ASTeC is currently writing the business case for a Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Accelerators (CESA). The primary objectives of this proposed centre will be:
- Host and support R&D in key technologies that will drive significant improvements in the sustainability of current and next-generation accelerators. Sustainability will be considered over the full lifecycle of accelerator facilities (design, construction, operation and decommissioning), considering environmental, social and economic impact.
- Contribute to STFC and UKRI’s efforts to achieve their Net Zero target by 2040 through:
- Providing tools to measure and assess energy and resource demands of accelerator facilities.
- Supporting the design of STFC accelerator facilities to increase their sustainability in collaboration with industry experts.
- Providing expertise and support to embed sustainability into other STFC, UKRI, national and international projects and facilities.
- Optimising operations and procedures to increase user throughput and scientific output.
- Make the UK the partner of choice for the global accelerator community when they are building sustainability into their accelerator facilities. Seek active partnerships with international centres and industry collaborators as part of CESA.
- Train accelerator scientists, technicians and engineers in the skills required for sustainable design, upgrade, build and operation in collaboration with UK Universities. Make CESA a hub for dissemination and sharing of knowledge and best practice.
- Educate and inspire the wider public on sustainability themes and accelerator technology, in collaboration with other STFC outreach initiatives.