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<p>Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) has shortlisted a new wave of feasibility projects aimed at testing innovative approaches for the decommissioning of the British Experimental Pile 0 (BEPO) reactor at Harwell.</p><p>BEPO, a compact research reactor, provides an ideal testbed for novel technologies due to its low radiological risk and complex structure, including reinforced concrete shielding, graphite blocks, and thermal components. Access is constrained, waste volumes are significant, and the safe handling of activated materials is critical. The <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Innovative_Solutions_for_BEPO_Reactor_Decommissioning:_Access,_Dismantling_&amp;_Materials_Handling,_Waste,_Digital_Solutions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(63, 81, 181);">challenge</a> seeks technologies capable of creating safe access, dismantling reactor components, managing waste, and providing digital oversight, all with minimal human exposure.</p><p>Selected projects were awarded Game Changers feasibility funding, with work having started early in 2026 and decisions for proof-of-concept projects due soon.</p><h2>Project Highlights</h2><h3>Barrnon Ltd – B-IDP™</h3><p>Barrnon proposes the Barrnon Integrated Decommissioning Platform (B-IDP™), a modular, scalable system combining robotic handling, waste sorting and digital workflow. Concepts include BARRIER®-enclosed access creation, laser and saw-based dismantling of graphite and thermal shields, semi-automated waste segregation, and full digital traceability for each waste item, demonstrated on the BEPO reactor.</p><h3>New Millennium Nuclear Technologies International (NMNTI)</h3><p>NMNTI’s feasibility explores an integrated suite of remotely deployable tools – TruPro®, TruProid®, and TruGraphiLift® – to advance BEPO decommissioning. Proposed concepts include remote access, handling of reactor components, improved waste characterisation, and digital data capture to support safer, faster, and scalable dismantling methods across the UK nuclear fleet.</p><h3>Eadon – REACH</h3><p>The REACH platform is a modular, reconfigurable system designed for remote access into hazardous spaces through small access ports. Capabilities include transporting sensors, scanners and robotic tools for inspection, data gathering and sample retrieval. REACH can deploy horizontally or vertically, with articulation enabling tasks in locations inaccessible to conventional systems while carrying substantial payloads.</p><h3>Singular Machines Ltd</h3><p>Singular Machines proposes AI-driven automated design for tooling to extract BEPO graphite safely and efficiently. The concept aims to shorten design cycles from months to days and demonstrate scalability by generating bespoke tooling variants for multiple NRS reactor sites, providing an economical pathway for wider fleet application.</p><h2>Collaborative Delivery and Rapid Progress</h2><p>Solving the challenge of BEPO decommissioning is being driven by close collaboration between NRS, the Game Changers delivery team, and potential solution providers. FIS360 Project Manager Kirstie Ryan highlighted the swift progress achieved, from developing and sharing the challenge statement, through application down‑selection, to initiating feasibility projects. Clear communication, prompt responses to queries, well‑structured processes, and strong, proactive engagement from all parties have enabled NRS to move from initial challenge definition to reviewing 60 applications and completing four feasibility projects within just a few months.</p><h2>Benefits Beyond BEPO</h2><p>These feasibility projects aim to accelerate BEPO’s decommissioning, demonstrating innovative technologies that could transform nuclear decommissioning across the UK. By improving safety, reducing costs, and enabling smarter handling of radioactive materials, successful concepts could be adapted across NRS’s 50+ reactor sites, helping the UK nuclear sector decommission legacy reactors faster and more efficiently.</p>

<p>Four projects have been selected by Nuclear Restoration Services to test innovative technologies for decommissioning the BEPO reactor at Harwell, with potential to improve safety, efficiency and scalability across UK nuclear sites.</p>

NRS launches Game Changers feasibility projects for BEPO reactor decommissioning

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<p>The University of Nottingham and Ice9 Robotics are developing an inflatable snake robot for inspecting pipework at Sellafield, potentially improving inspection capability, reducing operational risk and supporting safer nuclear operations.</p>

