The National Audit Office (NAO) has reported that the cost of cleaning up Sellafield, Europe’s largest nuclear waste dump, is expected to skyrocket to £136 billion. The site, located on the Cumbrian coast, is facing delays and cost overruns in projects to fix buildings containing hazardous and radioactive materials. With annual costs exceeding £2.7 billion, tensions have arisen between Sellafield and the Treasury over transparency and decision-making processes.
The NAO found that Sellafield is making slower progress in making the site safe, with three of its most hazardous storage sites posing an “intolerable risk.” Plans to decommission the site by 2125 are expected to cost significantly more than previously forecasted, with delays pushing the completion date of certain projects into the 2050s.
The NAO identified issues such as deteriorating buildings, Covid restrictions, staffing problems, and equipment breakdowns as contributing factors to delays in the cleanup process. Sellafield could potentially improve efficiency and value for money by demolishing buildings earlier.
Despite some progress, the NAO raised concerns about the pace and cost of decommissioning and highlighted the need for Sellafield to demonstrate better value for money. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), which owns Sellafield, estimates that decommissioning costs could range from £116 billion to £253 billion, depending on the complexity of the cleanup.
Sellafield has faced criticism for its management decisions, including unauthorized increases in headcount and excessive staff bonuses. The site was also fined for cybersecurity failings, with the NAO noting that cybersecurity efforts at Sellafield are falling short. The NDA CEO acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the achievements made by the workforce in tackling the complex environmental program.
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