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.
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:
Site visits (Limited capacity)
Site visits will be held before and after the technical programme.
Key locations include:
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.
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
Deadline: 28 February 2025
Limited Capacity: 200 Participants
Registration fees:
The registration fee includes attendance to all technical sessions, site visits (limited capacity) as well as lunch and refreshments throughout the workshop.
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) |