Workshop on the Role of Innovation in the Nuclear Back-End: Harnessing Robotics and Advanced Technologies for Safer, More Efficient Activities
Context

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and Sellafield Ltd are jointly organising an international workshop on innovative technologies for the nuclear back-end, focusing on the opportunities, benefits and challenges in increasing safety and efficiency. Complementing other technical and academic conferences, this workshop leverages the NEA's unique position and Sellafield's expertise to create a neutral forum for all stakeholders. The goal is to identify good practices and policies that will drive the successful implementation of cutting-edge technologies in the nuclear back-end.

The nuclear back-end offers significant opportunities for advancement. Challenges such as ageing facilities, waste management, and the decommissioning of complex and legacy sites, are catalysts for innovation. In addition, the demand for efficient, cost-effective solutions in the back-end has made it an ideal ground for demonstrating and deploying new technologies. 

Recognising this potential, the NEA established two dedicated working groups: the Expert Group on the Application of Robotics and Remote Systems in the Nuclear Back-end (EGRRS) and the Working Party on Technical, Environmental and Safety Aspects of Decommissioning and Legacy Management (WPTES). Their insights have shaped the workshop's programme, ensuring it addresses key challenges while fostering innovation. 

Far from being a hurdle, the nuclear back-end serves as a driving force for technological progress. Existing sites and current challenges provide ideal environments for the rapid development and application of new technologies. These advancements have the potential to benefit the entire nuclear supply chain, offering effective solutions for sustainable waste management and decommissioning across past, present and future nuclear power plants, as well as fusion technologies.

Objectives
  • Review the technological needs and constraints at back-end sites;
  • Identify the implementation challenges of innovative technologies; 
  • Share success stories and lessons learnt to improve future deployments;
  • Anticipate the impacts of adopting disrupting technologies, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, human factors and advanced reactors;
  • Enable the stakeholders to share their perspectives and establish common ground; 
  • Facilitate networking amongst professionals in the nuclear energy industry. 
Programme

Main technical programme

The main technical programme will take place from 1-3 April 2025.
The full agenda will be released in due course.

Topics will include:

  • Innovation success stories and challenges;
  • Policy implementation to support innovation;
  • Human factors;
  • SMRs and future back-end needs;
  • Cyber security, AI and digital technologies;
  • Panel sessions with Q&As.

Site visits (Limited capacity)
Site visits will be held before and after the technical programme. 
Key locations include: 

  • Sellafield
  • RAICo Center 

Please note that site visits are subject to limited capacity, and early registration is recommended. Additionally, the co-host reserves the right to grant access to their facilities based on internal security policies.

Location

The workshop will take place at the Energus conference centre in Workington, United Kingdom

Address: Blackwood Road | Lillyhall | Workington | Cumbria | CA14 4JW

Telephone: (+44) 01900 605665

Recommended location for hotels: Cockermouth, Cumbria

Registration

Deadline: 28 February 2025
Limited Capacity: 200 Participants

Registration fees:

  • Full price: 175€
  • Young professionals (must have graduated within the last 3 years): €100.

The registration fee includes attendance to all technical sessions, site visits (limited capacity) as well as lunch and refreshments throughout the workshop.

Programme Committee

International experts

BARR, Cynthia US NRC
BERBEN, Peter Engie
BOING, Larry Argonne National Laboratory
BRAUNROTH, Thomas GRS
CHUNILAL, Rav Sellafield Ltd
DONNELLY, Michael Sellafield Ltd
KIM, Jae-Hee KAERI
TJERNLUND, Nicklas Vattenfall 
VARGOVČÍK, Ladislav Technical University of Košice

 

OECD Nuclear Energy Agency Secretariat

BAKER, Una Division of Radioactive Waste Management & Decommissioning (RWMD)
GRASSI, Gabriele Division of Radioactive Waste Management & Decommissioning (RWMD)
MERCIER, Alexia Division of Radioactive Waste Management & Decommissioning (RWMD)
MOLINAROLI, Ester Division of Radioactive Waste Management & Decommissioning (RWMD)
KAPLANI, Chara Division of Radioactive Waste Management & Decommissioning (RWMD)
TADESSE, Rebecca Division of Radioactive Waste Management & Decommissioning (RWMD)