Exhibition explores nuclear energy’s role in a fossil-free future
Nuclear power is a controversial and crucial topic in today’s energy debate. An ongoing exhibition at the KTH Library highlights how an innovative nuclear technology, tiny modular reactors (SMRs), can contribute to a sustainable energy future. The exhibition also revisits KTH’s unique legacy as the site of Sweden’s first nuclear reactor.
Knowledge at the core
Christophe Duwig, professor in heat-transfer and reacting flows, is together with Pär Olsson, one of the initiators of the exhibition. He believes the library setting sends an important message.
“Since it’s in the KTH Library, it had to be about knowledge. The exhibitions is cantered around SMRs and a lead cooled innovative version. It is somehow about the future but it is also about history with older books and a unique tradition at KTH, that hosted the first nuclear reactor in Sweden,” he says.
The urgency of energy transition
In addition to technical concepts, the exhibition takes a broader look at the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Visitors are introduced to the role nuclear power could play, for electricity as well as in providing clean industrial heat.
”2024 was a record year for coal use globally. In that context, the exhibition feels especially urgent,” Duwig notes.
“We are not succeeding in phasing out fossil fuels,” he says. “Europe is facing high gas prices, threatening the competitiveness of industries. We need all available low-emission solutions, and nuclear must be part of the mix.”
Hands-on learning
The exhibition offers hands-on elements. Visitors can feel the weight of a uranium pellet and imagine the compact size of a reactor core. There’s even a LEGO station where students have been invited to build their own SMR.
“Some of the students had never used LEGO before, but they dove right in. For their first LEGO construction, they could create the SMR of their dreams - certainly not a bad start.”
A common responsibility
”The main message is about creating our future - our students and young engineers will change the world as we know it. It is a collective endeavour and we should empower them and help them realize their chance and responsibility. The exhibition and associated seminars highlight that this adventure calls for many competences, not only nuclear physicists, so any KTH graduate can make a career in relation to nuclear energy.
If the present challenges are pressing and substantial, we can and should act,” Duwig concludes.
The exhibition is organised by the KTH Library in collaboration with the KTH Strategic Initiative NEXUS.