NDA update

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Wednesday, 28 February 2007

The issue of funding of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) came very much to the fore over the festive season following press reports claiming DTI cuts could put clean-up work at risk. The NDA was quick to issue a statement seeking to clarify the situation which of course was of huge significance to many NIA members. In the statement the NDA said there was “no question” of the DTI cutting any funding it provides to the authority, but that “performance of some of our commercial operations is subject to uncertainty”, and that they were talking to DTI as part of the usual budgetary round. The statement went on: “In the meantime, we are taking the prudent step of asking our contractors to consider plans for various budget scenarios.” It was this statement which caused much discussion in the industry and the NIA has expressed its commitment to work closely with the NDA and government to achieve clarity on this issue for the benefit of our members going forward. The NDA has undertaken to provide further information on future planning and the issues surrounding the statement and the NIA will endeavour to keep members updated at all times. The NDA’s chairman, Sir Anthony Cleaver appeared before the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee to present evidence to the committee’s inquiry into radioactive waste management, chaired by Lord Broers. He was asked about the NDA’s views on accelerating the decommissioning process, and the long-term waste repository, and how the NDA will continue to make best use of the work of Nirex in these areas. He was also asked about funding for interim storage and public engagement. Sir Anthony said that safety was paramount but that there were areas where acceleration was achievable and would offer good value to the taxpayer. He said: “this process is different to that which Nirex went through in that it is looking to exclude areas…not to find an optimum site. We will be building on Nirex’s relationships with other bodies to take this process forward.”

 

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