A new partnership between Lucideon and Cavendish Nuclear, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group, has been launched, to address complex decommissioning challenges.
The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring together Cavendish Nuclear’s engineering expertise in nuclear decommissioning and environmental clean-up works, combined with Lucideon’s MIDAR® geopolymer technology.
The new framework will jointly explore global challenges that would benefit from MIDAR® geopolymer solutions, with an initial focus on nuclear waste management and decommissioning in the Japanese market.
Cavendish Nuclear’s collaboration with Lucideon demonstrates its commitment to working with SMEs to accelerate innovation across the nuclear industry. Through this partnership Lucideon’s MIDAR® technology, which combines a unique blend of research, materials science and formulation technologies, will deliver innovative solutions for the sector.
Recent investments at Lucideon have enhanced its ability to trial and evaluate novel cements and MIDAR® technology at scale, providing the nuclear industry with end-to-end support from formulation development and optimisation through to 1000 litre batch trials.
Of particular note is Lucideon’s MALLETTM system (MIDAR®-Augmented Lower-cost Lower-carbon Encapsulation Technology) a new lower cost, lower carbon technique, which enables nuclear waste owners to process waste oils, graphite, zeolites, sludges, and ashes into a passive waste matrix that maximizes waste loading and minimizes overall waste disposal volumes.
Previous development and trials undertaken by Lucideon demonstrate the potential for MALLETTM to encapsulate and stabilize radioactive wastes, offering robust performance, durability and environmental benefits.
Tim Abbott, Director of Commerce – Advanced Materials at Lucideon, said:
“By combining Lucideon materials science expertise and MIDAR® technology with Cavendish Nuclear’s proven track record in nuclear engineering and project delivery, we are creating a powerful partnership to address some of the most complex waste management and decommissioning challenges in Japan and beyond.”
Andrew Peach, International Senior Business Manager at Cavendish Nuclear, said:
“Decommissioning is a vital part of our industry’s responsibility to ensure the safe and sustainable management of the nuclear legacy. Through this partnership, we are proud to champion new innovations by combining cutting-edge materials technology with our deep nuclear expertise and engineering know-how. This collaboration strengthens how we deliver complex decommissioning programs, including important projects overseas in Japan.”