About Us
Who is NIRO?
The Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO) provides expert, independent strategic and technical advice to government on all matters concerning the nuclear fuel cycle, radionuclide applications, de-risking investment, informing policy and enabling maximum value for money to the UK taxpayer.
What does NIRO do?
NIRO regularly advises the Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), however our specialist ad hoc expertise can be extended to other Government departments. Our work for DESNZ involves technical input, feedback or peer review for: submissions, policy papers, business cases, tender documents, advice to Ministers, design of projects and programmes and technical delivery of projects. We also provide advice on nuclear innovation and R&D required for future nuclear energy technologies and supports learning through briefings, arranging expert talks, seminars and training. NIRO is able to access to a wide network of academic and industry contacts for specialised advice or further research if required and can coordinate input from a wide network of industry stakeholders.
NIRO experts are seconded from across the nuclear sector, as such the team has amassed over 400 years of collective nuclear experience. When individuals join NIRO they sign up to The NIRO Charter, to ensure they maintain confidentiality at all times and they work under a strict form of Governance, providing an ethical barrier between themselves and their originating organisation.
What does NIRO deliver?
1
Nuclear Policy:
NIRO supports DESNZ in developing policies in areas such as nuclear fuel and wider fuel cycle technology development, nuclear research skills and capabilities, medical isotopes, security and safeguards.
2
Nuclear Technology:
NIRO assists Government with Technical Monitoring of SMR and AMR development programmes and the interface with development of GW scale programmes.
3
Nuclear Regulation:
NIRO provides advice and guidance on the applicable laws and regulations governing nuclear activities in the UK. We closely work with all regulators, but in particular the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).
4
UK coordination:
NIRO works closely with colleagues across Government departments, agencies, private companies, national laboratories, regulators and other boards/ organisation to support nuclear R&D.
5
National and international engagement:
NIRO has supported DESNZ on key elements of nuclear R&D engagement with other countries and international bodies. This includes coordinating the UK’s involvement in IAEA and OECD NEA activities, supporting Government with the Generation IV Forum, bilateral Action Plans, and assessing the impact of post Brexit/Euratom Exit scenarios on nuclear R&D in the UK. NIRO has extensive international networks and regularly collaborates and works with a number of international stakeholders. We also provide input to international conferences and events.
6
Nuclear innovation:
NIRO provides expert advice to Government on new innovations and technological advances which may impact the nuclear sector.
7
Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB):
NIRO enables the delivery of NIRAB providing technical secretariat support and undertaking research to support the NIRAB working groups.
8
Landscape reviews:
NIRO produces a comprehensive review of the civil nuclear R&D landscape, evaluating government policy, funding sources, location and focus of UK R&D. We regularly assess how fit the UK is to deliver nuclear projects and provide advice and guidance on the capabilities required to underpin nuclear ambitions.
What does NIRO offer?
Independent Advice
NIRO offers independent, strategic, technical, economic and regulatory advice.
Technical Monitoring
NIRO provides technical input, feedback or peer review for submissions, policy papers, business cases, tender documents, as well as advice to Ministers and design of projects and programmes.
Nuclear Expertise
NIRO is a single point of contact for nuclear advice, with access to a wide network of academic and industry contacts for specialised advice or further research.
Industry Coordination
NIRO coordinates input from a wide network of industry stakeholders.
Innovation Consulting
NIRO offers advice on nuclear innovation and R&D into future nuclear energy technologies.
Regulatory and Compliance Guidance
NIRO provides support to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and works closely with all nuclear regulators, particularly ONR and EA.
