The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has extended its partnership with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), as an IAEA Collaborating Centre.
Following four years of existing collaboration, the IAEA has signed a new four-year agreement to develop work around future fuels and sustainable fuel cycles.
As an IAEA collaborating centre, UKNNL is dedicated to advanced fuel cycles, addressing key issues, such as the recycling of nuclear fuel for advanced reactors.
It supports the IAEA in developing and implementing activities that ensure the safe, effective, and sustainable advancement of nuclear energy.
The expansion of the partnership for an additional four years would enhance countries’ understanding of advanced fuel and advanced fuel cycles.
It would support their efforts to develop and deploy advanced reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs), said the atomic energy agency.
IAEA division of nuclear fuel cycle and waste technologies director Olena Mykolaichuk said: “During its first four years, UKNNL has supported our efforts to strengthen Member States’ capacities in the field of advanced nuclear fuel and related fuel cycles.
“Access to UKNNL’s infrastructure and expertise was invaluable in developing educational and training courses for Member States on fuel cycle modelling, nuclear power reactor fuel development and spent fuel management.”
The IAEA collaborating centre, located in northwestern England at the UKNNL’s Preston Laboratory, supports research to improve the safety and sustainability of nuclear energy.
IAEA is actively collaborating with global nuclear institutions, designating them as IAEA Collaborating Centres, to advance the practical use of nuclear technologies.
The collaborating centres support the agency through original research and development, along with training in nuclear science, technologies, and their safe and secure applications.
UKNNL science and technology vice president Paul Nevitt said: “Strong international collaborations are key to underpinning future success for future fuels and fuel cycles.
“It is a fantastic recognition that the IAEA has chosen the UK and UKNNL to continue hosting their only Collaborating Centre on advanced fuel cycles.
“It’s also a great opportunity to develop and train the next generation of national and international experts.”
Recently, the IAEA has updated its online eSARIS (Self-Assessment of Regulatory Infrastructure for Safety) tool to help countries strengthen nuclear and radiation safety.
eSARIS is an online tool that supports countries in reviewing their legal and regulatory frameworks to align with safety standards and improve national nuclear regulations.
