BEPO reactor decommissioning challenge.pdf

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<h2>Challenge Aims</h2>The overarching aim of this programme is to generate fit-for-purpose, reliable, and scalable solutions that accelerate the decommissioning of BEPO and reduce long-term costs. Traditional methods project completion in the late 2040s; this challenge seeks to unlock smarter, faster, and more innovative approaches that can be adapted for use across the wider UK nuclear fleet.Through this initiative, NRS aims to:<ul><li>Improve safety practices by reducing manual intervention and enhancing control over hazardous environments</li><li>Reduce long-term costs through more efficient processes and reduced programme duration</li><li>Enhance operational efficiency by integrating automation, digital tools, and advanced handling techniques</li><li>Establish scalable practices that can be applied across the NDA’s fleet of over 50 reactors</li><li>Contribute to global advancements in nuclear decommissioning through knowledge sharing and technology transfer</li></ul><h3>Access</h3>The core challenge is to design and implement innovative technologies and strategies that ensure safe, efficient, and dependable access to the BEPO reactor core. NRS is interested in robotics solutions in particular, although not exclusively. This involves developing temporary works, enabling activities, and robust procedures to facilitate entry – whether from the top or side, through the concrete shielding, or from beneath. No single route is prescribed, which opens opportunities for creative demolition techniques and novel approaches to overcome access constraints.This includes but is not limited to:<ul><li>Working at height</li><li>Demolition/removal of either part of concrete shielding or one thermal column (Figure 2)</li><li>Accessing the thermal column</li><li>Temporary works</li><li>Temporary structures</li><li>Remote and semi-remote technologies minimising waste</li><li>Health and safety priority</li></ul>A particular emphasis is placed on remote or semi-remote solutions, with a focus on minimising waste and prioritising health and safety throughout the process.<h3>Dismantling &amp; Materials Handling</h3>The aim of this theme is to identify and develop innovative methods, including robotic handling, to enable the safe and efficient dismantling of the BEPO reactor. In particular, NRS is seeking solutions that have the potential to be deployed fully remotely, with the operator working from outside the building. Currently available practice includes the use of vacuum lifters, drill and tap solutions, and x-y plotters for remote handling.The structure of the BEPO reactor is outlined in Figure 2 and further details can be provided for successful applicants. Solutions that can dismantle all or part of the reactor are sought. Briefly, the reactor contains the following elements:<ul><li>Reinforced concrete (7ft 6” thick biological shield, and foundations)</li><li>Bismuth tray barrier (7”)</li><li>Activated graphite (7.9m cube comprised of ~23,000 blocks, each between 12” x 12” x 48” and 2.23” x 7.24” x 29”, weighing approx. 850 tons in total)</li><li>Cast iron plates and thermal shields (between 2”–6” thick)</li><li>Rods (control, safety and shutdown) that contain Boron carbide</li><li>Fuel rods</li><li>Steel grid structures</li></ul><h3>Waste</h3>Dismantling of the BEPO reactor will lead to a significant volume of waste that must be packaged and disposed of. The aim of this theme is to improve waste management and disposal through mechanisms that include:<ul><li>Segregating different materials</li><li>Segregating different radioactivity levels of waste (Intermediate level waste (ILW), low level waste (LLW), very low level waste (VLLW))</li><li>Cutting or size reduction of materials</li><li>Packaging waste into predefined shielded flasks and containers</li><li>Managing traceability of waste</li><li>Investigating cleaning or recycling of materials where possible</li></ul><h3>Digital Solutions</h3>The aim of this theme is to drive innovation in decommissioning by leveraging digital solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness. Key objectives include improving data storage and sharing, enabling streamlined supply chain access, and supporting the adoption of advanced technologies such as digital construction methods, intelligent infrastructure, autonomous systems, digital modelling and data-driven decision-making tools.By embracing approaches like augmented reality, virtual reality (VR), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and digital twins, the challenge seeks to elevate safety standards, reduce human exposure to hazardous environments, and transform ways of working through better knowledge management, analytics, and predictive asset management. Additionally, automating characterisation, monitoring and inspection tasks that require significant people hours will release operators from repetitive and time-consuming work.NRS is seeking integrated digital tools used throughout the decommissioning process to support more informed, responsive and safe decommissioning operations. This includes the use of:<ul><li>Data capture</li><li>Surveying</li><li>Modelling</li><li>Automation</li><li>Data storage and sharing</li></ul> <h2>Find Out More</h2>Please download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.An interactive webinar will take place at 1pm (GMT) on Thursday 13th November 2025 where delegates will have the chance to hear directly from the challenge owners and ask any questions. <a href="https://forms.fis360.com/fis360ltd/form/GameChangerswebinarInnovativeSolutionsforBEPOReact/formperma/ypt6Fm1F1GPDiMxiqm2N8QSYa-UINaWWe0rbucnQynA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(63, 81, 181);">Register here for free.</a>The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm (GMT) on Thursday 27th November 2025.﻿Within your application, please clearly identify which of the following four priority area(s) your solution addresses – Access, Dismantling &amp; Materials Handling, Waste, Digital Solutions, or a combination of these.&nbsp;If you have experience of deploying technologies, please ensure that you evidence it within your application form or poster, as it will count towards the scoring of your application.Please note that applicants without prior deployment experience may wish to find a collaborative partner to support them or indicate that they would like to be introduced to potential collaborators should their application be successful. <h2>Assessment of Applications</h2>Applications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:<ol><li>How well does the application align with the challenge aims?</li><li>Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?</li><li>What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?</li><li>Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?</li><li>Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?</li><li>Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?</li></ol>

