Design and execution of research and development

Tender description

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) intends to enter into a co-operation agreement with the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) to jointly develop a national nuclear innovation strategy. BEIS and NNL will work together to develop a range of tasks to be undertaken jointly as part of a programme for advanced nuclear fuels and recycling. This was announced by BEIS on 14.1.2019. Any country committed to a nuclear energy programme must ensure it has sufficient skills capability and knowledge-base to manage the front (fuel) and back end (waste and recycle) implications associated with any of the nuclear technologies deployed. The UK has committed to nuclear technology as part of the energy mix and whatever the mix of nuclear technologies being considered (large and small) there are a range of safety and security considerations to be assessed alongside fuel performance and associated waste management requirements of generation IV reactors to be deployed by mid-2035. Furthermore, engagement in the fuels and waste management programmes will ensure an informed evidence base for future policy decisions, create the next generation of subject matter expertise through staying at the cutting edge in these technology areas.