Monday 18 July 2022

NNL is proud to be featured in two new publications by the Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO) summarising the achievements of the Nuclear Innovation Programme (NIP), a key part of the UK government’s £505 million Energy Innovation Programme, and showcasing UK nuclear R&D facilities.

The NIP ran from 2016 to 2022, and the new publication showcases the projects funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). As the UK’s laboratory for nuclear fission, NNL led or participated in 12 of the projects profiled in the brochure here.

NIRO have also published a brochure on UK nuclear facilities, this is a great way to showcase what the UK has and includes our world leading capabilities at NNL here.

Paul Nevitt, Science and Technology Director at NNL said, “Investing in scientific research and unleashing innovation is fundamental to our work as a national laboratory. The BEIS nuclear innovation programme was the largest investment focussed on future nuclear fission R&D in a generation and has been a critical step to ensure that the UK has the skills and capabilities to support long-term energy security. These two publications showcase both the fantastic achievements from the NIP which we are incredibly proud of at NNL, including what we have achieved leading the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP), and highlight the wealth of capability in UK infrastructure – including our world leading facilities at NNL.”

Gareth Headdock is NNL’s Vice President for BEIS and Advanced Nuclear Technologies, and adds, “The fuels and technologies developed through the Nuclear Innovation Programme will enable the next generation of nuclear deployment.  Advanced nuclear technology is not just about generating electricity. It will provide exciting opportunities in hydrogen production and heat to decarbonise some of the industries that are currently reliant on fossil-fuels. Nuclear is a key part of the UK’s Net Zero future. This investment has made a real difference for the UK and provides a platform to build from.”