Thursday 22 January 2026

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) was delighted to bring to life in Westminster the brilliant work of our scientists, in a journey through our major laboratories. Through hands-on demonstrations, they highlighted the critical role of nuclear science in making Britain a clean energy superpower. Parliamentarians, industry leaders and partners at Nuclear Week in Parliament were taken on a tour of the UK’s nuclear energy capabilities at UKNNL’s event – From Lab to Local: Making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower, on 21 January 2026. 

The interactive reception, sponsored by Josh MacAlister MP, showcased hands-on demonstrations from each of UKNNL’s laboratories – bringing the science that underpins the UK’s nuclear future directly to decision-makers. 

A journey through Britain’s nuclear laboratories 

Visitors experienced a unique tour of UKNNL’s capabilities, with expert scientists demonstrating work that supports everything from the UK’s operating reactor fleet to the long-term management of the nation’s plutonium inventory. 

Demonstrations included: 

• Central Laboratory (Sellafield), Cumbria: Supported by colleagues from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, UKNNL scientists showcased the research and development behind plutonium immobilisation – one of the UK’s most significant nuclear challenges. Visitors saw how two key processes work: Hot isostatic pressing (HIP), where plutonium is blended with a mineral and squashed and heated to make a rock-like material, and the Disposal Mixed Oxide powder handling process that creates ceramic pellets. Both are options for the long-term storage of the UK’s plutonium. 

• Windscale, Cumbria: Guests were shown post-irradiation examination techniques, using microscopy to reveal how nuclear fuel changes after powering EDF’s reactors or Royal Navy submarines. 

• Workington, Cumbria: This is where UKNNL tests the graphite that houses fuel in the UK’s most productive nuclear reactors, using an oscilloscope to demonstrate how sound waves reveal material integrity. 

• Preston, Lancashire: Home to scientists working on the next generation of nuclear fuels, visitors saw a demonstration of the fluidised bed coating process used to create Coated Particle Fuel – an advanced fuel technology designed for future reactors – Just one poppy seed-sized kernel has enough energy to boil eight kettles. 

UKNNL nuclear chemist and author Tim Gregory was also on hand to outline the skills and opportunities for young people in the nuclear sector, and why nuclear can support both re-industrialisation and energy abundance in an environmentally friendly way. Crucially, he outlined why UKNNL’s unique role and ability to work across the entire nuclear sector makes it a jewel in the crown of British science. 

UKNNL CEO Julianne Antrobus said: 

“Nuclear Week in Parliament was an important opportunity to demonstrate why UKNNL matters – not just to the nuclear sector, but to the nation. Our laboratories are home to capabilities and expertise that exist nowhere else in the UK. From sustaining our current reactor fleet to developing the fuels and technologies of the future, and managing the complex legacy of our nuclear past, UKNNL is essential to delivering the government’s clean energy ambitions. 

“This event brought our science out of the laboratory and into Parliament, so that those shaping the UK’s clean energy future could see first-hand the work that makes it possible. I want to extend a huge thanks to our sponsor Josh MacAlister MP and everyone who took time out of their busy schedule to learn about why this all matters so much.” 

Josh MacAlister MP, sponsor of the event, said: 

“What struck me most about UKNNL’s event was the sheer breadth of expertise on display, from testing the graphite in our operating reactors to developing the fuels for the next generation of nuclear power and more. 

“This is practical science, solving real problems, and it’s happening right here in the UK. As we work towards our clean power goals, having a world-class national laboratory is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. I was honoured to sponsor this event again this year and to help bring this work to Parliament’s attention.” 

Apprentices shone at the Skills Fair
 
Earlier in the week, UKNNL was also represented at the Nuclear Skills and Apprenticeship Fair in Portcullis House. Apprentices Melissa Lovell and Ben Scott, supported by Anna Byrne and Vicky Kelly from the early careers team, shared their experiences at UKNNL so far and engaged parliamentarians on the wider skills agenda. 

Our viral can returned 

Look out for photos from the event featuring UKNNL’s famous can – representing the amount of nuclear fuel that would power your entire life’s energy needs. It proved a powerful way to communicate nuclear’s incredible energy density. 

Thank you 

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible – from those demonstrating on the day to the teams behind the scenes, particularly Katie Baverstock-Hunt and Anne Arnold from the corporate affairs team. Everyone’s collective efforts have truly demonstrated that UKNNL is essential for the UK’s nuclear future.