UK Backs £13 Million Drive to Recycle Nuclear Graphite for Next-Gen Reactors

The University of Plymouth is taking on a pivotal role in a groundbreaking research initiative that could revolutionise the sourcing, use, and repurposing of graphite in nuclear energy. Graphite is a crucial material for the operation of nuclear reactors and is expected to play a key role in the future expansion of nuclear power. As the UK pushes toward its net zero targets, nuclear energy is being recognised as a critical part of the solution, offering electricity generation with almost no carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions.

Yet, the benefits come with significant challenges. The new ENLIGHT programme, short for Enabling a Lifecycle Approach to Graphite for Advanced Modular Reactors, will span five years and focus on developing the technologies necessary to unlock the next generation of nuclear energy systems. Its mission extends beyond innovation in energy generation. It also aims to tackle two pressing national issues: ensuring the UK has a sustainable and sovereign supply of nuclear-grade graphite, and identifying viable long-term solutions for managing the growing stockpile of irradiated graphite waste.

The University of Manchester is leading this ambitious effort and will bring together world-class expertise from the University of Oxford, Loughborough University, and the University of Plymouth. The project has secured £8.2 million in funding from UK Research and Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, complemented by around £5 million from industry partners.

ENLIGHT is more than a research project. It is also a platform for collaboration, innovation, and skills development. The programme is designed to reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in advanced nuclear technology while strengthening its reputation for clean energy innovation on the global stage.

The University of Plymouth will focus its expertise on analysing porous materials, a key component in assessing whether repurposed graphite can perform reliably in demanding reactor conditions. This work will be essential in determining the viability of new graphite applications and in ensuring safety and efficiency in future nuclear systems.