Game Changers launches proof-of-concept project for pipe inspection technology

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<h2>Addressing a Long-Term Corrosion Challenge&nbsp;</h2><p>Sellafield’s purpose-built storage facilities are expected to safely contain materials for around 100 years, but the site’s coastal environment creates a humid, salt-laden atmosphere that can accelerate corrosion of aluminium and stainless-steel structures within the store.&nbsp;</p><p>Access to the storage areas is extremely restricted, with inspections needing to take place through 140mm inspection ports and in environments with limited lighting and power. Sellafield Ltd’s Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) portfolio has a vision to deploy a sensor on a robotic arm which is capable of monitoring corrosion on any part of the store’s structure.&nbsp;</p><p>Through the Game Changers programme, SNM sought innovative technologies capable of non-destructive evaluation, corrosion measurement and sampling, while also gathering environmental data such as temperature and humidity.&nbsp;</p><p>Solving this <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/SNM_stores_inspection_-_corrosion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">challenge</a> is expected to deliver savings of between £10 million and £20 million within 5 to 10 years, through improved understanding and management of corrosion risks.&nbsp;</p><p>In response to this challenge, KRANS Ltd, a Haverhill-based company developing innovative inspection services, has demonstrated a promising new corrosion inspection technology. Its prototype sensor system has recently been showcased to challenge owners and project stakeholders in a proof-of-concept demonstration at the Engineering Centre of Excellence in Leconfield. Developed following a successful feasibility study completed in 2023, the technology aims to improve inspection and monitoring of SNM storage areas at the Sellafield Ltd site.&nbsp;</p><h2>Combining Advanced Inspection Technologies&nbsp;</h2><p>Following the completion of a 12-week feasibility study in August 2023, funding was approved for an 8-month proof-of-concept project, which began in August 2025. During this phase, KRANS developed a prototype combining Eddy Current Arrays (ECA) with Digital Image Monitoring (DIM) to detect and measure pitting corrosion and microcracking on both aluminium and stainless-steel structures.&nbsp;</p><p>The technique assesses flaw depth with minimal surface preparation, while advanced digital image correlation analysis rapidly detects and counts corrosion pits and microcracks. The system has been specifically designed to operate in difficult-to-access environments without the need for extensive supporting infrastructure.&nbsp;</p><h2>Successful Demonstration at Leconfield&nbsp;</h2><p>At the Leconfield demonstration, stakeholders were shown how the prototype ECA and DIM sensor could identify corrosion features in challenging conditions. The successful demonstration provided confidence that the combined technology approach could significantly improve corrosion monitoring capability for long-term nuclear storage facilities.&nbsp;</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1189737954/"></iframe><p>One stakeholder said: “The combination of Eddy Current Array and Digital Image Monitoring has been demonstrated to be a very promising technique for measuring corrosion features on our store structures.”&nbsp;</p><p>They added: “KRANS have applied their considerable experience in non-destructive testing and image analysis to combine two technologies which could greatly improve measurement uncertainties over using either technique on its own.”&nbsp;</p><h2>Supporting Safer Long-Term Storage&nbsp;</h2><p>The ability to accurately measure corrosion is critical to maintaining confidence in the long-term integrity of the stores and supporting Sellafield’s mission to create a safe environment for future generations.&nbsp;</p><p>Beyond Sellafield, the technology could offer wider benefits across the nuclear industry wherever long-term asset integrity monitoring is required in hazardous or inaccessible environments. The development demonstrates how Game Changers continues to connect operational challenges with innovative technology providers capable of accelerating practical solutions.&nbsp;</p><h2>Next Steps&nbsp;</h2><p>The next phase of the project will focus on validating the technique further using more representative corrosion samples and refining the sensor design to enable deployment via robotic systems. Robotic deployment methods are currently being developed through other Game Changers projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KRANS demonstrated a prototype corrosion inspection sensor for Sellafield Ltd SNM stores, successfully showcasing advanced detection capabilities and progressing towards further validation and future robotic deployment.</p>

