Bangor University enters into a strategic collaboration with UK’s national laboratory for nuclear fission

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Bangor University. Picture: Denis Egan.

Bangor University’s Nuclear Futures Institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Nuclear Laboratory that will see them work together to advance education and research in the field of nuclear energy.

They will also work on joint research projects and share access to infrastructure, facilities and equipment that will advance nuclear technologies.

NNL’s investment in Wales has grown substantially in recent years, with a series of partnerships with Welsh businesses and educational institutions, including Bangor University and the opening of a new office on Ynys Môn at Menai Science Park.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Dr Paul Howarth, Chief Executive Officer of the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), said: “As we look to secure the UK’s clean energy future through more new and advanced nuclear technologies, we recognize the impact and value of Wales as a center of nuclear science and innovation.

“The development of our existing relationship with Bangor University, formalized through the new MoU, demonstrates our commitment to driving the research, skills and capabilities that will be needed here and across the UK.

“The partnership will enable us to broaden and strengthen our joint capability in nuclear thermal hydraulics, new and innovative fuels, nuclear energy systems and co-generation.

“This work will play an important role in the UK’s ability to deliver on the next wave of low-carbon nuclear technologies, as well as supporting other advances for public benefit such as in transformative health and nuclear medicine.”

“By harnessing both NNL’s and Bangor University’s world-leading facilities and capabilities, we will not only strengthen and maintain existing expertise in the nuclear sector but also ensure we have the people and skills for the UK’s new clear future.”

Energy strategy

Wales has been the focus of a number of potential nuclear projects since the UK Government committed to building a series of new power plants in its new energy strategy published in April.

In June a development company backed by the Welsh Government announced it was embarking on a program to bring small modular reactor (SMR) technology to the site of the decommissioned nuclear power plant at Trawsfynydd.

Cwmni Egino, which is wholly owned by the Welsh Government, said it was working together with the landowner, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), on proposals for the siting of a new nuclear development, with a target date for construction to start in 2027 .

The UK Government has also backed plans for a new nuclear power plant on Anglesey.

Two American companies, Westinghouse and Bechtel, are involved in developing the scheme which could see two reactors constructed on the site of the decommissioned Wylfa Newydd site.

Earlier this month it was also confirmed that Deeside had been shortlisted as a potential location for the first factory in the UK to build a fleet of small modular nuclear reactors.

Expand

Professor Bill Lee, Director of the Nuclear Futures Institute added, “The NFI already collaborates with NNL in research into thermal hydraulics – reactor plumbing – and accident tolerant nuclear fuels.

“This MoU will enable us to expand into areas such as nuclear medicine, structural integrity, control and instrumentation and co-generation of hydrogen and jet-fuel from nuclear generated electricity.

Furthermore, support from NNL for Bangor University’s new General Engineering undergraduate program which is recruiting for 2023 entry will help train a new generation of engineers to underpin all low carbon technologies in North Wales.

“The UK Government’s vision for secure energy and Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 will only be achieved by making use of key nuclear licensed sites such as Wylfa and Trawsfynydd. This MoU will support plans for Wales to use these sites for the UK’s clean energy future.”

Nuclear heritage

Virginia Crosbie, Member of Parliament for Ynys Môn, said: “I am delighted at the signing of this MoU between Bangor University and the National Nuclear Laboratory. Our region has a strong nuclear heritage, and this MoU will ensure that North Wales remains at the cutting edge of nuclear science.

Such work will help advance medical science and our race to net zero by supporting projects such as new nuclear power plants at Wylfa on Ynys Môn.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Senedd Member for Ynys Môn added, “Research into new technologies for power generation is vital as we plan for a carbon-free future, and it’s important that we can benefit from that research locally.

“Through this agreement, Bangor University is showing its determination to play a prominent part in that.”

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