Thursday 2 April 2026

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL)’s six-year contract with EDF to provide vital engineering services is up and running, and it’s helping to keep Britain’s nuclear power stations running safely and efficiently. 

The Supply of Engineering Services and Support (SESS) contract sees UKNNL’s expert teams continue their essential work supporting EDF’s fleet of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs) – power stations that provide reliable, low-carbon electricity to millions of homes and businesses across the country. 

Supporting energy security and clean power
Nuclear power plays a crucial role in the UK’s energy mix, providing consistent electricity that isn’t affected by weather conditions or volatile international fossil fuel markets. The work carried out under this contract directly supports the government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. 

As part of its mission to enable and deliver nuclear outcomes for government and support growth of the UK nuclear sector, UKNNL’s role is to carry out research to continue securing the safe operation of nuclear plants domestically and internationally.  

UKNNL specialists carry out detailed scientific analysis that helps EDF safely extend the operating lifetimes of its reactors and operate with maximum efficiency. The work is vital to ensure sustainable and safe generation of electricity from AGRs to help meet Britain’s energy needs into the next decade: 

• Irradiated Fuel Examination – Inspection and destructive examination of fuel provides data that allows EDF to operate the fuel safely while extracting as much energy as possible, contributing to sustainability of the industry.  

• Failed Fuel Handling – UKNNL provides a unique capability to handle fuel elements that fail in a reactor. This work is critical to control fuel stocks at reactor sites.   

• Underwater inspection of fuel – Evaluation of fuel properties, shortly after discharge from the reactor provides rapid feedback on the condition of fuel in the reactor. This ensures fuel is being operated within safe margins and supports efficient generation of energy. 

Matt Exton, EDF Head of Fleet Fuel Route and Spent Fuel Operations, said:
“The programme to extend the lifetimes of the UK’s AGR stations has already delivered a total of 38 additional years of generation, supporting energy security and providing enough low carbon electricity to power more than 81 million homes. Partnerships like the one we have developed with UKNNL have been vital to this success and we look forward to continuing to work with its experts under this new contract.” 

As the government’s lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission, UKNNL enables the nation’s nuclear ambitions by providing world-class scientific expertise and facilities. This contract, exemplifies how UKNNL is strengthening the nuclear enterprise today, tomorrow and together with its partners like EDF.

James Murphy, UKNNL Chief Customer Officer, said:
“This contract demonstrates the vital role UKNNL plays in supporting the UK’s energy security. Our work helps ensure that nuclear power stations can continue providing clean, reliable electricity to the nation. We’re proud to be enabling and delivering nuclear outcomes that benefit every household in Britain, and we look forward to continuing this important partnership with EDF over the coming years.” 

A track record of excellence
The contract, running from January 2026 to December 2032, follows an outstanding performance in the final year of the previous contract, with UKNNL delivering record results across all four work programmes in 2025. This included processing more failed fuel elements than in the previous five years combined and completing graphite analysis campaigns at unprecedented speed. This expertise has directly supported EDF’s ability to extend reactor lifetimes.