The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (the Authority) is a UK government research organisation responsible for the development of nuclear fusion power. It is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
On its formation in 1954, the Authority was responsible for the UK's entire nuclear program, both civil and defence, as well as the policing of nuclear sites. It made pioneering developments in nuclear power, overseeing the peaceful development of nuclear technology and performing much scientific research. However since the early 1970s its areas of work have been gradually reduced, with functions transferred to other government organisations as well as to the private sector.
The Authority now focuses on UK and European fusion power research programs at Culham in Oxfordshire, including the world's most powerful fusion device, the Joint European Torus. The research aims to develop fusion power as a commercially viable, environmentally sound energy source for the future.
The Authority also remains responsible for managing the records service for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Read more about United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority: History, Locations, Dounreay
Famous quotes containing the words united, kingdom, atomic, energy and/or authority:
“Next to the right of liberty, the right of property is the most important individual right guaranteed by the Constitution and the one which, united with that of personal liberty, has contributed more to the growth of civilization than any other institution established by the human race.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)
“... what a family is without a steward, a ship without a pilot, a flock without a shepherd, a body without a head, the same, I think, is a kingdom without the health and safety of a good monarch.”
—Elizabeth I (1533–1603)
“When man entered the atomic age, he opened a door into a new world. What we eventually find in that new world, nobody can predict.”
—Ted Sherdeman. Gordon Douglas. Dr. Medford (Edmund Gwenn)
“Just as we are learning to value and conserve the air we breathe, the water we drink, the energy we use, we must learn to value and conserve our capacity for nurture. Otherwise, in the name of human potential we will slowly but surely erode the source of our humanity.”
—Elaine Heffner (20th century)
“Society in general do not like originality, especially in woman, as it looks like defying man’s authority for a woman to prefer her own methods to accepting those laid down for the majority.”
—Caroline Nichols Churchill (1833–?)