The United Kingdom’s pursuit of nuclear power expansion is confronting a significant obstacle: the management of nuclear waste. As the government reintroduces nuclear energy into its energy strategy after years of stagnation, concerns over the safe disposal of radioactive materials loom large. With nuclear waste remaining hazardous for approximately 10,000 years, effective disposal methods are crucial for safeguarding both public health and the environment.
Nuclear waste is categorized into three levels: low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level waste. Most waste, which includes items like tools and work clothing, is low-level and contains about 1 percent radioactivity. In contrast, high-level waste, such as spent fuel, represents only 3 percent of the total volume of nuclear waste but accounts for approximately 95 percent of its radioactivity. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for robust waste management practices as the UK looks to expand its nuclear capabilities.
As of now, the UK holds around 700,000 cubic metres of radioactive waste from past nuclear operations, a figure expected to rise with new projects. To address this growing challenge, the government is exploring the establishment of a geological disposal facility (GDF), designed to securely store nuclear waste underground. While no specific site has been confirmed, two potential locations in Cumbria are under consideration.
A spokesperson for the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated, “Constructing the UK’s first geological disposal facility will provide an internationally recognised safe and permanent disposal of the most hazardous radioactive waste.” They emphasized that progress is being made in identifying suitable sites for this multi-billion-pound project, which is anticipated to generate thousands of skilled jobs and stimulate local economies.
Nevertheless, the UK Treasury has raised concerns about the feasibility of the GDF project, labeling it “unachievable” in a recent assessment. The project received a “red” rating, indicating significant issues with its definition, schedule, budget, and quality. Richard Outram, secretary of Nuclear Free Local Authorities, noted, “The Nista red rating is hardly surprising. The GDF process is fraught with uncertainties, and the GDF ‘solution’ remains unproven and costly.”
Currently, the majority of the UK’s nuclear waste is stored at the Sellafield facility in Cumbria, which is considered one of the world’s most complex and hazardous nuclear sites. As the country plans to decommission several aging power plants and develop new nuclear facilities, addressing the waste management issue is increasingly critical. If a GDF is developed, the UK estimates it could take until 2150 to dispose of existing waste before tackling new waste.
In June 2023, Lincolnshire County Council withdrew from consideration as a potential site for the GDF after engaging with local communities, illustrating the common challenges faced in selecting locations for nuclear waste disposal. The “not-in-my-backyard” sentiment often complicates the establishment of such facilities, raising uncertainty about whether communities in Cumbria will respond similarly.
Corhyn Parr, CEO of Nuclear Waste Services, emphasized the need for a suitable location and community willingness for the GDF to proceed. He stated, “A GDF requires a suitable site and a willing community and will only be developed when both are in place.”
Globally, nations are grappling with the challenge of nuclear waste disposal as they embark on a new era of nuclear energy, aligned with ambitions for a greener transition. While nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a safe and clean energy source, the pressing issues surrounding waste management must be swiftly addressed to mitigate potential risks to human health and the environment. As the UK navigates these complex challenges, the path forward remains uncertain, underscoring the necessity for clear guidelines and rigorous safety standards in the nuclear sector.
