Nuclear decommissioning teams will test a modular, remote-controlled platform that combines robotics, automation, and cross-industry technology to dismantle radioactive facilities without people entering the most hazardous areas. The problem is clear: the UK’s nuclear legacy sites contain highly contaminated cells and structures that are dangerous, slow, and expensive to take apart. Current methods often require workers in protective suits, temporary scaffolding, and repeated manual handling of waste—each step adding cost, time, and radiation exposure. This project aims to replace those piecemeal approaches with an integrated system that can be validated for nuclear environments. If the platform works, decommissioning could become cheaper, faster, and safer. Remote tools would characterise, cut, sort, and decontaminate waste on the spot, reducing the need for manned entry. Virtual simulation would optimise the sequence of operations before any physical work begins. The consortium—led by Amec Foster Wheeler and including Airbus, SMEs, and universities—plans to commercialise the technology for UK and international markets, potentially accelerating clean-up of sites such as Sellafield and reducing long-term liabilities for taxpayers.
View original technical description
Our aim is to develop a modular integrated platform that will combine state-of-the-art technology with tried and tested decommissioning ‘know-how’. We will use experience from the conventional decommissioning sectors, combined with cutting-edge space, defence, medical and industrial technologies, to produce a streamlined, safety orientated solution. The project will be developed using our experience of the pragmatic integration of complex technology to generate a step-change in decommissioning performance, that will be Cheaper, Faster and Safer as follows: • An innovative modular control and automation strategy that can be proven and validated within the nuclear environment (Cheaper, Faster) • Draw on cross-sector innovations and a pioneering approach to reliability and fault recovery: our approach removes the need for manned entry to cells (Safer, Faster, Cheaper) • A philosophy of minimal in-situ characterisation (Cheaper, Faster) • A planning approach that enables simulation within a virtual environment, optimising sequence, process and waste management (Safer, Faster) • A remote de-planting process that reduces operations at height, and removes the need for temporary platforms, scaffolds and man entry (Safer, Faster, Cheaper) • A suite of innovative modular waste handling and processing tools that characterise, size-reduce, sort and decontaminate waste, using a repeatable and scalable process (Faster, Cheaper) • Optimised waste characterisation by moving analysis to the waste (Safer, Faster, Cheaper) Our team (Amec Foster Wheeler [Lead Partner], Airbus Defence and Space Ltd., Clicks and Links Ltd., Damavan Imaging SAS, Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd., IS-Instruments Ltd., Lancaster University, Salford University, and TWI) builds on existing relationships, creates new ones, and comprises nuclear and out-of-sector expertise, innovative SMEs and applied academic innovation; we will collaborate to bring true innovation in thought and technology to this decommissioning challenge. Amec Foster Wheeler’s world-class track record in delivering and integrating complex, multi-partner projects gives us confidence that we can deliver the project successfully within tight constraints. Our strong position in the nuclear decommissioning market provides a platform to commercialise any technology developed both in the UK and overseas.
Plain English summaries and category classifications on this site are generated by AI and may not perfectly reflect the original research.
Is something wrong? Let us know