New corrosion inspection technology demonstrated for Sellafield SNM stores

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<p>A new feasibility project,&nbsp;<strong>DielectraScan&nbsp;</strong>from the University of Nottingham, has been&nbsp;funded&nbsp;under the Game Changers programme.&nbsp;The&nbsp;project&nbsp;focuses on developing&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>measurement system based on dielectric properties</strong>&nbsp;for real-time measurement to support more effective nuclear waste management.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/In-situ_real-time_characterisation_and_measurement_of_materials_for_effective_nuclear_waste_management" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">challenge</a> being addressed&nbsp;highlighted the need for&nbsp;<strong>in-situ, real-time measurement and characterisation of materials</strong>. At sites such as Sellafield Ltd, understanding the properties and composition of nuclear waste is essential for safe handling, storage, and processing. Existing techniques can&nbsp;require long&nbsp;timeframes&nbsp;of up to 12 weeks for&nbsp;sampling and analysis, which may&nbsp;limit the&nbsp;speed of operational decision-making and introduce inefficiencies into complex processes.</p><p>Addressing this challenge could bring&nbsp;a number of&nbsp;operational benefits.&nbsp;Reduced requirement for intrusive sampling in challenging environments would improve safety, and access to real-time data would support more&nbsp;timely&nbsp;decision-making, reduce uncertainty, and help optimise waste handling processes.&nbsp;It may also&nbsp;release laboratory capacity (a limited resource) to provide support for other projects and business needs.&nbsp;For Sellafield, where waste streams can vary widely, improved characterisation tools could support ongoing hazard reduction and site clean-up activities.</p><p>The&nbsp;DielectraScan&nbsp;project, which began in mid-January, centres on the development of an <strong>in-situ&nbsp;measurement system based on dielectric properties</strong>. These properties describe how materials respond to electromagnetic energy, including how they store and dissipate it. Because materials&nbsp;exhibit&nbsp;distinct dielectric characteristics, these can be used to infer properties such as composition or condition. The work will build on&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;at the University of Nottingham in microwave material processing and characterisation, with the aim of developing a system capable of&nbsp;providing&nbsp;real-time insights.</p><p>A key aspect of&nbsp;DielectraScan&nbsp;is the intention to combine dielectric sensing with&nbsp;<strong>secondary measurement techniques through sensor fusion</strong>, supported by artificial intelligence. By integrating multiple data sources, the system could provide a more rapid and comprehensive understanding of material properties. The feasibility study will assess which analytes relevant to Sellafield can be characterised using dielectric&nbsp;methods, and&nbsp;explore the potential for AI to&nbsp;turn&nbsp;measurements&nbsp;into practical metrics to support operator decision-making.</p><p>Subject to the outcomes of the study, there is potential for follow-on work to develop a&nbsp;<strong>portable or robotically deployed prototype</strong>. Such a system could enable remote measurements in challenging environments and reduce the need for manual sampling. This approach&nbsp;could both&nbsp;improve safety and&nbsp;further&nbsp;shorten testing timelines and improved&nbsp;access to data in operational settings.</p><p>If developed further, this&nbsp;capability could support Sellafield Ltd and the wider Nuclear Decommissioning Authority estate in enhancing how materials are&nbsp;monitored&nbsp;and assessed.&nbsp;The measurement and deployment approach&nbsp;could also have applications beyond the nuclear sector, including in areas such as environmental monitoring,&nbsp;manufacturing, and process industries, where rapid, non-invasive material characterisation is of interest.</p>

<p>DielectraScan is a University of Nottingham project testing new sensor technology to measure nuclear waste at Sellafield Ltd, aiming to reduce long timeframes for lab testing, improve safety, and improve speed in decision-making.</p>

DielectraScan feasibility project announced to support advances in nuclear waste characterisation

