Nuclear Decommissioning Authority speaker Jennifer James spoke about Grand Challenges for Technical Innovation at the NWDRF industry event on Moving humans away from harm

We're charged, on behalf of government, with the mission to clean-up the UK’s former nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively. We’re committed to overcoming the challenges of nuclear clean-up and decommissioning, leaving our 18 former nuclear sites ready for their next use. We do this work with care for our people, communities and the environment, with safety, as always, our number one priority. Our 18 sites reflect the UK's nuclear legacy and include the first fleet of nuclear power stations, research centres, fuel-related facilities, and Sellafield, which has the largest radioactive inventory and the most complex facilities to decommission. Our sites reflect this legacy and include the first fleet of nuclear power stations, research centres, fuel-related facilities, and Sellafield, which has the largest radioactive inventory and the most complex facilities to decommission. Our mission is growing as we also take on the decommissioning of Britain’s seven advanced gas‑cooled reactors (AGRs). Over the next decade, with the addition of the AGRs, the number of sites we are responsible for will increase to 24. This represents a significant expansion of the UK’s nuclear decommissioning programme and recognises the skills, capability and expertise across the NDA group to safely and securely decommission this next generation of nuclear sites. As owners of one of the largest nuclear decommissioning and remediation programmes in Europe, our main priority is to lead the work across the NDA group and develop the strategy for how it should be carried out. We also play an important role in supporting government’s aspiration for the UK to be a global leader in the civil nuclear sector. We strive to deliver best value for the UK taxpayer by focusing on reducing the highest hazards and risks, while ensuring safe, secure, and environmentally responsible operations at our sites.