Five Notable Developments in Nuclear this Week 03.08.2018

1.The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee published a report on the draft National Policy Statement for Geological Disposal Infrastructure.

The report finds that the draft NPS is ‘fit for purpose’ and contains adequate guidance and details needed for the developer, the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State to put forward and make recommendations on development consent orders.

The report attracted much media attention for refusing to rule out constructing Geological Disposal Infrastructure in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

(Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, Draft National Policy Statement for Geological Disposal Infrastructure, 31 July 2018, link)

2. The Nuclear Decomissioning Authority opened a consultation on its radioactive waste management strategy.

In its 2016 strategy document the NDA made a commitment to develop a single radioactive waste management strategy for the NDA Group. It is now seeking views on the strategy that will apply to all radioactive waste generated within the NDA Group. The consultation closes at 12pm on 31 October 2018.

(Nuclear Decommissioning Authority30 July 2018, link)

3. OFGEM outlined the delivery model for the Hinkley-Seabank Electricity Transmission Project.

The decision allows National Grid to build a power upgrade to connect the new Hinkley Point C power station. Ofgem will apply a Competition Proxy model to determine the allowed revenue for the project.

(Ofgem, Hinkley-Seabank project: decision on delivery model, 30 July 2018, link)

4. Korea Electric Power Corp lost its preferred bidder status for the Moorside Power Station.

Toshiba is seeking alternative buyers for its British nuclear operations which has raised doubts over the future of the Moorside project. On Monday the Japanese group announced that Korea Electric Power Corp (Kepco) had lost its ‘priority negotiation rights’ following delays reaching a final agreement. Kepco had been chosen as the preferred bidder of NuGen in December 2017.

(The Financial Times, 30 July 2018, link)

4. Sellafield LTD launched its social impact strategy.

Sellafield Ltd outlined five objectives which are designed to help local leaders secure inward investment and diversify the local economy as reprocessing at the site nears completion.

(Sellafield Ltd, 31 July 2018, link)

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