The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has unveiled a groundbreaking neutron measurement facility poised to revolutionise the landscape of the UK’s nuclear energy, defence, and fusion research sectors.
This state-of-the-art facility, located at NPL’s site in Teddington, south-west London, encompasses a new particle accelerator, marking a significant milestone in advancing the country’s nuclear capabilities.
Distinguishing itself on the global stage, the neutron measurement facility boasts one of the world’s few precision traceable neutron standards.
This achievement aligns seamlessly with the UK Government’s ambitious plans to construct a new series of nuclear reactors.
The recently unveiled roadmap, announced on 11 January, charts a course for a fourfold increase in nuclear generation by 2050, enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie emphasised the significance of the neutron measurement facility: “We are reviving our nuclear industry to deliver net zero and secure our energy independence, with plans to build new large- and small-scale reactors.
“These upgrades to National Physical Laboratory’s neutron facility will enable the safe and efficient operation of our new projects as we ramp up clean and reliable nuclear power.”
Ensuring safety and compliance
With the installation of the new system, NPL reinforces its commitment to providing an enduring and resilient measurement infrastructure, aligning with the British Government’s 2022 UK Measurement Strategy for the National Measurement System.
More than 60 years since the establishment of NPL’s first neutron measurement facility at Teddington, the upgraded accelerator system, six times more powerful than its predecessor, sets the stage for continued measurement integrity and consistency.
How the new neutron measurement facility will transform the UK nuclear landscape
Manufactured by High Voltage Engineering Europa, The Netherlands, the 2.0 MV Coaxial VHC Tandetron accelerator is a testament to cutting-edge engineering.
Remarkably, this is the same company that crafted the KN3000 Van de Graaff accelerator over six decades ago, emphasising a rich history of technological innovation.
The revamped neutron measurement facility serves as a solution hub for current, future, and emerging needs in the nuclear sector.
From characterising new instrumentation and detectors to supporting fusion research and providing monoenergetic and thermal neutron fields for UK Defence and Security, NPL’s upgraded facility stands at the forefront of nuclear advancement.
Dr Peter Thompson, CEO of NPL, explained: “By extending the UK’s capability in neutron standards and device calibration, which leads to improved accuracy and direct measurement in place of extrapolated data and therefore helping to accelerate work on advanced nuclear technologies, we are ensuring the UK is leading in this field.”
NPL’s cutting-edge neutron measurement facility signifies a giant leap forward in advancing the UK’s nuclear capabilities, paving the way for a secure, sustainable, and technologically advanced future.
