Materials science company Lucideon has partnered with nuclear experts Cavendish Nuclear to develop new solutions for nuclear waste management and decommissioning.
The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine Cavendish Nuclear’s engineering expertise with Lucideon’s MIDAR® geopolymer technology, with an initial focus on nuclear waste management and decommissioning in the Japanese market.
Lucideon’s MALLET system (MIDAR®-Augmented Lower-cost Lower-carbon Encapsulation Technology) can turn oils, graphite, zeolites, sludges and ashes into a stable waste form, reducing disposal volumes and improving environmental performance, without the high-temperature firing used in traditional cement or ceramics.
Recent investments have allowed the company, which is based on Stone Business Park, to test MIDAR® at scale, from formulation to 1,000-litre batch trials.
Tim Abbott, Director of Commerce – Advanced Materials at Lucideon, said: “By combining Lucideon’s materials science expertise and MIDAR® technology with Cavendish Nuclear’s proven track record in nuclear engineering and project delivery, we are creating a powerful partnership to address some of the most complex waste management and decommissioning challenges in Japan and beyond.”
The partnership highlights Cavendish Nuclear’s commitment to working with SMEs to accelerate innovation across the nuclear industry.
Andrew Peach, international senior business manager at Cavendish Nuclear, part of Babcock International Group, added: “Decommissioning is a vital part of our industry’s responsibility to ensure the safe and sustainable management of the nuclear legacy.
“Through this partnership, we are proud to champion new innovations by combining cutting-edge materials technology with our deep nuclear expertise and engineering know-how.”