Innovative Solutions for BEPO Reactor Decommissioning

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Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) is responsible for the safe and secure clean-up of 12 nuclear sites across the UK, including ten former electricity generating stations and two research sites, and the operation of one hydro-electric plant.Following defuelling of the sites, our work now is as diverse as it is challenging as we pioneer the use of innovative techniques to accelerate decommissioning and clean-up.It is a complex process, bringing together many conventional challenges such as asbestos removal and asset management, as well as characterisation, processing and packaging of radioactive waste, land remediation and ultimately removal of reactor cores.Many of the challenges being faced by NRS are firsts of a kind, meaning our work is constantly pioneering and continually looking for ways of sharing best practice and seeking improvement.We work hand in hand with our supply chain to transform the tools and techniques used to deliver this important work; growing our expertise in areas such as robotics, virtual reality and digital technology which will ultimately offer significant benefits to the UK and beyond.

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS)

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), is responsible for decommissioning nuclear and research sites across the UK. These projects pose complex technical and operational challenges, which NRS addresses through focused research and development.To improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, NRS is exploring innovative technologies not yet adopted within the industry. The British Experimental Pile 0 (BEPO) at Harwell will act as a testbed for these emerging solutions. BEPO’s compact design and low radiological risk make it ideal for piloting new decommissioning methods, with successful innovations to be applied across the NDA’s 50+ reactors. NRS seeks advances in Access, Dismantling &amp; Materials Handling, Waste, and Digital Solutions. <a href="https://forms.fis360.com/fis360ltd/form/GameChangerswebinarInnovativeSolutionsforBEPOReact/formperma/ypt6Fm1F1GPDiMxiqm2N8QSYa-UINaWWe0rbucnQynA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register to find out more.</a>

Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) is seeking innovative technology solutions to support the decommissioning of nuclear reactors across the UK, with a focus on four key areas: Access, Dismantling &amp; Materials Handling, Waste, and Digital Solutions.

Needlestick and puncture-resistant materials challenge.pdf

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CHALLENGE AIMSThis challenge aims to enhance operator safety by identifying and developing needlestick and puncture-resistant materials for use in gauntlets, as well as other protective equipment such as containment bags and lay-down sheets. These materials must provide superior puncture resistance while maintaining dexterity in gauntlets, tear resistance and avoiding additional weight or bulk.While Sellafield Ltd can offer guidance on sizing and manufacturing specifications, the primary focus is on materials that can be effectively transformed into functional, puncture-resistant gauntlets and related equipment. Proposals should include evidence of the materials’ protective capabilities along with plans for their development into the requested items.Within your application, please clearly specify which item(s) your solution addresses – gauntlets, containment bags, lay-down sheets, or a combination of these. FIND OUT MOREPlease download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.An interactive webinar will take place at 2pm (GMT) on Tuesday&nbsp;18th November 2025 where delegates will have the chance to hear directly from the challenge owners and ask any questions. <a href="https://forms.fis360.com/fis360ltd/form/GameChangerswebinarNeedlestickandpunctureresistant/formperma/K9OzS4twJooSr1MKrvSU6gaZ1KvTu8MKIVmWgG9mOVA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register here for free.</a>The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm (GMT) on Tuesday 2nd December 2025. ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONSApplications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:<ol><li>How well does the application align with the challenge aims?</li><li>Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?</li><li>What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?</li><li>Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?</li><li>Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?</li><li>Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?</li></ol>