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<p>Sellafield Ltd has shortlisted a new wave of Game Changers feasibility projects aimed at solving one of its most complex engineering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Remote_deployment_method_for_sensors_in_nuclear_store_structures" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">challenges</a>: remotely deploying corrosion-sensing equipment inside the Sellafield Product and Residue Store (SPRS).</p><p>Located on the coast at Sellafield site, the facility faces persistent humidity and salt-laden air that accelerate corrosion of steel and aluminium structures. With cell access highly restricted, the operator needs robotic and mechanical systems capable of delivering inspection tools through ceiling ports and ventilation ducts, without human entry.</p><p>Routine remote inspection would sharpen understanding of corrosion rates, improve lifetime forecasting for the store’s 100-year mission, guide maintenance planning, and shape remediation and prevention strategies. The capability also supports a major cost avoidance: replacing the facility could cost around £1 billion.</p><p>The current challenge focuses on deployment systems,&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/SNM_stores_inspection_-_corrosion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">earlier work</a>&nbsp;addressed sensor technologies. Selected projects are progressing&nbsp;as&nbsp;12-week&nbsp;Game Changers feasibility projects.</p><h2>Project Highlights&nbsp;</h2><h3>Rotex&nbsp;Technologies Ltd – RTCA: Remote Telescopic Cylinder on AGV for Sensor Deployment&nbsp;</h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rotex&nbsp;Technologies&nbsp;proposes a remotely controlled automated guided vehicle fitted with a collapsible pneumatic telescopic mast capable of extending up to&nbsp;several&nbsp;metres. Designed for radioactive environments, the concept would stabilise via a&nbsp;quadripod&nbsp;base and carry cameras, lighting and corrosion sensors weighing&nbsp;a few&nbsp;kilograms. Compact for duct entry, the system is intended to support repeatable annual measurements at precise coordinates with real-time visualisation, without personnel entering cells.</span>&nbsp;</p><h3>Istituto Italiano di&nbsp;Tecnologia&nbsp;–&nbsp;RoSe: Robotic System for Sensor Deployment&nbsp;</h3><p>IIT’s&nbsp;RoSe&nbsp;concept proposes reconfigurable robotic modules designed to perform a staged mission. The system would be lowered through&nbsp;a manhole, with the intention of navigating to the cell base, traversing narrow corridors, and deploying a secondary climbing robot. That robot is intended to ascend stainless-steel structures to position sensors and inspection tools where&nbsp;required, supporting multi-surface access in constrained, high-hazard spaces.&nbsp;</p><h3>Eadon Consulting Ltd – REACH VERTEX&nbsp;</h3><p>REACH VERTEX is a proposed modular carbon-fibre deployment platform engineered for strength,&nbsp;reach&nbsp;and adaptability. The system is designed to carry payloads of up to 25kg horizontally over 10 metres or vertically to 20 metres through standard access ports. Articulated hinge and swivel modules are intended to support navigation around obstacles. The reusable platform would support manipulators,&nbsp;tools&nbsp;and sensors, with optional winch capability aimed at expanding inspection range and payload flexibility.&nbsp;</p><h3>Ice Nine Ltd – Miniature External Corrosion Inspection Payload Unit&nbsp;</h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ice Nine’s proposed solution centres on a compact modular payload lowered and controlled via a&nbsp;manipulator. On-board actuation will press sensor packages directly against inspection targets for detailed characterisation. The proposed system is intended to position itself precisely between structural channels and adapt sensor configurations to mission needs, enabling flexible, close-contact corrosion analysis across multiple locations.</span></p><h2>Industry Perspective&nbsp;</h2><p>Ben Clowes, Sellafield challenge owner, said the work addresses areas “not designed for people to reach,” adding that the technologies&nbsp;represent&nbsp;“a step change” in deploying non-destructive examination inside nuclear stores.&nbsp;</p><p>He praised the “level of creativity” in proposals and noted strong awareness of nuclear-site safety and security requirements. Early collaboration between applicants has also been encouraging, he said, improving prospects for an integrated, best-fit solution.&nbsp;</p><h2>Why It Matters&nbsp;</h2><p>Even partial success could significantly enhance operational safety, inspection&nbsp;coverage&nbsp;and maintenance planning at SPRS while extending asset life. By enabling earlier intervention and better data, remote deployment technologies strengthen long-term stewardship of special nuclear materials and reduce the likelihood of costly infrastructure replacement.&nbsp;</p><p>Feasibility work now continues toward active demonstrations, with solutions targeted for operational readiness before the end of the decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Innovative robotic systems shortlisted to remotely deploy corrosion sensors inside the Sellafield Product and Residue Store. The technology aims to improve inspection, extend facility life, and avoid costly infrastructure replacement.</p>

