s growth objectives and Germany’s carbon reduction goals are both very hard to achieve without some use of nuclear power. Safety precautions should be re-visited and the Fukushima incident in Japan will have an impact, but it’s difficult to make major changes to the complicated mix of energy supply that’s already adapting to meet global demands and concerns about climate change and energy security.
What are the viable non-carbon energy alternatives instead of nuclear? Hydroelectricity is already a significant source of non-carbon energy and there are now increasing amounts of wind, solar, wave and tidal energy as well. Don’t forget there are also opportunities for the more efficient use of energy, either through more efficient cars and appliances or by changing our behaviour and the energy we consume. There is also the option to decarbonise electricity from fossil fuels through the use of carbon capture and storage – if this can be proved to be technically and economically successful. However, the challenge with low-carbon or zero-carbon alternatives is that many countries and companies already have ambitious plans to increase renewable energy, in some cases by as much as 20% every year for the next decade. This is a massive programme of investment in new generating capacity and to do more, at speed, will make plans that are already ambitions even more challenging. It’s difficult to bring on the alternatives even faster and so hard to imagine the removal of nuclear any time soon.
How is nuclear energy covered in the Warwick Global Energy MBA? Our MBA looks at management issues that the energy industry faces, some of which are in the nuclear sector as well as other parts of the power industry – e.g. aging power stations, the challenges of building new facilities, the options for smaller scale distributed generation. But nuclear is just one part of the energy mix covered in the course. It’s an interesting time to be studying an MBA that has a focus on a certain industry as the energy industry is changing dramatically and management practices will evolve as a result.
Do you have any current students from the nuclear sector? We have several students from large energy companies that have nuclear power as part of their portfolio and even someone with a longer perspective who works on nuclear fusion!
About David Elmes: David Elmes has more than 20 years experience working in the energy & management consulting industries, including senior roles at BP, CapGemini and Schlumberger. He studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge and has an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is now the Academic Director for The Warwick Global Energy MBA.
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Student
Verified
1/12/2022
On Campus
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Asad
Verified
27/06/2022
Blended
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
Wenrui
Verified
19/05/2022
On Campus
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Hrithik
Verified
2/09/2020
On Campus
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Student
Verified
27/07/2020
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Student
Verified
6/07/2020
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Bakytzhan
Verified
4/07/2020
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
Student
Verified
12/08/2023
On Campus
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Student
Verified
1/12/2022
On Campus
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Asad
Verified
27/06/2022
Blended
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
Wenrui
Verified
19/05/2022
On Campus
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Hrithik
Verified
2/09/2020
On Campus
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Student
Verified
27/07/2020
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Student
Verified
6/07/2020
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Bakytzhan
Verified
4/07/2020
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
