Research hub to identify new methods of safely disposing of plutonium

The government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is establishing a Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub with the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester.

It follows a commitment from NDA Group CEO, David Peattie, of a £5m investment over the next five years in postgraduate research to contribute the NDA’s plutonium disposition strategy work.

In January, the government decided to immobilise the UK’s inventory of civil separated plutonium at Sellafield, putting the material beyond reach, further mitigating the long-term safety and security risks associated with it more efficiently.

The Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub will fund around 20 PhD and two post-doctoral researchers engaging in research to identify the preferred technology for immobilisation, converting the material to an even safer and more stable form.

Dr Rick Short, NDA research manager, said: “The NDA group has invested in PhD students and post-doctoral researchers supporting many aspects of our mission for several years.

“It’s a key element of our strategy to develop the capability we need for the future with the skills and expertise we know will be critical to drive forward our nationally important mission.

“The Hub will be central to developing the technical expertise and subject matter experts we need to deliver the plutonium disposition strategy and continue to meet our commitment to safely, securely, and sustainably deal with the UK’s civil nuclear legacy.”

He explained the plutonium could be immobilised into a ceramic material which binds the plutonium in a stable form, suitable for disposal in a deep underground facility.

Key Objectives of the Hub will include:

• Innovative Research: Conduct ground-breaking research to develop key ceramic and manufacturing technologies for safe and effective plutonium disposition.
• Academic Excellence: Foster a collaborative environment that promotes academic excellence and innovation.
• Future Leaders: Train the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address future challenges in nuclear decommissioning.

Dr Rob Harrison, Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub lead at the University of Manchester, said: “We are thrilled to be leading the £5m NDA Plutonium Academic Ceramics Hub at the University of Manchester in collaboration with the University of Sheffield.

“Our combined expertise and state-of-the-art facilities uniquely position us to successfully deliver the Hub and develop future subject matter experts in the field.

“This initiative will enable us to continue supporting the safe management of the UKs plutonium stockpile, addressing a critical challenge in the NDAs mission.”

Dr Lewis Blackburn, Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub co-lead at the University of Sheffield, added: “We are very pleased to play a pivotal role in the delivery of this exciting initiative for NDA.

“The safe and timely disposition of separated plutonium is a key aspect of NDA strategy.

“The Universities of Manchester and Sheffield are well placed to support this mission, allowing us to contribute to a national resilience in nuclear materials skills and expertise.”

While work continues on developing a suitable immobilisation solution to submit for government approval to progress to the next phase, plutonium will continue to be stored in a suite of custom-built facilities at Sellafield that ensure its safety and security.