4 minute read
The UK’s civil nuclear sector is rapidly growing to meet national goals for energy security and net‑zero, with major investment driving growth in advanced reactors, SMRs, decommissioning and fusion. However, this progress relies on overcoming significant technical, regulatory and cost challenges.
As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL provides trusted measurement science, standards and technology needed to ensure safety, efficiency and innovation across the nuclear lifecycle and the enabling infrastructure to address challenges facing the nuclear sector. Accurate measurement underpins safety, reduces waste and cost, supports regulatory approval, and enables innovation.
NPL’s new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the measurement challenges and metrology needs across the nuclear energy lifecycle, from fuel development and reactor operation to fusion innovation and decommissioning. Drawing on policy, stakeholder engagement, and scientific literature, this report identifies areas where improved measurement can enable, or is critical to, safe, efficient, and cost-effective nuclear energy. Key focus areas are:
Advanced reactors and Small Modular Reactors: radiation‑resistant sensors, real‑time monitoring and validated nuclear data
Decommissioning: reliable waste characterisation and environmental monitoring
Fusion: validation of diagnostics, material behaviour and modelling
Fuels: process control, isotopic assay and post‑irradiation measurements
The report provides the basis for the development of new metrology and underpinning science; it sets out opportunities for engagement and collaboration to ensure successful delivery of metrology solutions for the nuclear energy sector through the following priority actions:
Targeted investment into R&D for advanced measurement technologies and radiation-tolerant, high temperature sensors
Standardise measurement protocols and data formats for improved interoperability, model validation and regulatory review
Expand training and skills development to grow expertise in nuclear metrology
Integrate metrology from the outset of reactor, fuel and decommissioning design for repeated success, safety, compliance, cost efficiency and investor confidence
NPL’s independent expertise and national role positions us to lead on these challenges, supporting UK industry, academia and government. Strengthening metrology across the sector will help accelerate the safe, efficient and sustainable deployment of nuclear energy as a key component of the UK’s clean energy future.
Richard Barker, Head of Environment National Challenge said: "Nuclear energy has a key role to play in the future energy system, but safety and environmental risks bring high engineering and financing costs. Better understanding of the challenges and right engineering through better measurement promise to realise the full potential of nuclear with fewer trade-offs. NPL shares its insights and looks forward to working with stakeholders to make this happen."
Ben Russell, Principal Scientist, Nuclear Metrology said: “There is a significant drive to develop the next generation of nuclear reactors to contribute to safe, secure and green energy in the UK, as well as ensuring safe and cost-effective decommissioning of legacy sites. The development, operation and decommissioning of reactor sites necessitates confidence in measurement across a range of scientific disciplines. NPL are in a unique position to contribute to this through traceable measurement of areas including radionuclides, neutrons, corrosion, temperature, and materials.”
18 Mar 2026