Wedoany.com Report-Apr 4, The UK has announced a £1 million research partnership to investigate the use of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) in encapsulating nuclear waste. The collaboration involves The University of Sheffield, Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory. The aim is to explore how varying amounts and characteristics of calcined clays can create cement materials that securely store and dispose of radioactive waste at Sellafield.
Dr. Brant Walkley, a Senior Lecturer and Head of Sustainable Materials at The University of Sheffield, stated that this partnership will strengthen their team's position as a global leader in cement science and engineering. The Centre for Cement & Concrete, based at the University, offers research, consultancy, and training services, making it the UK's largest academic research center in this field.
The project focuses on using blended Portland cements with calcined clays, particularly LC3, which is environmentally friendly and reduces CO2 emissions. Dr. Stephen Farris from Sellafield Ltd emphasized the center's expertise in developing cement-based solutions for nuclear waste conditioning.
This research will provide the foundation for using LC3 in nuclear waste encapsulation, helping to ensure safe and reliable storage. It aims to address the UK's growing nuclear waste problem, which is expected to reach 450,000 cubic meters by the century's end, with most waste already in cement form.
The partnership represents a significant step forward in sustainable nuclear waste management, aligning with the UK's goal of creating safe and efficient solutions for nuclear energy's future.
