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Exploring the Future of Nuclear Decommissioning: NSG at the NEA Innovation & Robotics Conference

Author: Nathan Dyke, Consultant

Recently, I and some of my fellow NSG Consultants had the exciting opportunity to attend a global conference hosted by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) — and what an inspiring few days it was! Held in Workington, West Cumbria, the three-day event brought together some of the best minds in nuclear innovation, robotics, and artificial intelligence from across the globe — with attendees and speakers from the USA, Canada, China, Japan, as well as other countries.

The conference was focussed on how cutting-edge robotic and AI technologies can play a role in supporting decommissioning of nuclear sites.

Global Collaboration, Local Impact

One of the biggest takeaways I got from the conference was the incredible potential for international collaboration. From remote-operated robotics to AI-powered mapping and waste retrieval systems, there is some exciting innovations shaping the future of nuclear decommissioning — and NSG is well positioned to be a part of it.

The connections we made with international developers could open the door to bringing some of these technologies to the UK sector. By leveraging NSG’s strong relationships within the industry, there’s a real opportunity for us to act as a bridge — helping link these innovative developers with our customers across UK nuclear sites.

But the benefits aren’t just external. Many of the technologies could also enhance how we operate internally at NSG — from site operations to consultancy, engineering, and central business functions. We’re already looking into feeding some of the more promising ideas through our internal innovation initiative cleverly titled the Ideas Factory, to assess their value and explore how they could be brought to life within our business.

A Glimpse into the Future

The presentations over the three days were very fascinating. The agenda covered everything from remote scanning and laser size-reduction techniques to autonomous vehicles handling waste retrieval. Talks from regulatory bodies, including the IAEA and representatives from Canada and the UK, provided encouraging insights into how regulation is evolving to support — not stifle — innovation.

Rather than acting as a blocker, regulators expressed a desire to actively engage with the industry to implement technologies that improve safety, efficiency, and outcomes for nuclear decommissioning projects. It was a strong signal that now is the time to act on new ideas.

Real Talk: Panels & Perspectives

The conference also featured a range of thought-provoking panel discussions. Experts from industry, academia, and regulatory bodies discussed the big questions around funding, supply chain resilience, and the role of AI — including the risks that come with granting AI systems too much autonomy over critical operations.

For NSG, these conversations reaffirmed our role in helping facilitate responsible innovation. With our expertise and strong relationships, we’re in a great position to partner with organisations and academia to demonstrate the value of these technologies, help customers manage change effectively, and ensure that the transition to new ways of working is smooth and sustainable to bring real value.

Behind the Scenes at RAICo 1

As part of the event, we were fortunate to tour the RAICo 1 facility in Whitehaven — a specialist R&D hub where (excuse the cliché) science fiction meets real-world application. This collaborative space, run by UKAEA, NDA, Sellafield, and the University of Manchester, is developing some jaw-dropping tech.
We got an inside look at a full-scale digital twin of a legacy facility at Sellafield, submersible ROV detectors, and even robotic glovebox handling equipment. It’s safe to say, the future of nuclear decommissioning is not just innovative — it’s already here.

Final Thoughts

The NEA conference was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the global nuclear community comes together to reimagine the future. It gave us new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose — not just in what we do at NSG, but in how we can contribute to driving meaningful change in the industry.

We’re excited to continue these conversations, explore new partnerships, and turn some of these visionary ideas into practical solutions — both for our customers and within NSG itself. Watch this space.

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