Contributors: Robyn Fletcher
Published in Nuclear Future 22.6
The UK is entering a period of renewed nuclear development, supported by investment in new nuclear power stations, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies. These developments are creating demand for advanced nuclear fuels beyond conventional low-enriched uranium (LEU). The paper explores the UK's emerging LEU+ capability, high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and coated-particle fuels such as TRISO, examining their importance for future reactor deployment and domestic fuel-cycle capability.
Advanced reactor technologies introduce new challenges for fuel development, manufacturing, qualification and regulatory approval. The paper examines the UK's developing fuel-cycle infrastructure, including Urenco's LEU+ demonstration programme and planned HALEU production capability. It also considers the proposed deployment of X-energy's Xe-100 reactor and the associated requirements for TRISO fuel, highlighting the importance of addressing safety, security, transport, environmental permitting and waste management throughout the fuel lifecycle.
The paper discusses how early regulatory engagement can support nuclear fuel innovation while maintaining high standards of nuclear safety. Drawing on the Office for Nuclear Regulation's (ONR) regulatory readiness approach and the 2026 LEU+ proof-of-concept trial, it demonstrates how early consideration of regulatory requirements can reduce uncertainty, support effective planning and help advanced nuclear technologies progress towards deployment.
ROBYN FLETCHER
Robyn Fletcher is a Consultant in the Nuclear & Infrastructure team at Capgemini Invent. Her work focuses on the UK nuclear sector, including nuclear new build, fuel-cycle capability and regulatory frameworks. She holds a degree in Physics from the University of Birmingham and is particularly interested in how regulation can support the safe deployment of innovative nuclear technologies.