How is a suitable site found?
NWS will evaluate each potential site, through its Site Evaluation process, to establish its suitability based on Six Siting Factors: safety and security, community, environment, engineering feasibility, transport, and value for money.
Detailed studies and investigations will be conducted over a number of years to help ensure a GDF can be constructed, operated, and closed safely and securely.
Ongoing evaluation will inform NWS’ decisions on the places where it will undertake Site Characterisation work. This includes drilling boreholes to better understand the geology deep below the surface, where the underground part of a GDF would be built.
The whole process to identify a preferred site is expected to take 10-15 years, while constructing, operating and closing the facility would take 150 years or more.
Where is being considered?
Explore the areas that are currently being looked at as potential locations for a GDF.
Six factors are used to assess an area’s suitability for a GDF
Site Evaluation: How we will evaluate sites in England establishes six siting factors (and 26 associated ‘evaluation considerations’) against which NWS will assess site suitability throughout the siting process.
Safety and security
If NWS cannot demonstrate that a site will be safe and secure during its construction and operation, the GDF will not be built. The geology must be suitable to support a safety case after it has been closed, and the facility must satisfy the UK’s strict safety and security standards.
Community
Through engagement, research and assessment, NWS will seek to ensure that the social and economic impact of a GDF will benefit the community.
Environment
The delivery of a GDF will represent one of the largest environmental protection projects in the UK. To successfully deliver a GDF, NWS will need to assess the impact on the natural and historic environment, protected habitats and species.
Engineering feasibility
The geology of an area will significantly influence whether and how a GDF can be designed, constructed and operated safely during its operation and closure. NWS will assess if the design, construction and operation of a GDF at a specific location is feasible.
Transport
To build and operate a GDF, NWS will need to be able to transport radioactive waste and construction materials safely and securely.
Value for money
A GDF will be built where it represents good value for money for the taxpayer over the long term.
The journey to a GDF
A willing community is essential
Just as important as a suitable site is the support of a willing community. A GDF can only be built in a community that chooses to host it.
The formation of a Community Partnership supports the process of allowing local people to explore the opportunity, ask questions, and receive Community Investment Funding to support local projects while discussions continue.
There is no commitment to host a GDF at this stage, and there is a two-part process that gives communities a say over their involvement.
- The Right of Withdrawal – The relevant principal local authority, Cumberland Council, has the right to withdraw from consideration at any point before the Test of Public Support. The GDF developers, Nuclear Waste Services, may also withdraw if technical assessments reveal the area is unsuitable for development.
- The Test of Public Support – Before any construction begins, the Potential Host Community must demonstrate its willingness to host a GDF through a formal Test of Public Support. This is a crucial milestone in the process, determining whether the project can proceed. If the community decides against hosting the facility, the project cannot move forward in that location.
Involving the community
Local communities can share their views and ask questions through:
- Engagement activites
- Community events
- Direct communication with the Community Partnership and NWS
The Community Partnership is also working with local people on developing a Community Vision.