Programme
FutureScope Decommissioning Data Challenge
Overview
This three month long programme is looking for a company to explore the potentials of a “digital-twin”, based on data related to the nuclear decommissioning process. Nuclear decommissioning is undertaken once a nuclear facility has reached the end of its operational life. It involves the safe removal of radioactive waste and secondary waste from a nuclear facility, the dismantling of the plant and associated facilities, ultimately leading to site restoration.
By creating a digital twin of a nuclear facility, experts can analyse different decommissioning scenarios, plan the optimal sequence of actions, track the progress and status of the decommissioning process, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This will be key to ensuring the long-term success of the UK’s nuclear industry, bolstering its economic output and enhancing its reputation as a leader in nuclear decommissioning expertise and sustainable energy solutions.
This Decommissioning Data Challenge will allow the selected company to work with the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) to develop a high-quality digital proof-of-concept digital-twin that can utilise, process, and merge complex data to make nuclear decommissioning faster, cheaper, and safer, answering the challenge of:
“What digital tools can be used to create a digital twin from pre-existing and robot-collected data that enables a structured approach for strategic decision making and analytics in order to make nuclear decommissioning faster/safer/cheaper?”
The application window to apply was open between the 15th August and 24th September 2023, and the anticipated start date for the successful company is the beginning of December 2023.
Who we are working with
We are working with RAICo, a collaboration between the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and University of Manchester. An end user-led collaboration that brings together teams from fission decommissioning and fusion engineering. The programme is focussed on developing robotics and artificial intelligence technologies that are required for the deployment of remotely operated solutions for decommissioning and future fusion powerplants.
Benefits
The successful company will have the opportunity to work at a RAICo facility, will benefit from up to £40,000 in funding to develop a proof-of-concept demonstration, access technical guidance and support from industry experts, and the opportunity to expand their knowledge and portfolio within the nuclear industry.
Access to a RAICo site and learning opportunities about RAICo
Technical guidance and support to develop a proof-of-concept
Up to £40k funding
Insight into the nuclear sector
Support to plan next steps after proof of concept
Expand portfolio into the nuclear sector