The UK’s nuclear transport sector has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the inaugural HALEU Transportation Industry Forum.

The event, held yesterday (Monday 14 July), brought together key stakeholders from government and industry to address the future of transporting High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) across the UK.

HALEU is an innovative form of fuel that will be used in new nuclear developments. This is vital to the development of Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and central to the UK’s plan to deliver 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050, meeting around 25% of the country’s electricity needs.

Last year, NTS was awarded £10.5 million to spearhead the development of transport capabilities for the UK’s future use of HALEU.

Currently, Russia is the only commercial supplier of HALEU, and by investing in domestic HALEU production, the UK is enhancing its energy independence.

Led by NTS and commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the forum was designed to foster collaboration, tackle logistical challenges, and lay the groundwork for a robust HALEU transportation framework.

Participants brought together their expertise with the aim of driving the HALEU agenda around the transportation of this special fuel to ultimately develop a safe, efficient, and future-ready logistics strategy.

At the event, NTS was able to showcase its world-leading HALEU transport package – Pegasus. Pegasus is a versatile package designed to support the next generation of nuclear reactors and their fuels.

Ben Whittard, NTS co-CEO, said: “We’ve been tasked by the UK government to lead the development of safe, secure, and reliable HALEU transport solutions. Nuclear logistics and package design are our specialties, and we’re thrilled to be at the very forefront of this exciting period in clean, efficient nuclear power.

The event marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s nuclear energy roadmap, as HALEU is expected to play a key role in next-generation reactors and the country’s broader clean energy ambitions.”

This was the first in a series of events, and NTS will continue to host industry forum meetings over the coming years to advance the further development of the UK’s HALEU transport capability.