Innovators advance remote corrosion inspection at UK nuclear store

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<p>A new power technology demonstration at Sellafield's Engineering Centre of Excellence has showcased a safe, portable solution capable of powering remote systems in hazardous environments, offering a potential step-change for nuclear operations. Remote Maintenance Systems (RMS) and Metalectrique collaborated on a Game Changers proof-of-concept (PoC) project to present a novel aluminium-air (Al-Air) power pack prototype, designed to deliver reliable, long-duration energy for wireless communications and sensors, without the limitations of traditional battery or cabled solutions.</p><h2>The Challenge: Powering Equipment Safely in Hazardous Areas</h2><p>Operations in contaminated or remote nuclear environments present a unique set of challenges. Reliable power is essential for communications, monitoring sensors, and supporting remote technologies such as the Spot® robot. Conventional solutions, however, come with trade-offs: cabled systems are costly, restrictive, and difficult to route in confined or high-radiation spaces, while lithium batteries carry fire, thermal runaway, and disposal risks and require regular replacement or recharging.</p><p>Metalectrique Aluminium-Air Technology combined with Remote Handling technology opens an opportunity for unrestrained remote decommissioning operations, enabling areas to be reached that were previously impossible, providing faster and more effective decommissioning and reducing time at risk for operators. Other applications have been identified, such as remote sensors, long-term monitoring of containers, and on-site temporary power supplies.</p><h2>The Technology: Aluminium-Air Power with a Safe Electrolyte</h2><p>The solution emerged from a partnership between RMS and Metalectrique, progressing from feasibility studies to a PoC demonstration. The PIONEER power pack prototype uses advanced aluminium-air chemistry combined with a proprietary, non-toxic electrolyte, branded as “Metalyte.” The system produces direct current on demand via a chemical reaction, delivering a stable, flat output profile without the need for charging. Crucially, it eliminates fire risk and thermal runaway, enabling deployment in areas where conventional batteries cannot safely operate.</p><p>Modular cell and cartridge architecture allows rapid refuelling by swapping out aluminium cartridges, minimising operational downtime and supporting safe end-of-life recycling. The prototype is specifically tailored to meet Rajant node requirements, providing up to 18 W at 24 V DC.</p><p>As RMS explained during the demo: “Once connected to an appliance, it’s able to produce electricity by consuming the aluminium. That reaction happens in the electrolyte… it will enable us to put batteries and power devices into areas which normally you can’t use batteries for.”</p><h2>Proof-of-Concept Success</h2><p>The PoC demonstration confirmed the power pack could meet the electrical, safety, and durability requirements of the Rajant nodes. Bench and integration testing showed stable performance, predictable energy delivery, and compatibility with regulated, hazardous environments. It operated safely at low temperatures and delivered significantly longer operational duration than incumbent lithium primary batteries.</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1159665712/"></iframe><p>Deon Bulman, ROV Lead at Sellafield Ltd, said: “I think what they’ve proven today is just how adaptable it is to our specific needs. The technology is scalable, adaptable and flexible in terms of the different applications we could power, and it will save time and increase safety for operators.”</p><p>Rob Sharratt, Technical Director of RMS, added “Game Changers has helped massively with this. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without their support, and it just gets the technology in front of the users here at Sellafield.” With Metalectrique commenting “Game Changers enabled us to access Sellafield stakeholders, funding and real operational testing that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible. Testing on a live Rajant system proved the concept and showed the power pack could run far longer than demonstrated, with potential to double endurance through future design improvements.”</p><h2>Benefits for Sellafield and the Wider Nuclear Industry</h2><p>The aluminium-air power pack brings operational, safety, and environmental benefits. Operators can deploy power wherever needed without routing cables or monitoring battery status, enabling longer-duration use of remote technologies and scalable deployment across applications. The inherently safe chemistry eliminates fire hazards, while recyclable aluminium cartridges and benign by-products offer an environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-based systems.</p><p>As RMS highlighted: “It will also save time for the operators… there’s nothing like this technology that could enable these applications to be deployed and help the operator stay safe.”</p><h2>Next Steps: Towards Operational Deployment</h2><p>Following the successful PoC, further development is planned, including extended field trials in operational environments. The team will also explore integration with other remote systems, sensors, and tooling, with a focus on increasing power output and longevity.</p><p>By combining innovation, operational insight, and safety-first design, the aluminium-air power pack demonstrates the kind of practical, game-changing technology that can accelerate decommissioning and improve efficiency in the nuclear sector.</p>

<p>A successful proof-of-concept at Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated a portable aluminium-air power pack for hazardous nuclear environments, delivering long-duration, fire-safe energy for remote systems and sensors while improving safety, flexibility and decommissioning efficiency.</p>

News

NRS launches Game Changers feasibility projects for BEPO reactor decommissioning

Game Changers launches proof-of-concept project for pipe inspection technology

New corrosion inspection technology demonstrated for Sellafield SNM stores

DielectraScan feasibility project announced to support advances in nuclear waste characterisation

Innovators advance remote corrosion inspection at UK nuclear store

Remotely deployable power – revolutionising operations in hazardous environments