Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 60
60
Accepted
Paragraph: 283
Existing nuclear waste constitutes majority; SMR and AMR waste may require distinct handling.
Conclusion
Most of the nuclear waste that the UK must safely handle and dispose of has already been produced by previous nuclear installations. The incremental waste generated by new nuclear power plants is not likely to be a material factor in decisions on approving new gigawatt-scale plants. We note, however, evidence presented to us that indicated that small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors would produce waste which may require different handling.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees new plants should be designed with decommissioning in mind and explains that existing legislation (Energy Act 2008) already requires operators to have Funded Decommissioning Programmes approved, with expert advice from the NDA and NWS.
Paragraph Reference:
283
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
cycle, including for advanced nuclear technologies. The UK government agrees that new and advanced nuclear power plants should be designed, approved, and operated with decommissioning and waste management in mind. Under the Energy Act 2008, operators of all new nuclear power stations are required to have a Funded Decommissioning Programme (FDP) approved by the Secretary of State before nuclear-related construction can begin. The purpose of the FDP is to ensure that new nuclear power station operators have a plan to deliver the decommissioning and waste management associated with nuclear power stations and secure funding arrangements in place to meet the full costs of decommissioning, waste management and the disposal of spent fuel. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority provides expert advice to the UK Government on nuclear new build operators’ decommissioning and waste management plans as part of the FDP approvals process. Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is able to offer advice to waste producers and potential vendors on the suitability of their waste conditioning proposals for future disposal in a Geological Disposal Facility. The UK government is committed to ensuring that society can continue to benefit from the use of nuclear power without leaving an undue burden on future generations.