The UK Treasury has labelled the government's proposed underground nuclear waste dump in Cumbria as 'unachievable', according to a recent assessment. The project, designed to store 700,000 cubic metres of radioactive waste, could cost up to £54bn.
The geological disposal facility (GDF) is intended to safely manage legacy waste from the UK's past nuclear programme and future waste from new reactors. However, no site has been confirmed, and Lincolnshire County Council recently withdrew from the process, leaving only two potential sites in Cumbria.
The Treasury's assessment, part of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (Nista) annual report, rated the project as 'red', indicating major issues with definition, schedule, budget, quality, and benefits delivery. The report warns that the project may need rescoping or reassessment of its viability.
Richard Outram, secretary of Nuclear Free Local Authorities, expressed no surprise at the rating, citing uncertainties and high costs. He noted that the GDF 'solution' remains unproven and costly, with estimates ranging from £20bn to £54bn.
Most nuclear waste is currently stored at Sellafield in Cumbria, described as one of the world's most complex and hazardous nuclear sites. The waste includes material from decommissioned Magnox and advanced gas-cooled reactors, as well as from newer facilities like Sizewell B and the under-construction Hinkley Point C.
If built, the GDF would likely not accept legacy waste until 2150, and only then could it take waste from new reactors. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson defended the project, stating it would provide safe, permanent disposal and bring jobs and economic growth.
