Menu
26/08/2003
Sellafield clean-up not closure say BNFL
British Nuclear Fuels has rubbished speculation in today's papers that Sellafield’s Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (THORP) will close by 2010.
According to several national newspapers including the Guardian, the Times, and the Irish Times, the £1.8 billion spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant will close within seven years as the plant was operating at 50% capacity.
The Guardian reported that the Director of the Sellafield site Mr Brian Watson had said that the plant would switchover from production to a nuclear waste disposal operation, and claimed that the plants days as a reprocessing plant were numbered.
A figure of £30 billion was quoted as the cost of the work envisaged at the Sellafield plant.
However, the closure claim was denied by BNFL spokesperson who said it was not possible to say when the plant would close as by then the plant’s future would be in the hands of the government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which is expected to take control of the Sellafield site in 2005. Following a government review it is understood that BNFL will be concentrating on clean-up operations and the management of nuclear waste stored at the site.
It is understood that the THORP plant is almost halfway though its current order book which will run out in 2010.
The plant was originally set up in 1994 to reprocess and extract uranium and plutonium from spent fuel rods sourced from Japan and supply fuel for the Magnox nuclear reactor at the site which is scheduled to be shutdown in 2012.
However, Mr Watson was quoted as saying that stockpiles of hundreds of tonnes of fuel at the plant would be more than sufficient to supply the reactor at the site.
BNFL was declared technically bankrupt in 2001 and has liabilities estimated at tens of billions of pounds.
South Down MP Eddie McGrady of the SDLP, a campaigner to have the palnt closed, welcomed today's media reports as a sign that "decommisioning" at the plant had commenced.
The Irish government have also been a strong opponent of the site which is located on Britain’s Cumbrian coastline on the Irish Sea.
(SP)
According to several national newspapers including the Guardian, the Times, and the Irish Times, the £1.8 billion spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant will close within seven years as the plant was operating at 50% capacity.
The Guardian reported that the Director of the Sellafield site Mr Brian Watson had said that the plant would switchover from production to a nuclear waste disposal operation, and claimed that the plants days as a reprocessing plant were numbered.
A figure of £30 billion was quoted as the cost of the work envisaged at the Sellafield plant.
However, the closure claim was denied by BNFL spokesperson who said it was not possible to say when the plant would close as by then the plant’s future would be in the hands of the government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which is expected to take control of the Sellafield site in 2005. Following a government review it is understood that BNFL will be concentrating on clean-up operations and the management of nuclear waste stored at the site.
It is understood that the THORP plant is almost halfway though its current order book which will run out in 2010.
The plant was originally set up in 1994 to reprocess and extract uranium and plutonium from spent fuel rods sourced from Japan and supply fuel for the Magnox nuclear reactor at the site which is scheduled to be shutdown in 2012.
However, Mr Watson was quoted as saying that stockpiles of hundreds of tonnes of fuel at the plant would be more than sufficient to supply the reactor at the site.
BNFL was declared technically bankrupt in 2001 and has liabilities estimated at tens of billions of pounds.
South Down MP Eddie McGrady of the SDLP, a campaigner to have the palnt closed, welcomed today's media reports as a sign that "decommisioning" at the plant had commenced.
The Irish government have also been a strong opponent of the site which is located on Britain’s Cumbrian coastline on the Irish Sea.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 July 2008
Sellafield Threat Will Linger Until 2120
The potential threat from the Sellafield nuclear site could last for another 100 years, according to a government report. The British government has suggested the toxic site, which overlooks the Irish Sea, will not be completely safe and clean until 2120.
Sellafield Threat Will Linger Until 2120
The potential threat from the Sellafield nuclear site could last for another 100 years, according to a government report. The British government has suggested the toxic site, which overlooks the Irish Sea, will not be completely safe and clean until 2120.
03 January 2002
Opposition to new Scottish nuclear power plant proposal
SDLP Assembly Member Danny O’Connor has described proposals by British Energy for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Ayrshire as “deeply disturbing”. Mr O’Connor said: “The people of Northern Ireland have expressed their opposition, through their elected representatives, to this type of energy production.
Opposition to new Scottish nuclear power plant proposal
SDLP Assembly Member Danny O’Connor has described proposals by British Energy for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Ayrshire as “deeply disturbing”. Mr O’Connor said: “The people of Northern Ireland have expressed their opposition, through their elected representatives, to this type of energy production.
04 October 2001
Protests over new nuclear plant at Sellafield
The British Government’s new plutonium plant at Sellafield has been given the operational go-ahead despite protests by environmentalists. The protestors say that the decision is unlawful and are afraid that the plant will become a target for terrorists.
Protests over new nuclear plant at Sellafield
The British Government’s new plutonium plant at Sellafield has been given the operational go-ahead despite protests by environmentalists. The protestors say that the decision is unlawful and are afraid that the plant will become a target for terrorists.
19 June 2002
Delegation visit Sellafield on fact-finding tour
The MP for South Down Eddie McGrady is leading a delegation from the East Border Region of Ireland to Sellafield today. Mr McGrady said that the delegation of councillors from Down, Newry & Mourne, Banbridge, Craigavon, Louth and Monaghan were embarking on a two-day fact-finding tour to Sellafield.
Delegation visit Sellafield on fact-finding tour
The MP for South Down Eddie McGrady is leading a delegation from the East Border Region of Ireland to Sellafield today. Mr McGrady said that the delegation of councillors from Down, Newry & Mourne, Banbridge, Craigavon, Louth and Monaghan were embarking on a two-day fact-finding tour to Sellafield.
16 July 2014
86,000 Young Trees Culled In Ash Dieback Control
Some 86,000 young trees have been destroyed to prevent the spread of 'Ash Dieback' into the wider environment, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Over 3,000 site inspections have been carried out since the disease was first found here in November 2012," said Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill.
86,000 Young Trees Culled In Ash Dieback Control
Some 86,000 young trees have been destroyed to prevent the spread of 'Ash Dieback' into the wider environment, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Over 3,000 site inspections have been carried out since the disease was first found here in November 2012," said Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