Needlestick and puncture-resistant materials for enhanced nuclear safety

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From cleaning-up the country’s highest nuclear risks and hazards to safeguarding nuclear fuel, materials and waste, Sellafield Ltd’s mission is nationally important.As they approach the completion of reprocessing and the site changes to decommissioning activities, Sellafield Ltd are increasingly focussed on environmental remediation and waste management.Research and development (R&amp;D) is fundamental to the delivery of their mission.&nbsp;New technologies and techniques can improve safety, security and reduce costs, timescales and environmental impact.Sellafield Ltd work in four value streams, prioritising efforts and maximising value:<ul><li>Retrievals: Sellafield Ltd are retrieving nuclear waste, fuel and sludge that are stored inside their legacy ponds and silos, the highest risks and hazards at Sellafield</li><li>Remediation: beyond the legacy ponds and silos, Sellafield Ltd have hundreds of nuclear and non-nuclear facilities that need to be cleaned-up</li><li>Spent nuclear fuel management: Sellafield Ltd are moving towards storing fuel instead of reprocessing it</li><li>Special nuclear materials: Sellafield Ltd have the facilities and expertise to provide safe, secure and appropriate storage for special nuclear materials</li></ul><h3>To support these value streams, Sellafield Ltd are particularly interested in innovation in these areas:</h3>

Sellafield Ltd (Lead partner)

Decommissioning work at Sellafield requires the handling of hazardous materials in confined environments such as gloveboxes. Current equipment is increasingly strained under the demands of modern decommissioning tasks. Sellafield Ltd currently uses approximately 200–250 gauntlets per month in addition to containment bags and lay-down sheets that are essential for the safe handling and transport of sharp or contaminated materials.There is an urgent need for next-generation materials capable of providing enhanced protection. Sellafield Ltd is seeking to collaborate with innovators and suppliers to accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of novel materials for use in gauntlets, containment bags and lay-down sheets. <a href="https://forms.fis360.com/fis360ltd/form/GameChangerswebinarNeedlestickandpunctureresistant/formperma/K9OzS4twJooSr1MKrvSU6gaZ1KvTu8MKIVmWgG9mOVA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register to find out more.</a>

Sellafield Ltd is seeking innovative, scalable solutions for needlestick and puncture-resistant materials to improve gauntlets, containment bags, and lay-down sheets, enhancing operator safety and operational efficiency.

Immobilising spring hangers challenge.pdf

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CHALLENGE AIMSNRS is seeking solutions that will support and immobilise structures that are currently supported by spring hangers.During decommissioning, NRS will need to remove all spring hangers, including those providing essential structural support. During this removal process, it is essential to provide alternative support for the structures that are currently suspended from spring hangers to maintain their structural integrity. These structures will need to remain in situ for a number of years whilst decommissioning operations are undertaken.Ideally, any solutions to this challenge would be applied remotely, although this is not essential. Where solutions cannot be applied remotely, the use of specialist rope access or other means that avoid the need for scaffolding structures for access are preferred.Ideally, solutions would be deployed in tandem with the protection methods described in the Current Practice section. Where this is not the case, solutions should also provide a means to prevent the ejection of spring hanger components in the event of tie-rod failure or spring-shatter/collapse.NRS has an immediate focus on the hardest-to-reach assemblies at Hinckley Point A, but that particular scenario is not the limit of application for successful solutions to this challenge. FIND OUT MOREPlease download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.An interactive webinar will take place at 9:30am (GMT) on Thursday 6th November 2025 where delegates will have the chance to hear directly from the challenge owners and ask any questions. <a href="https://forms.fis360.com/fis360ltd/form/GameChangerswebinarImmobilisingspringhangerassembl/formperma/ywK0ee71RvAKJP6IMgDo-wem-H2XUBcmB8nIwj-9NQU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register here</a> for free.The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm (GMT) on Tuesday 18th November 2025. ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONSApplications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:<ol><li>How well does the application align with the challenge aims?</li><li>Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?</li><li>What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?</li><li>Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?</li><li>Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?</li><li>Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?</li></ol>

