GDF progress as Areas of Focus identified
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) to take forward studies and investigations in these areas
NWS has published Areas of Focus in the search to find a suitable site and a willing community to host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). The areas are within the three communities currently involved in the process, in Mid Copeland and South Copeland in Cumbria, and in East Lincolnshire.
The Areas of Focus will enable NWS to focus more in-depth studies and investigations to help experts understand and consider the potential for an area to safely and securely host a GDF. They have been identified using a range of information, such as geological data, areas of environmental protection, and consideration of built up areas.
The identification of Areas of Focus does not mean a GDF will be sited in these areas. 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.
Corhyn Parr, Chief Executive Officer at NWS, said:
“NWS is delivering a GDF as the safe, secure, and long-term solution for the most hazardous radioactive waste. We are making real progress and establishing these Areas of Focus will help direct our investigations to help us determine the potential suitability of a specific area, with on-the ground surveys, further desk studies and engagement with landowners.
“A GDF requires a suitable site and willing community and will only be developed when both are in place. We will continue our engagement with local people and stakeholders, and will be holding events in local communities to talk about what this means for each area.”
In the search for a suitable site for a GDF, three key elements are needed with 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 enables 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 GDF.
A GDF is the safe and secure solution for the disposal of the UK’s most radioactive waste. 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.
There are more than 20 countries at different stages of GDF consideration and development around the globe, with Finland’s GDF expected to start operating before the end of the decade. Swedish and French facilities are on track for the 2030s and Switzerland’s set for the 2050s.