NIRAB update. Dame Sue Ion, FREng Chairman, Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB)

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1 NIRAB update Dame Sue Ion, FREng Chairman, Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB)

2 Background A series of 13 recommendations on nuclear R&D, its governance and funding

3 Background A response by Government and industry setting out a positive vision for the nuclear industry a vibrant UK nuclear industry that is an area of economic and strategic national strength, providing the UK with a safe reliable and affordable supply of lowcarbon electricity

4 Objectives To be a top table nuclear nation, working in international partnerships leading the direction of future technology advances across the fuel cycle. To be a key partner of choice in commercialising Generation III+, IV and SMR technologies worldwide. To have a joined up approach to nuclear R&D For the research base to be underpinned by world-leading facilities To be a respected partner contributing to appropriate international research programmes To have the right level of nuclear innovation and R&D to ensure near-term commercial success in domestic and global markets. For industry to be supported by a workforce with the skills, capability and capacity required to successfully deliver current and future UK nuclear programmes

5 Role of NIRAB To advise Ministers, Government Departments and Agencies on priorities for UK nuclear R&D and innovation To support the development of new R&D and innovation programmes to underpin policy (e.g. energy and industrial policies) and the associated business cases To foster greater cooperation and coordination across the UK research and innovation landscape To oversee the development of a coordinated international engagement strategy NIRAB is unfunded and does not commission or carry out research

6 Composition of NIRAB members 25 members including: Academics Senior technologists from industry Facilities operators Chief Scientific Advisors for Government and Government Departments Representatives of public funding bodies

7 Progress to date Initial focus on identifying gaps in accountability and funding and drafting recommendations to fill those gaps: Biggest gaps relate to research into advanced systems / fuel cycles Research needed to address all parts of the fuel cycle Fuel fabrication and performance Reactor design Recycle technologies Cross-cutting themes / strategic analysis

8 Where next? Currently working with officials from DECC and BIS to prepare the business cases required to secure funding for an initial R&D programme (up to 31/3/16). During 2015 NIRAB will work with officials to make a case for funding through the period of the next Comprehensive Spending Review (5 years from 1/4/14). Nuclear Industrial Strategy Objectives will not be met without additional funding for R&D programmes (capital funding is not sufficient). It is important that there is continuity of funding for programmes.

9 NIRAB Recommendations for a National Nuclear Research Programme Investment ( Mil) FY 14/15 FY 15/16 FY 16/17 FY 17/18 FY 18/19 Financial Years DECC Capital Autumn Statement CSR Proposed Research Areas Include: Strategic Assessments Advanced Fuel Advanced Reactor Systems Control & Instrumentation Emerging Nuclear Technology Knowledge Management Modelling & Simulation Public Engagement Recycle technologies Robotics & Remote Handling Validation & Verification Waste Management

10 National Nuclear R&D Programme Strategic Assessments Developed and demonstrated appropriate tools to evaluate potential fuel cycles to shape future research programmes Fuel Advanced Reactors Fuel Research Facilities Advanced Fuel pin ready for Irradiation UK is key partner in the development of advanced systems Accident tolerant and more efficient fuel commercialised UK to be a supplier of significant reactor components Gen IV Reactors Recycle Technology Recycle Research Facilities Lab scale of a safe, economic and efficient advanced recycle tech. using surrogate materials Lab scale of a safe, economic and efficient advanced recycle tech. using spent fuel

11 National Nuclear R&D Programme Modelling Simulation Integrated Modelling and simulation capability New codes that make the UK a leading nation Thermal Hydraulics and Physics Testing Control and Instrumentation Waste Management Waste Research Facilities Activities completed that support the uptake of modern I&C within industry and the regulator Develop technologies for Advanced recycle Develop Advanced C&I Systems Demonstrate immobilisation technology leading to hot cell testing Gen IV Reactors Public Engagement Tools identified to communicate effectively with the public Tools and Techniques routinely used to engage public

12 Opportunity for suggestions If you have an idea for innovation or research that would support the realisation of the long term nuclear industrial policy you will soon be able to submit a suggestion through the NIRAB website:

13 Members Academia Andrew Sherry Reactor Technology Manchester / NAMRC Tim Abram Fuels, Advanced Systems and Fuel Cycles Manchester Bill Lee Waste management and Disposal Imperial College Neil Hyatt Waste management Sheffield Malcolm Joyce Engineering and Decommissioning Lancaster Industry Neil Thomson Reactor Operations EdF Energy Paul Stein Supply Chain Rolls-Royce John Lillington Supply Chain AMEC Peter Wylie Recycling, Waste Management and Decommissioning Sellafield Ltd Mick Gornall Fuel Manufacture Springfields Ltd Andrew Carlick Small and Medium Enterprises DBD Ltd Paul Harding Enrichment Urenco

14 Members and observers Research Facilities Graham Fairhall Fission NNL Steve Cowley Fusion CCFE Mike Tynan Manufacturing NAMRC Other Richard Clegg Professional Services Lloyds Register Laurence Williams Geological Disposal CORWM Public Sector (Observers) Sir Mark Walport The Government CSA GOScience John Perkins BIS CSA BIS David Mackay DECC CSA DECC Robin Grimes FCO CSA FCO Melanie Brownridge NDA Estate NDA John Jenkins Nuclear Regulators ONR Derek Allen Technology Strategy Board TSB Jason Green Research Councils EPSRC