Immobilising spring hanger assemblies for safe decommissioning

Nuclear Restoration Services Ltd (NRS) is decommissioning former Magnox nuclear power stations, where ducting in pressurised circuits was supported by spring hangers to absorb vibration and thermal movement. Larger, pre-compressed versions – constant load spring hangers – remain in use across sites, with around 1,000 still supporting essential ducting. These contain significant stored energy, posing a risk of high-speed projectile failure if released.During decommissioning, NRS must safely remove all spring hangers while maintaining alternative structural support to prevent ducting movement and ensure stability of suspended systems throughout the lengthy decommissioning process. <a href="https://forms.fis360.com/fis360ltd/form/GameChangerswebinarImmobilisingspringhangerassembl/formperma/ywK0ee71RvAKJP6IMgDo-wem-H2XUBcmB8nIwj-9NQU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Register to find out more.</a>

Nuclear Restoration Services Ltd (NRS) is seeking solutions that will provide immobilisation of constant load spring hangers during decommissioning of the former Magnox nuclear power stations.

Remote deployment method for sensors.pdf

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CHALLENGE AIMSSellafield Ltd is seeking a method to remotely deploy corrosion-sensing and inspection equipment via the ceiling ports or ground-level ventilation ducts of cells within SPRS. The deployment solution should be able to reach all required parts of the cell to place corrosion-sensing equipment at all required sites of corrosion, including those on the extrusions and on the welds.The deployment solution should be able to carry and deliver the sensor payload to where it is required and hold the sensing equipment in place at all times. It should be able to tolerate the radioactivity levels within the cell. It should also be able to record the locations of analysis/data or sample collection and should be robust so that it can be repeated across other cells within SPRS.Sellafield Ltd is seeking any solutions to this challenge to be operational/business as usual by 2029. This means that an active demonstration of a solution would be required by early 2028 at the latest. However, if an earlier solution is presented, this would be desirable. FIND OUT MOREPlease download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.You can watch a webinar and Q&amp;A session with the challenge owners for more information and details of how to apply.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1125987078/"></iframe>The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm on Thursday 30th October 2025. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THIS CHALLENGEAdditional information was requested during the webinar for detail on the access points to the store (above and below):Store additional information:<ul><li>Floor to lower steelwork – 2230mm</li></ul>&nbsp;Access to the ventilation duct:<ul><li>Manhole entry – 600mm x 600mm (please use this updated figure instead of the 730mm x 730mm as reported in the Challenge Statement).</li><li>Floor thickness – 500mm (e.g. length of ‘drop’ through the manhole)</li><li>Void height – 1000mm</li></ul>&nbsp;Access via roof access ports:<ul><li>There are no restrictions for equipment transfer through the plant (assuming any equipment can fit through a standard doorway)</li><li>A limiting size of 750mm (l) x 750mm (w) x 2000mm (h) would be suitable for access in the corridor above the roof access ports</li></ul>﻿ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONSApplications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:<ol><li>How well does the application align with the challenge aims?</li><li>Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?</li><li>What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?</li><li>Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?</li><li>Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?</li><li>Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?</li></ol>

Remote deployment method for sensors in nuclear store structures

The Sellafield Product and Residue Store (SPRS) houses special nuclear materials (SNM) that have resulted from nuclear fuel reprocessing activities. The SPRS is ventilated by the natural convection of unfiltered air, and it is known that the moisture and salt in the air are causing corrosion of steel and aluminium structures (extrusions) within the SPRS.Sellafield Ltd needs to understand whether the observed corrosion is going to be limiting to the forecast 100-year lifetime of the SPRS store and needs a method of deploying corrosion-sensing equipment to the sites of the corrosion.

