The week-long workshop showcased best practice in innovative technologies to support nuclear decommissioning.
Held at Energus in West Cumbria, the event brought together experts from around the globe to share their opportunities, benefits and challenges in harnessing robotics and advanced technologies for safer, more efficient activities.
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) visitors also took part in a Sellafield tour organised by Claire Cleaver-Jones, who said:
The NEA brings together a selection of countries dedicated to sharing state of the art knowledge in the field of nuclear energy, and we were delighted to be part of the event.
The workshops focused on the role of innovation in harnessing robotics for safer, more efficient activities for decommissioning. It’s imperative that the nuclear industry continues to learn, share best practice and policies to support robotics as business as usual to achieve our mission in a quicker and safer way.
NEA and Sellafield Ltd representatives
Chief technology officer Robin Ibbotson, who opened the event said:
Throughout its history, Sellafield has been leading on nuclear innovation.
We need to manage and maintain the legacy, whereas in new sectors you have a green field on which to grow.
This is why conferences focused on innovation in our stage of the nuclear lifecycle are so important. It provides the opportunity to learn, share and transfer best practice.
I’m hugely proud of the work delivered across the business in innovation, from our new IT solutions in AI, our pragmatic approach on our major projects and our recent world firsts on robotics in remediation and engineering.
Also, how we support collaboration across the UK nuclear enterprise and deployments across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group.
Gabriele Grassi, NEA deputy head of radioactive waste management division said:
The nuclear back end is a driving force for innovation, where new technologies can transform our work.
Automation, robotics, remote operations, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence – to name a few – have tremendous potential to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and reduce costs. Beyond operational benefits, these innovations can also strengthen public confidence in the nuclear sector.
They demonstrate that decommissioning and waste management can be carried out safely, effectively, and cost-efficiently, which is essential for the future of nuclear energy.
Melanie Brownridge, NDA chief research and development officer added:
The integration of robotics and AI in the decommissioning of the UK’s nuclear estate is essential for increasing value for taxpayers.
Events like this provide a platform to bring together leading experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, while showcasing the world- class work being undertaken at Sellafield and across the rest of the NDA group.
