This week, the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) launched its strategic plan for the future of nuclear over the next five years.
The plan is built around fuel security, appropriate infrastructure, science and evidence needed for safe operations, safe plutonium science and environmental restoration and health.
Michael Shanks, Energy Minister, said: “We are committed to developing the next generation of nuclear power, and UKNNL plays a key role in making these ambitions a reality, working to accelerate the science behind future reactors, keeping systems running safely and securing the UK’s fuel supply.
“This strategic plan will help us take a lead in the industries of the future, powering growth and jobs up and down the country.”
The UKNNL say in the plan that the UK is building nuclear again at a scale not attempted in a generation, with large scale reactors in construction and small modular reactors under development, alongside advanced reactors and fuels.
The previous strategic plan, released in 2021, was met with uncertainty and sector instability.
Andrew Howarth, VP Strategy at UKNNL, said: “Now, government policy is a lot clearer, and we know what’s happening across new build, defence and decommissioning. That changes what the national laboratory has to be ready for.”
UKNNL say the purpose and missions of the plan is nuclear science to benefit society.
