Research at NDA
Under the Energy Act 2004, the NDA is required to promote and, where necessary, carry out research to support decommissioning and clean-up.
Research and development (R&D) play a critical for solving the wide range of complex, often unique, challenges that our sites face.
Investment in R&D also develops the key technical skills that are critical for the continued delivery of our mission over the next 100-plus years.
The outlines our approach to addressing multi-site needs and more specific issues identified by Site Licence Companies (SLCs).
Progress depends on:
- developing a clear understanding of the issues
- finding the right solutions
- ensuring the cost to taxpayers is acceptable
The majority of R&D is carried out by SLCs and their supply chains. From 2010 to 2015, our SLCs spent approximately £85 million each year on R&D.
In addition, the NDA commissions R&D projects directly, totalling approximately £5 million per year.
Our R&D programmes, both estate-wide and directly commissioned by NDA, are supported by:
Approach
Our approach is based on:
- implementation of a robust technical baseline, see EGG10 Technical Baseline and Underpinning Research and Development Requirements
- strategic co-ordination of estate-wide R&D needs, risk and opportunities
- maximising opportunities for timely innovation and sharing of good practice
- seeking opportunities for collaboration both in the UK and internationally
Our R&D programme
Currently, we channel R&D funds through 2 routes:
- as a portion of the main budget allocated to our sites
- directly through work we commission (see NDA Research and Development 5 year plan: 2019 to 2024)
Our directly funded R&D programme is divided into the following categories:
Direct Research Portfolio (DRP)
This portfolio addresses issues that could affect multiple sites, or SLCs, in areas of:
- informing strategy
- technical innovation
- key technical skills
These projects are delivered through framework contracts awarded to a range of supply chain organisations.
If you are a member of our nuclear supply chain organisation with an interest in this area, we would welcome your views on our current NDA Direct Research Portfolio (DRP) contract framework and any ideas you have for improvement for the next phase of the DRP. This survey is open to, but not limited to, organisations already on the framework. The survey is designed to be anonymous and take 5-10 minutes. The survey will close on the 14 June 2019.
NDA Direct Research Portfolio Feedback Questionnaire
Further information can be found in our:
- Direct Research Portfolio (DRP) Projects: quarterly update
- Direct Research Portfolio (DRP) Annual Report 2017 to 2018
Technical innovation
This work is focused on supporting the supply chain to develop new ideas and technologies. Projects are often jointly funded with other public sector partners, eg Innovate UK, Department of Energy and Climate Change (now Department for Business, Energy and Industry Strategy), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
International collaboration
Our focus is on sharing and gaining access to global good practice, experience and information about innovative technologies.
Radiation epidemiology and radiobiology research
Public Health England investigates, on our behalf, the health impact on our workforce of exposure to man-made radiation.
UK inventory of radioactive waste and materials
We produce the comprehensive inventory of radioactive wastes and materials across the UK.
Impact of our R&D programme
Our R&D investments have resulted in:
- safer working environments through the development of innovative remote technologies, including laser cutting, robotics and improved radiation detection
- more funding for the supply chain through our collaborations with other public organisations
- a vibrant supply chain working to solve long-standing technical challenges
- a sustained programme of academic research into nuclear decommissioning
- the establishment of a unique, world-class research centre, the £20 million Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF), specialising in radiation science and decommissioning engineering
Nuclear decommissioning: research and development brochures
NDA Research Board
The NDA Research Board is independently chaired and encompasses a broad strategic role, co-ordinating national R&D for:
- decommissioning
- radioactive waste management
- radioactive waste disposal
Annual reports
Recent meetings
Recent papers
Nuclear Waste and Decommissioning Research Forum (NWDRF)
The Nuclear Waste and Decommissioning Research Forum is a cross industry group that aims to enhance coordination of R&D and technical programmes across UK Site Restoration and Integrated Waste Management activities.
Its membership includes representatives from NDA, Radioactive Waste Management (RWM), Site Licence Companies, regulators and organisations with significant nuclear decommissioning liabilities.
Radiation epidemiology and radiobiology research
Significant epidemiological and radiobiological research involving nuclear industry workers was previously sponsored by parts of the UK nuclear industry (e.g. British Nuclear Fuels Ltd and United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority). NDA now own and manage this work and its assets. We support research in these areas as it has a potential impact on the safety, cost, management, delivery and public acceptability of decommissioning.
Strategy and progress
The Preferred Option paper presents the NDA’s assessment of various options for managing the ongoing research programme and associated assets. Following publication of a range of options in October 2013 and consultation with stakeholders, the NDA has concluded that its preferred option is to develop a strategic relationship with Public Health England (PHE) with the long-term aim of restructuring the ownership and management of the assets.
R&D publications
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority: R&D technical baseline
The Technical Baseline report provides a high-level overview of the processes and associated technologies used or planned to be used to deliver our mission and the organisations responsible for their development and implementation.
Nuclear decommissioning: research and development brochures
We have published a series of short brochures outlining our approach, together with a series of the latest projects and initiatives.
Direct Research Portfolio (DRP) Projects: quarterly update
This document shows the Direct Research Portfolio (DRP) projects that are ongoing or were commissioned during Financial Year 2014 to 2015. Each project is aligned to an R&D topic in the NDA’s 5 year R&D plan. The document shows the contractor, purchase order value, R&D driver and current status. Where projects are complete, the final reports are available upon request. This information will be updated quarterly as new projects are awarded.
Direct Research Portfolio (DRP) Annual Report 2017 to 2018
This document highlights the work undertaken as part of NDA’s Direct Research Portfolio (DRP) in 2017 to 2018. This document provides details of the research projects carried out, the reason for carrying out the R&D (informing strategy, delivering innovation, supporting skills) and the main organisations carrying out the research.
Understanding activities that produce radioactive wastes in the UK, published 2015
This document provides a useful overview of activities that produce radioactive waste in the UK, suitable for those who are new to the nuclear sector or those with a general interest in the topic.
This guide provides information on what Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are, when their use is appropriate, what factors need to be considered when assigning a TRL to a technology and what is established good practice in assigning TRLs.
This brochure outlines the NDA’s approach to investing in the development of innovative technical solutions.
NDA Research and Development 5 year plan: 2019 to 2024
This report provides an overview of the NDA’s strategic R&D programme for five financial years (FY2014/15 to FY2018/19).
EGPR04 Technology Research Investment Process
This procedure outlines the stages of identifying, contracting and delivering R&D through the Direct Research Portfolio.
This is a summary of the independent peer review of the technical documents prepared by the SLCs. It highlights some of the key messages across the estate and reflects on how the Technical Baseline and underpinning R&D (TBuRD) process is improving the NDA’s and SLCs’ understanding of the R&D programme.
This strategy aims to achieve the relevant and sufficient academic capability that will support delivery of the NDA mission and facilitates the interactions of the NDA group with the UK’s academic research community.
UK Radioactive Waste Inventory
For background information on quantities and the nature of radioactive waste.
Contact us
For queries related to research
Email research@nda.gov.uk
Phone: 01925 802001