Report lays out ‘failure’ at nuclear power plant

Environment
4 Jun 2025 • 2:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A report by MPs warns that the Sellafield nuclear power plant may continue to leak radioactive water into the 2050s due to the slow decommissioning progress.
  • The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticised the process at Sellafield for "failure, cost overruns, and continuing safety concerns", despite some signs of improvement.
  • The Magnox Swarf Storage Silo, considered the UK's most hazardous building, has been leaking radioactive water since 2018.
  • The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) acknowledges the leak as its "single biggest environmental issue".
  • However, the NDA said that it is contained and does not pose a risk to the public, with regulators approving the current plan to manage it.
  • The PAC raised concerns about a "sub-optimal culture" at Sellafield, pointing to non-disclosure agreements and calling for transparency regarding bullying, while the NDA said it is committed to an open and respectful culture.

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