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Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Thursday, 6 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 2025. It was answered by Michael Shanks (Labour) on Friday, 14 February 2025 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Nuclear Power

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Written Statement of 6 February 2025 on Consenting and Regulation of Nuclear Energy, HCWS419, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using the UK’s plutonium stockpile to support the delivery of the Government’s policies on nuclear power.

Answer

The Government has published a refreshed planning framework for new nuclear reactors (EN-7), including small and advanced modular reactors, for consultation. The new planning framework proposes to empower nuclear developers to identify potentially suitable sites in real-time against a robust set of siting criteria.

Plans for Government policies on nuclear power were taken into account when making the decision on plutonium disposition. All current reactor projects use uranium oxide fuel. In addition, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) conducted substantial technical, deliverability and economic analysis to identify a preferred option for a long-term disposition solution for the UK-owned plutonium, considering options for immobilisation and reuse of the material as fuel. Immobilisation is the solution that will place the material beyond reach soonest and with greatest delivery confidence. This is a key step towards dealing with our nuclear legacy and not passing the burden on to future generations.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29471
Session
2024-26
Related items
Consenting and Regulation of Nuclear Energy
Thursday, 6 February 2025
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Nuclear power Plutonium
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk