UKNNL showcases world-leading nuclear science in Parliament

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) was delighted to bring to life in Westminster the brilliant work of our scientists, in a journey through our major laboratories. Through hands-on demonstrations, they highlighted the critical role of nuclear science in making Britain a clean energy superpower. Parliamentarians, industry leaders and partners at Nuclear Week in Parliament were taken on a tour of the UK’s nuclear energy capabilities at UKNNL’s event – From Lab to Local: Making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower, on 21 January 2026.

The interactive reception, sponsored by Josh MacAlister MP, showcased hands-on demonstrations from each of UKNNL’s laboratories – bringing the science that underpins the UK’s nuclear future directly to decision-makers.

A journey through Britain’s nuclear laboratories

Visitors experienced a unique tour of UKNNL’s capabilities, with expert scientists demonstrating work that supports everything from the UK’s operating reactor fleet to the long-term management of the nation’s plutonium inventory.

Demonstrations included:

• Central Laboratory (Sellafield), Cumbria: Supported by colleagues from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, UKNNL scientists showcased the research and development behind plutonium immobilisation – one of the UK’s most significant nuclear challenges. Visitors saw how two key processes work: Hot isostatic pressing (HIP), where plutonium is blended with a mineral and squashed and heated to make a rock-like material, and the Disposal Mixed Oxide powder handling process that creates ceramic pellets. Both are options for the long-term storage of the UK’s plutonium.

• Windscale, Cumbria: Guests were shown post-irradiation examination techniques, using microscopy to reveal how nuclear fuel changes after powering EDF’s reactors or Royal Navy submarines.

• Workington, Cumbria: This is where UKNNL tests the graphite that houses fuel in the UK’s most productive nuclear reactors, using an oscilloscope to demonstrate how sound waves reveal material integrity.

• Preston, Lancashire: Home to scientists working on the next generation of nuclear fuels, visitors saw a demonstration of the fluidised bed coating process used to create Coated Particle Fuel – an advanced fuel technology designed for future reactors – Just one poppy seed-sized kernel has enough energy to boil eight kettles.

Read more here - https://uknnl.com/2026/01/uknn...

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