Case studies

At present, applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the nuclear sector include robotics elements used in nuclear decommissioning as well as in day-today operations on nuclear sites. However, as a sector, we have only scratched the surface of its potential use and there remain many avenues where AI could have a transformative impact

As part of NNL's environmental restoration work, we have been investing in innovation to find sustainable alternatives to existing encapsulation formulations. This has led to a promising collaboration with Clobury Quarry Ltd, which presents an exciting opportunity not just within the nuclear sector but also beyond

In January 2022, as a legacy for the UK’s presidency of COP26, NNL convened the first ever global summit for national laboratories working on energy research. Since then, the Global National Laboratories Integrated Energy Systems (GNL-IES) collaboration has begun to deliver on its ambitions. 

Established in 2016, the Centre for Innovative Nuclear Decommissioning (CINDe) is a pioneering PhD Hub set up by NNL in collaboration with Sellafield Ltd and based at Workington Laboratory

NNL is committed to using its earnings to reinvest in science and technology to bring benefit to society. Each year, we produce the Public Interest Reinvestment Contributions to Environmental Restoration report, which throws a spotlight on investment into people, skills, science and technology to enhance the already well-established UK capabilities in this area.

Download our latest Annual Report to find out about our latest business update and highligts from the year.

Through our Agenda we invest in scientific research and unleash innovation building capability for the UK. This investment is a key part of our work as a national laboratory; allowing us to serve our customers, our partners and our nation better, and play our part in positioning the UK as a global leader in nuclear technology. Download all 5 of this year's case studies here. 

Irradiated Fuel Characterisation (IFC) is critical to the safe operation of our current fleet of nuclear reactors in the UK and a generation of new types of reactor set to begin feeding power into the grid in the 2030s

You can download all 6 of our current S&T case studies in one single pdf if you want to get the full picture of what we're doing.

Establishing a new global forum of national laboratories to progress an integrated approach to decarbonisation.

We're creating a global hub of expertise on advanced fuel cycle science.

Leading ground-breaking research and partnerships to enable a UK advanced fuels and fuel cycle capability.

We're engaging in open innovation to provide nuclear power for space exploration.

We're establishing a centre of excellence in thermal treatment technology.

Driving capability in nuclear-enabled hydrogen, on behalf of our sector for the whole of the UK.