Laboratory building construction work (Building 47) for the National Physical Laboratory

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) provides world-leading measurement science, engineering, and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life.

The proposed project is to deliver the refurbishment and change of use works to B47 to facilitate the implementation of the new Van de Graaff accelerator. Modernise and enhance the performance of these facilities to provide the best possible conditions for the science and research to be completed.

This will be a new neutron measurement facility that will play a critical role in the safe and secure operation and continued development of the UK’s nuclear energy, defense, and fusion research sectors.

Following a review in 2023 the UK government outlined plans for a new series of nuclear reactors in a bid to boost UK energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. As well as a roadmap that sets out how the UK will increase nuclear generation by up to 4 times by 2050, announced on 11 January 2024.

The facility consists of a new particle accelerator and is one of only a few known facilities worldwide that offers precision traceable neutron standards.