Asbestos Innovation Partnership

The NDA is looking for the supply chain to develop an innovative solution that converts

asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM), that are currently considered as wastes with

significant chemo-toxic properties, into an inert product that can be re-used. The requirement is to

primarily treat radiologically-contaminated Asbestos / ACM up to, and including that classified as,

Intermediate Level Waste. The scope includes highly friable material. It is expected that the technology

developed will also be applicable to non-radiologically contaminated asbestos / ACM and this may prevent

significant quantities having to be sent to licenced hazardous landfills.

Although primarily aimed at NDA estate wastes, the service may be accessible to non-NDA estate

organisations in the UK Nuclear Industry.

The procurement over 8 +1 +1 years will provide a fully operational service (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9) through the delivery of an innovative treatment solution for both radiologically-contaminated and non-contaminated asbestos / ACM. The aim of the new service to make “re-use” the preferred management option and disposal the least preferred management option (in alignment with the waste hierarchy), and to thereby decrease the risks and hazards associated with asbestos/ACM handling and management. The procurement will start with up to a 12 month R&D and Testing phase awarding up to 3 suppliers £0-£4M per supplier. The next phase is a 4 year Build / Pilot Operations (inactive and active demonstrators (up to 2 suppliers, capped budget of £27m each) and finally a 1 Year Fully Operational Service,, (up to 2 suppliers, capped budget of £7m each). The work will be managed and coordinated by the NDA but may novate over to Nuclear Waste Services and maybe accessed by other entities of the NDA Group.

Whilst this is advertised as a services contract, Goods and works will apply. Additional information: Any waste products (including secondary waste) of the service that are not re-usable must be disposable and the service should aspire to be carbon-neutral in line with UK Government Policy. The service must comply to all existing regulatory requirements for handling asbestos and ACM, e.g the UK REACH chemical regulations”.