Sellafield Ltd is seeking a method to remotely deploy corrosion-sensing and inspection equipment to and from corrosion sites within the Sellafield Product and Residue Store (SPRS) to help inform decision-making for the store and its content.

Challenge statement - Moving waste materials within storage silo compartments.pdf

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CHALLENGE AIMSSellafield Ltd is seeking methods for waste retrieval from compartments that can either ensure no craters are formed in a waste bed during the retrieval process, or that can redistribute waste to prevent craters from becoming excessive in size. Currently, post processed sonar is being trialled to provide an accurate method to measure the waste bed profile, but a real-time solution could significantly improve the efficiency and risk management of waste removal operations.The following benefits are of particular interest:<ul><li>Avoidance of crater formation.</li><li>Maintenance of a reasonably flat/level waste bed profile.</li><li>Capability to image and map the waste bed profile in real time.</li><li>Ability to sustain the current rate of retrievals operations.</li><li>Improving the efficiency of retrievals.</li><li>Ability to support waste retrieval for the full depth of the compartment.</li></ul>Sellafield Ltd is open to solutions that either improve the efficiency of current processes or are entirely new systems. The key is to enable predictable removal of waste material from the storage compartments.FIND OUT MOREPlease download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.You can watch a webinar and Q&amp;A session with the challenge owners for more information and details of how to apply.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1111943080/"></iframe>The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm on Thursday 28th August 2025.ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONSApplications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:<ol><li>How well does the application align with the challenge aims?</li><li>Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?</li><li>What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?</li><li>Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?</li><li>Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?</li><li>Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?</li></ol>

Moving waste materials within storage silo compartments

A significant challenge in the decommissioning of Sellafield site is emptying radioactive waste from the Magnox Swarf Storage Silos (MSSS). To date, the removal of waste material from MSSS compartments has been performed by the Silo Emptying Plant (SEP), which is only able to retrieve waste in the central area of a compartment resulting in the formation of a crater.Sellafield Ltd is seeking a new approach to managing the removal of this waste, which can either avoid craters being created or better manage them if they are created. Additionally, an accurate method to measure the waste bed profile could significantly improve the efficiency and risk management of waste removal operations.

Sellafield Ltd is seeking methods for radioactive waste retrieval from silo compartments that can either ensure no craters are formed in the waste bed or that can redistribute waste to prevent craters from becoming excessive in size.

Characterisation of fuel derived materials.pdf

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CHALLENGE AIMSSellafield Ltd is seeking solutions that can effectively identify and quantify fuel derived materials including:<ul><li>Magnox </li><li>Magnesium hydroxide </li><li>Uranium </li><li>Uranium corrosion products, which are predominantly uranium oxide </li></ul>These materials may be stored under dry, damp or underwater conditions, depending on the facility. It is understood that a single solution may not be viable to conduct characterisations under all of these conditions. Partial solutions that can characterise materials in any of the storage scenarios described are welcomed. To enable characterisation within the FGMSP, a solution must be capable of being mounted on a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) or manipulator arm, to reach fuel derived waste that is stored under water.Wider benefits could be realised if a proposed solution can:<ul><li>Distinguish other materials such as steel and aluminium.</li><li>Perform characterisation at various processing stages to ensure materials are managed appropriately and allow for informed decision-making based on accurate data.</li><li>Characterise the compositions of materials in the MSSS compartments in-situ, prior to retrieval. This would allow for more streamlined retrieval operations and provide feedback to the current material transition models.</li><li>Identify small pieces of waste, typically between 8mm and 100mm in size, which would improve waste management and processing outcomes.</li></ul>As Sellafield Ltd’s legacy waste retrievals programme is currently ongoing, solutions that can be implemented within a 1-2 year timeframe would be advantageous.Whilst deployability of characterisation methods is a critical consideration, finding a solution capable of conducting the required characterisation of these fuel derived materials is the initial challenge. Design of deployment methodology will be addressed at a later stage.FIND OUT MOREPlease download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.You can watch a webinar and Q&amp;A session with the challenge owners for more information and details of how to apply.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1068888289/"></iframe>The deadline for applications for this challenge is 3pm on Monday 14th April 2025.ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONSApplications are reviewed against set criteria by a panel of challenge owners, prospective end‐users from our partner organisations, and Game Changers project staff. Brief summary feedback will be provided if your project is not awarded feasibility funding.Application forms and posters will be assessed consistently and transparently using the following criteria:<ol><li>How well does the application align with the challenge aims?</li><li>Is the proposed solution credible from the perspective of deployment?</li><li>What potential does the proposed solution have to transform practice in your area?</li><li>Do you feel the applicant is well placed to deliver a feasibility project?</li><li>Would the solution proposed in the application benefit from feasibility funding?</li><li>Does the application meet the scope of the challenge?</li></ol>

