Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 61
61
Accepted
Paragraph: 284
Require clear understanding of waste consequences, handling, and cost for new nuclear technology approval.
Conclusion
It is imperative that a clear understanding of the waste consequences of new nuclear technologies, how it will be dealt with and at what cost, should be part of the decision- making on approving the case of these technologies.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that new nuclear plants should be designed with decommissioning and waste management in mind. It states that existing legislation, such as the Energy Act 2008, already requires operators to have an approved Funded Decommissioning Programme (FDP) to manage these costs and plans.
Paragraph Reference:
284
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.