Project is one of largest environmental protection programmes country has seen
The UK government organisation responsible for finding a site for a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel has announced three “areas of focus” for in-depth studies and investigations.
Nuclear waste Services (NWS) said the three areas are within the three communities currently involved in the process: Mid Copeland and South Copeland in Cumbria, northwest England, and East Lincolnshire in northeast England.
The three areas have been identified using a range of information, such as geological data, areas of environmental protection, and consideration of built-up urban areas, NWS said.
The identification of the three areas does not necessarily mean a repository will be sited in any of them.
“Construction will only start when a suitable site is identified, a potential host community has confirmed its willingness to host the facility, and all the necessary consents and permits have been obtained,” NWS said.
In the search for a suitable repository site, three key elements are needed: the right sub-surface geological environment deep underground, a suitable surface location, and the ability to connect the two areas with accessways.
Identifying these areas will enable NWS to focus site evaluation studies, such as transport and environmental surveys, and the site characterisation work needed to consider the potential for an area to safely host a repository.
A deep geological repository is for the disposal of the UK’s most radioactive waste, including spent fuel from nuclear power plants. It is one of the largest environmental protection programmes the UK has ever seen and ensures the cost and burden or keeping the waste safe is removed from future generations, NWS said.
There are more than 20 countries at different stages of deep geological repository consideration and development, with Finland’s repository expected to be the first to start operating before the end of the decade. Swedish and French facilities are on track for the 2030s and Switzerland’s for the 2050s.
