Pictured: Spot, the agile mobile robotic dog at the Calder Hall nuclear power station. Photo credit: Sellafield Ltd.

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and Sellafield Ltd jointly organised an international workshop on innovative technologies for the nuclear back-end, focusing on the opportunities, benefits and challenges in increasing safety and efficiency. Complementing other technical and academic conferences, this workshop leveraged the NEA's unique position and Sellafield's expertise to create a neutral forum for all stakeholders. The goal was to identify good practices and policies that will drive the successful implementation of cutting-edge technologies in the nuclear back-end.

The nuclear back-end offers significant opportunities for advancement. Challenges such as ageing facilities, waste management, and the decommissioning of complex and legacy sites, are catalysts for innovation. In addition, the demand for efficient, cost-effective solutions in the back-end has made it an ideal ground for demonstrating and deploying new technologies. 

Recognising this potential, the NEA established two dedicated working groups: the Expert Group on the Application of Robotics and Remote Systems in the Nuclear Back-end (EGRRS) and the Working Party on Technical, Environmental and Safety Aspects of Decommissioning and Legacy Management (WPTES). Their insights had shaped the workshop's programme, ensuring it addresses key challenges while fostering innovation. 

Far from being a hurdle, the nuclear back-end serves as a driving force for technological progress. Existing sites and current challenges provide ideal environments for the rapid development and application of new technologies. These advancements have the potential to benefit the entire nuclear supply chain, offering effective solutions for sustainable waste management and decommissioning across past, present and future nuclear power plants, as well as fusion technologies.

• Review the technological needs and constraints at back-end sites;
• Identify the implementation challenges of innovative technologies; 
• Share success stories and lessons learnt to improve future deployments;
• Anticipate the impacts of adopting disrupting technologies, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, human factors and advanced reactors;
• Enable the stakeholders to share their perspectives and establish common ground; 
• Facilitate networking amongst professionals in the nuclear energy industry. 

International experts

OECD Nuclear Energy Agency Secretariat