Working together for Cumbria’s future

Who are NWS?

We are Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and it’s our job, on behalf of the government, to manage and dispose of the waste arising from the UK’s earliest nuclear sites, as well as from new nuclear, safely, securely, and cost-effectively – leaving a positive legacy once the work is completed.

In addition to NWS, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group includes other major players like Sellafield Ltd, Nuclear Restoration Services, and Nuclear Transport Solutions. All of us work together to support the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites and manage the country’s nuclear waste, protecting people and the environment.

What does NWS do?

Nuclear technology has been around for over 70 years. It generates around 15% of the nation’s electricity, and it’s also used in everything from industry and defence to medicine. As you’d expect, this generates different types of radioactive materials, ranging from hospital clothing to nuclear fuel rods. So, we need to manage the waste that arises.

Nuclear waste can be low, intermediate or high level and depending on how hazardous it is, or whether it has a short or a long half-life, it’s important to choose the right method of treatment, packaging, recycling, or disposal. That’s why the UK’s leading experts in nuclear waste management work together collaboratively. Working with the NDA estate and the independent regulators, Nuclear Waste Services will ensure that the right waste form is in the right package and is disposed of at the right facility. 

What is a GDF?

Over 70% of the country’s existing Higher-Activity Waste (all waste that cannot be disposed of at existing near surface disposal facilities) is held in temporary storage at Sellafield. This waste is securely stored above ground, but we need a long-term solution.

Governments and scientists around the world agree that the best long-term solution for highly radioactive waste is a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF), between 200 and 1000m deep underground. This would be built in an ancient rock formation that has remained geologically stable for millions of years. Engineers would construct a network of specially designed vaults and tunnels at depths up to three times the height of the Shard in London. It’s estimated that constructing and filling the facility with radioactive waste will take approximately 150 years.

How will this benefit you?

Across the NDA estate, we believe this important work should benefit the local communities near its sites and leave a positive legacy once completed.