Sellafield and Fraunhofer deepen collaboration through graduate secondment

April marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Sellafield Ltd and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), with the successful completion of a graduate secondment aimed at advancing next-generation nuclear monitoring technology.

Supporting a Game Changers innovation project, Charlotte Edge – a Technical Graduate from Sellafield and part of the Retrievals Strategy & Technical team – took part in an embedded work placement with Fraunhofer CAP in Glasgow. The initiative focused on progressing the collaborative development of advanced Condition Monitoring and Inspection (CM&I) technologies. These technologies are designed to monitor the evolution of nuclear waste and ensure the integrity of 3m³ waste storage boxes, crucial to Sellafield’s safety and environmental goals. 

At the heart of the project is the Range Resolved Hydrogen System, a state-of-the-art optical sensing technology being developed to detect and monitor hydrogen gas in nuclear waste stores. By using an upscaled Raman spectrometer, the system can detect hydrogen concentrations from distances up to 80 metres, providing real-time insights into gas evolution within storage environments. 

During the secondment, Charlotte worked alongside Fraunhofer experts to assemble and align the optical components of the system. The collaborative build phase included hands-on configuration of the laser-based detection apparatus, safety risk assessments related to laser usage, and preparation for upcoming field trials. This work plays a key role in developing an inactive demonstrator that will elevate the technology to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, with elements of TRL 6. 

The placement not only advanced technical development but also fostered significant cross-sector learning. Sellafield staff gained specialist knowledge in optics and laser-based sensing, while Fraunhofer deepened its understanding of the complexities and operational constraints within the nuclear sector. The exchange sparked insightful discussions on procedural and cultural differences between industries, enriching both teams’ perspectives.

"I had a great time," said Charlotte Edge. "It was a very valuable experience being able to be hands-on with the technology and getting to explore new concepts. Thank you to Fraunhofer for this wonderful opportunity!"

This secondment exemplifies the strength of industry-academic collaboration in solving some of the UK’s most challenging nuclear engineering problems. By combining Sellafield’s operational expertise with Fraunhofer’s technological innovation, the partnership is creating a path forward for safer, more effective nuclear waste monitoring. 

As testing of the hydrogen monitoring system moves forward, both organisations look to continue building on this successful collaboration – one that not only drives innovation but also strengthens cross-sector knowledge and capability.