Actemium UK is redefining how the nuclear sector approaches advanced fuel development through a groundbreaking partnership with the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL). The engineering specialist has been selected as Strategic Design Partner to support the development of High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) capability at UKNNL’s Springfields site. This four-year framework represents a critical step in establishing UK sovereign nuclear fuel production capabilities, with only two other nations currently able to produce HALEU at commercial scale.
Building UK Nuclear Independence
The partnership centres on developing the research and development infrastructure needed to produce HALEU in quantities sufficient to fuel next-generation advanced modular nuclear reactors. UKNNL, as the government’s lead civil national laboratory for nuclear fission, maintains the UK’s nuclear fuel expertise whilst delivering the specialised facilities that underpin the nation’s clean energy ambitions.
Actemium Design UK will deploy its comprehensive engineering capabilities across process, mechanical, electrical, control and instrumentation systems to support the new HALEU manufacturing process. The scope encompasses technical definition, scheme development, detailed design creation, and overall manufacturing strategy development.
Brian Berry, Business Unit General Manager at Actemium Design UK, said:
“It is a privilege for Actemium UK to contribute to a project of such national importance in supporting the development of the UK’s future nuclear fuel programme. We have almost 40 years’ proven experience of engineering design in the nuclear sector. For this project with UKNNL, we will be employing our full technical capability and experience. We are committed to applying the innovative, pragmatic approach we are known for to ensure this design project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.”
Collaborative Engineering Approach
The project structure demonstrates how specialist engineering partnerships can accelerate critical infrastructure development. Actemium’s project leadership will be enhanced through strategic collaborations with DBD Ltd, which brings process engineering and safety expertise, alongside NIS Ltd’s manufacturing readiness capabilities.
This collaborative model allows UKNNL to access the full spectrum of technical disciplines required for HALEU production whilst maintaining focus on its core research and development mission. The approach reflects the complex engineering requirements of advanced nuclear fuel processing, where safety, precision, and regulatory compliance remain paramount.
James Murphy, Chief Customer Officer at UKNNL, expressed:
“Actemium UK’s strong credentials, extensive experience in requirements capture, and their specialist expertise in nuclear fuels and engineering will be valuable in developing the next generation of nuclear fuels. Their team brings the depth of process knowledge and collaborative approach needed to develop the right solutions. We’re delighted to support nuclear skills in the northwest too, strengthened by Actemium UK’s proximity to the Springfields site where nuclear fuel is manufactured and where UKNNL’s focus will be centred.”
Proven Nuclear Sector Expertise
Actemium UK’s selection builds on nearly four decades of experience across the UK’s most complex nuclear environments. The company delivers specialist engineering solutions spanning decommissioning, defence, fuel processing, research and development, and new build programmes. Their track record includes trusted partnerships with government organisations and major nuclear contractors across the complete project lifecycle.
Recent project successes include securing a new Distributed Control System project for Sellafield’s Waste Packaging and Encapsulation Plant, alongside appointment as a Preferred Partner on the Sellafield PPP Design Supplier Network. These achievements demonstrate the company’s capability to navigate the stringent requirements of nuclear sector delivery whilst maintaining operational excellence.
Supporting Strategic Energy Transition
This partnership highlights how targeted engineering expertise can advance the UK’s nuclear energy independence strategy. By developing domestic HALEU production capability, the collaboration addresses a critical gap in the advanced nuclear fuel supply chain whilst supporting the broader transition to clean energy technologies.
The Springfields site location offers strategic advantages through its existing nuclear manufacturing infrastructure and proximity to specialist workforce capabilities. As part of VINCI Energies‘ global industrial network, Actemium brings international expertise whilst maintaining local delivery focus. The four-year framework provides the stability needed for complex nuclear engineering projects whilst ensuring responsive support for UKNNL’s evolving requirements.
The collaboration represents a significant step towards establishing the UK as a key player in advanced nuclear fuel production, supporting both domestic energy security and the global transition to next-generation nuclear technologies.
