After four years of collaboration, the IAEA has redesignated the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory as an IAEA Collaborating Centre, signing a new four-year agreement to develop work around future fuels and sustainable fuel cycles.

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is the only IAEA Collaborating Centre dedicated to advanced fuel cycles, addressing key issues like the recycling of nuclear fuel for advanced and innovative reactors. It supports the IAEA in developing and implementing activities aimed at ensuring the safe, efficient, and sustainable advancement of nuclear energy through research and development, knowledge transfer, education and training. Its extension for another four-year term will enhance countries’ understanding of advanced fuel and advanced fuel cycles, supporting their efforts to develop and deploy advanced reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs).

“During its first four years, UKNNL has supported our efforts to strengthen Member States’ capacities in the field of advanced nuclear fuel and related fuel cycles,” said Olena Mykolaichuk, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technologies. “Access to UKNNL’s infrastructure and expertise was invaluable in developing educational and training courses for Member States on fuel cycle modelling, nuclear power reactor fuel development and spent fuel management.”

The centre is located in northwestern England at the UKNNL’s Preston Laboratory, which conducts research aimed at improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of nuclear energy.

“Strong international collaborations are key to underpinning future success for future fuels and fuel cycles. It is fantastic recognition that the IAEA has chosen the UK and UKNNL to continue hosting their only Collaborating Centre on advanced fuel cycles,” said Paul Nevitt, UKNNL Vice President of Science and Technology. ?“It’s also a great opportunity to develop and train the next generation of national and international experts.”

IAEA Collaborating Centres

To advance the practical use of nuclear technologies, the IAEA actively collaborates with designated institutions worldwide. These IAEA Collaborating Centres support the Agency by conducting original research and development as well as training in nuclear science, technologies, and their safe and secure applications. Currently, there are more than 75 IAEA Collaborating Centres across some 40 countries. For more information, please visit the Collaborating Centres Portal.