Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 53
53
Accepted
Paragraph: 257
Nuclear regulation efficiency can improve by running GDA and site licensing in parallel
Conclusion
Although the reputation and integrity of UK nuclear regulation must be maintained, there are opportunities to improve the efficiencies of nuclear regulation by running processes such as the Generic Design Assessment (GDA), and site licencing, in parallel.
Government Response Summary
The government stated that the ONR and Environment Agency are reviewing GDA processes and will report in April 2024, considering options for increased flexibility. The government will also work closely with regulators to identify potential streamlining or duplication removal in consenting and licensing, and improve pre-application services.
Paragraph Reference:
257
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
A Development Consent Order (DCO) serves as the avenue to secure authorisation for projects classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP), encompassing energy initiatives. The decision-making authority for DCO applications rests with the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and the Secretary of State. In contrast, the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process operates independently and falls under the jurisdiction of nuclear regulators. The primary objective of the GDA is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a proposed technology within Great Britain, ensuring it can be constructed, operated, and decommissioned while upholding rigorous standards of safety, security, and environmental protection. The ONR and EA are currently reviewing GDA processes further following the significant streamlining they have already put in place,and will be reporting in April 2024. Amongst options considered is to introduce increased flexibility e.g. to allow for acceleration of the ‘bridge’ between GDA and Nuclear Site Licensing where technological and organisational maturity allows. As outlined in the British Energy Security Strategy, Government will work with the regulators to understand the potential for any streamlining or removing of duplication from the consenting and licensing of new nuclear power stations, including possibly new harmonisation on international regulation, without impacting the robust safety, security and environmental protections offered by the UK regulatory regime. Furthermore, in July 2023, the Government committed to consult in the autumn on alternative routes to market for new nuclear projects, in addition to the GBN led Technology Selection Process. industrial decarbonisation as well as low-carbon heat and hydrogen production. for new nuclear power are currently being explored to facilitate future projects. Without impacting the robust safety, security and environmental protections offered by the UK regulatory regime, the Government will work closely with regulators to understand the potential for any streamlining or removing of duplication from the consenting and licensing of new nuclear power stations, including possibly harmonising on international regulation. Close engagement continues for example with the EA and ONR to improve the pre-application service to benefit applicants progressing through the regulatory process.