The University of Manchester will provide GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) with expert technical knowledge and input towards the potential deployment of its PRISM reactor, under a new memorandum of understanding.

The 600 MW PRISM fast-reactor is designed for the disposition of the UK’s growing civil plutonium stockpile, while at the same time generating low-carbon electricity.

GEH has been lining up potential business partners to deploy the PRISM technology at Sellafield and has previously signed up the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory to collaborate.

“We continue to capitalize on the U.K.’s nuclear expertise and are excited by the opportunity of working with the esteemed and prestigious University of Manchester on this potential project,” said Danny Roderick, senior vice president of new plant projects for GEH. “Manchester is a growing center of expertise for the civil nuclear energy sector, so we’re delighted to work with them on PRISM, which we believe is the best way to manage the U.K.’s plutonium stockpile efficiently, securely and safely while generating low-carbon electricity at the same time.”

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has contracted GEH to carry out feasibility work in a number of key areas including the proposed commercial structure, disposability of the fuel, risk transfer model, costs and licensability of GEH’s PRISM offering.


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