Remote analytical techniques for characterisation of fuel derived materials

Nuclear fuel reprocessing ceased on the Sellafield site in 2022 and the site is now in its decommissioning phase. As part of decommissioning operations, Sellafield Ltd is carrying out a retrievals programme to remove fuel derived waste materials and transfer them for onward processing and eventual geological disposal.Sellafield Ltd is seeking remote analytical techniques to characterise nuclear fuel derived waste materials. This will enable better sentencing of that waste for future processing operations and disposal, reducing associated risks and improving the efficiency of retrieval of legacy waste from existing storage facilities.

Sellafield Ltd is seeking remote analytical techniques to characterise nuclear fuel derived waste materials. This will enable better sentencing of that waste for future processing operations and disposal.

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The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is a UK government owned and operated nuclear services technology provider covering the whole of the nuclear fuel cycle.Established in 2008, UKNNL brought together the UK’s nuclear research and development capability into one organisation.UKNNL provide expertise, technology and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.&nbsp;Their scientists and technologists are working at the forefront of nuclear innovation to address challenges and harness opportunities across the industry.UKNNL work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with their integrated microdrilling technology, and as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems, based on radioactive materials, for spacecraft.<h2>Innovation at UKNNL</h2>UKNNL has always been at the forefront of nuclear innovation, bringing their expertise to solve some of the industry’s most intractable problems.&nbsp;As custodians of some of the most advanced laboratories, active handling facilities, and nuclear technology research facilities in the world, UKNNL’s ability to bridge the gap between idea and application is second to none.As the nuclear sector faces a major challenge to innovate in order to compete on cost with other low-carbon technologies, UKNNL are broadening their innovation capabilities.&nbsp;The organisation has growing expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence and new materials.With a strong focus on adopting innovation from outside the sector, UKNNL are now working in partnership with Game Changers to find solutions to some of their own challenges.

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL)

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Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Dounreay is Scotland’s largest decommissioning project and is internationally recognised as one of the most complex nuclear site closure projects.For more than 50 years it was the centre of the UK’s fast reactor research and development.&nbsp;Now the team is aiming to be recognised as a centre of excellence for nuclear decommissioning.&nbsp;The experimental nature of many of its redundant facilities which included the full spectrum of nuclear operation from fuel manufacture and reactor operation to spent fuel reprocessing and waste storage means that the clean up and demolition is complex and requires innovation and great care.Cleaning up the site poses challenges involving both high radiation and contamination as well as various hazardous chemical cocktails. This presents challenges as new and innovative solutions are required to access remote cells, ducts and vessels for inspection, characterisation, size reduction and material handling. The objective is to safely package and dispose of the materials and permit site remediation.

NRS Dounreay

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NWL supplies water and sewerage services to just under 4.4 million people.Water is supplied to 794,000 properties in Essex and Suffolk, with water and sewerage services provided to 1.3 million properties in the north east of England.NWL employs just under 3,000 people and operates:<ul><li>53 water treatment works</li><li>394 water pumping stations</li><li>341 water service reservoirs</li><li>26,200.20 km water mains</li><li>410 sewage treatment works</li><li>1,007 sewage pumping stations</li><li>30,106 km sewers</li></ul>Every day we supply 1,104 megalitres (1.1 billion litres) of water. This water is drawn from reservoirs, where it is collected and stored, rivers and groundwater sources. It is treated at our works before it is delivered by a network of pipes to homes and businesses.In the north east of England, where we also provide sewerage services, wastewater is then collected from these properties via the sewerage network and treated at our works before it is returned to the environment as either clean water or sludge which can be recycled as fertiliser or used to generate energy.

