We are excited to share a new video showcasing the progress of the Hot Cells at ESS—offering a behind-the-scenes look at this pioneering remote waste processing facility.
The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, is home to the Active Cells facility—a fully remotely operated system for processing radioactive waste. Designed for safety and efficiency, the facility uses advanced robotics and remote handling to manage, cut, and package high-activity waste.
UKAEA’s RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) serves as the systems integrator, leading the project from inception. Our expertise in remote maintenance has been vital in developing and testing key components, including wire saws and manipulators, both in Sweden and at our site in Culham, UK.
The facility features:
- A Process Cell for waste size reduction and packaging
- A Maintenance Cell with shielded doors and a grapple crane for safe storage
- A Waste Transfer System for secure transport
- A Control Room with a custom-built interface for full remote operation
- Technical Galleries housing electrical systems and a bespoke component transfer hatch
Nick Sykes, Director of RACE, UKAEA, said, “The ESS Active Cells is a perfect case study for the type of facility that fusion will need in the delivery of active cells. UKAEA has not only had an opportunity to collaborate with the world leading science community on a really complex world leading project, but also it’s developing the technology and systems that will be really needed for Fusion in the future.”
Carwyn Jones, Work Package Manager for Remote Handling Systems at ESS, said, “RACE has brought a unique expertise that was essential for this project. And that is knowledge of how to do maintenance in a highly hazardous environment, which is our working environment.”
This project not only supports international collaboration but also strengthens the UK’s industrial capabilities and fusion supply chain. The Active Cells facility stands as a model for future fusion infrastructure, combining innovation, safety, and global partnership.
The project team is currently working on testing and commissioning of the Manipulator Crane and Machining Station in the RACE workhall prior to delivery to Sweden, with completion targeted for early 2027.
For more information on the project, please visit Active Cells Facility for the European Spallation Source