Tuesday 28 January 2025

Members of Parliament experienced the future of nuclear technology first-hand at a special breakfast briefing hosted by the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) and sponsored by Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister on Tuesday 28 January. 

The event forms part of Nuclear Week in Parliament, showcasing the vital role of nuclear technology in supporting the UK’s energy security and net zero ambitions. 

As the UK Government’s national laboratory for nuclear fission, the event was an opportunity for MPs to engage with UKNNL’s work in fuelling the future of nuclear and growing critical skills. 

Parliamentarians heard from UKNNL’s world-leading scientists about how nuclear science impacts our everyday lives, and got stuck in with hands-on demonstrations covering the whole nuclear fuel cycle, including: 

• Creating nuclear fuel kernels using the casting process for next-generation reactors. This innovative fuel technology offers a more efficient and safer way to generate energy while reducing carbon emissions. Just three poppy seed-sized kernels provide the same amount of energy as burning 1kg of coal. 

• Exploring a 3D model of a High Temperature Gas Reactor, which represents the next leap forward in nuclear technology. These advanced reactors can produce both electricity and high-temperature heat, helping industries reduce their carbon emissions while maintaining productivity. 

• Testing a model of a robot that UKNNL has designed to safely process and treat canisters of nuclear waste. 

• Conducting a simulated glovebox medical isotope extraction experiment, demonstrating how nuclear technology supports cancer treatments. The process showed how lead-212, extracted from nuclear materials previously considered waste, can be repurposed for Targeted Alpha Therapy – an innovative cancer treatment that precisely targets cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy tissue. 

The event also highlighted some of UKNNL’s research on public attitudes to nuclear energy. Polling conducted for the Decarbonisation and Regional Growth Report showed that there was more understanding of and support for nuclear in areas where the industry has been or is a large employer.  

Professor Paul Howarth, Chief Executive Officer of UKNNL, said:  

“On behalf of UKNNL I want to thank all Parliamentarians who took time out of their busy schedules to see how nuclear technology is making a difference for the people they represent. 

“Nuclear is essential to meeting the UK’s future energy and industrial needs. From safely managing and treating nuclear materials, to developing advanced fuels and reactors and supporting medical treatments, UKNNL is driving innovation across the nuclear sector.  

“It’s really important that we keep the public informed and involved as nuclear’s role develops, so I’m pleased we had a chance to reflect on public perceptions of nuclear and the value it can bring to communities and the country as a whole.” 

Josh MacAlister MP, who sponsored the event, said:  

“It was a pleasure to host UKNNL in Parliament and show Parliamentarians the incredible work being done at UKNNL. It was a brilliant opportunity to show off West Cumbria and the role it plays in world leading nuclear research.  

“Nuclear energy has never been more important. It will play a vital role in powering Britain’s growth over the coming years, while keeping us true to our net zero targets. Alongside providing homes with low carbon electricity and heat, decarbonising hard to abate industries and powering an AI revolution, nuclear will also continue to generate and support thousands of jobs.  

“UKNNL is forging the future for civil nuclear and I couldn’t be prouder to represent them in Parliament.”