Northumbrian Water

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Part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy's (BEIS)&nbsp;£505m Energy Innovation Programme, the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP) is investigating the role of advanced nuclear fuels and fuel cycles for a Net Zero future. With the UK Government committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, AFCP is laying the foundation from which Britain can maximise its current capability, meet Net Zero and continue deploying sustainable fuel and recycling concepts through the future.Developed to help equip the UK with the right skills, technology and networks to achieve carbon neutrality, AFCP leverages cross-country collaboration and cutting-edge science to steer the direction of future energy systems.Led in partnership by BEIS and the&nbsp;UK's National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL),&nbsp;AFCP pioneers a uniquely collaborative approach to innovation. Uniting NNL’s unique nuclear infrastructure with the innovative skills and capabilities of more than 100 organisations across over 10 countries, AFCP is delivering a suite of fuel cycle science themes with measurable impact across Britain’s evolving low-carbon landscape.<h3>Fuel cycle themes</h3>AFCP is divided into 11 distinct themes covering Advanced Nuclear Fuels through to Advanced Recycling and Sustainability.&nbsp;Together, these themes span the nuclear fuel cycle to enable future nuclear innovation and deployment in the UK.&nbsp;Advanced nuclear fuels<ul><li>Accident tolerant fuel: AFCP is elevating advanced technology fuels to realise their full range of benefits, fabricating and testing safe, affordable fuels of the future.</li><li>Coated particle fuel: advanced kernel technology has become increasingly valuable for high-temperature reactor conversations. </li><li>Fast reactor fuel: pioneering fast reactor technologies for more energy-efficient reactors. AFCP is investigating test fuel for fast reactor technologies and transuranic materials handling techniques.</li><li>Nuclear data: improving nuclear data to make energy analysis more insightful and accurate than ever before. </li></ul>Advanced recycling and sustainability<ul><li>Aqueous recycle: efficient recycling of water-based by-product is essential to reduce the amount and radiotoxicity of nuclear material.</li><li>Off gas capture: minimising the environmental impact of advanced recycling while ensuring industry can effectively meet regulation standards.</li><li>Pyro-processing: understanding the chemical and physical changes that can transform used nuclear reactor material into new fuel. </li><li>Waste immobilisation technologies: developing innovative technologies to safely store solid material for generations to come. </li><li>Solvent and effluent treatment: exploring alternative ways of safely treating solvent and effluents resulting from the reprocessing of spent nuclear material in a sustainable, resource-efficient manner. </li><li>Pyro waste: developing technological innovations around safely reprocessing molten salt material. This work develops UK expertise through enhanced understanding of the fuel cycle. </li><li>Fast reactor fuel recycle: developing efficient plutonium recycling routes to reduce raw material usage. Efficiently managing fast reactor material will ensure a sustainable fuel cycle. </li></ul>

Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme

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The pilot Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus (ANSIC) is a first-of-its-kind programme for the nuclear sector. Funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and delivered by the <a href="https://www.nnl.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(63, 81, 181);">National Nuclear Laboratory</a> (NNL), the campus will be based at NNL’s Preston Laboratory. ANSIC will unite industry and academia to collaborate on projects which help develop and commercialise advanced nuclear technologies in support of the long-term zero-carbon future.The campus will oversee awards of £1 million into the UK industrial and academic supply chain through a variety of competitive open calls and challenges. Technical and operational support will also be provided by NNL in the delivery of successful bids.Important on-site training and educational opportunities at the campus will help ensure the UK has the necessary skills to maintain its position at the forefront of ground-breaking nuclear research and development.Building on the UK’s long-standing nuclear expertise, ANSIC will support the nation’s nuclear sector to develop operational capacity and deliver new technologies to meet the challenges of deep decarbonisation.Two calls for innovation are now live through ANSIC. <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find out more</a>.Please note that specific IP arrangements are in place for funding applications made to Game Changers for ANSIC opportunities. More information can be found in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/ANSIC%20funding%20FAQs%203.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ANSIC funding FAQs document</a>.