Fukushima: UK report declares that nuclear power is still safe

London — Energy secretary Chris Huhne has issued the final report by chief nuclear inspector, Dr Mike Weightman, on the implications of the near meltdown of Japan’s Fukushima Dai-chi nuclear site in March for the UK’s nuclear programme.

“This is a thorough and comprehensive report on the lessons that can be learned for the UK’s nuclear industry. It will help ensure that our regulatory regime remains robust, and that the nuclear industry remains committed to continuous improvement for all existing and future facilities,” said Huhne.

In an interim report published in May, Weightman concluded that the UK’s current safety regime is working, and that regulators and industry should continue to work together to make continuous improvements to nuclear safety. He also stated that new nuclear can be part of a low carbon energy mix in the UK.

The final report expands on the interim report by providing additional information and evidence, widening the scope to include non-generation sites in the UK, such as Sellafield.

It provides background on how to mitigate against radioactive hazards; the differences between reactor technologies in Fukushima and the UK; and the differing approaches to nuclear safety and security in the UK, Japan and the wider world.

“As the initial report made clear, the current regulatory safety framework in the UK is satisfactory,” said Huhne. “Dr Weightman sees no reason to curtail the operation of power plants or other nuclear facilities in the UK. He believes the industry has reacted responsibly and appropriately, displaying strong leadership for safety and safety culture.”

The final report also concludes that the UK practice of periodic safety reviews of licensed sites provides a robust means of ensuring continuous improvement in line with advances in technology and standards. It also emphasises the need to continue the Sellafield legacy pond and silo cleanup with the utmost vigour and determination.

“The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is making tangible, demonstrable progress in addressing these national priorities,” said Huhne. “It is the NDA’s top priority, and we have ensured that their work in this area is not limited by funding constraints. Reduction of risk and hazard sits at the very heart of the NDA’s mission.”

Dr. Weightman, however, did recommend that regulators, Government and industry review:
- The UK’s ability to monitor and provide real-time information in an emergency;
- The robustness of emergency control structures and systems; and
- Continue to promote high levels of safety culture, making use of the National Skills Academy for nuclear and other “nuclear professionalism” schemes.

Weightman saw no reason to revise the strategic advice on which the Nuclear National Policy Statement was based, or any need to change present siting strategies for new nuclear power stations in the UK.

Huhne noted that European nuclear stress tests have been conducted in parallel to the review process, and there are overlaps between the initial findings and Weightman’s recommendations.

Stress testing, he said, would continue into next year, and both industry and the Office for Nuclear Regulation will continue to be involved. Dr. Weightman’s proposed supplementary report will include further details of the stress test.

Regulators and industry are also continuing to work together to take forward the generic design assessment process for new nuclear reactors, and have extended their timeline in order to take into account the findings in both the interim and final report. Regulators have stated that they hope to be in a position to take decision on the generic design assessment by the end of the year.

Friends of the Earth’s energy campaigner Tony Bosworth, however, commented: “This report does nothing to alter the Alice-in-Wonderland economics of nuclear power - it’s a gamble we don’t need to take.

“After more than five decades of nuclear generation the industry still relies on huge public subsidy, while solar is set to operate without taxpayer support within a decade.

“Getting tough on energy waste and plugging in to the UK’s vast green power potential will meet our energy needs and build the new job and business opportunities our economy is crying out for.”

By contract, the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) welcomed the final report’s findings that there were no serious weaknesses in the UK’s regulatory approach. Dr Weightman, it noted, also stated that the industry and others had responded constructively to the interim report.

ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin said: “The UK has taken a sensible approach to evaluating the implications of the disaster in Japan for the UK nuclear sector. A knee-jerk response from UK authorities would have been exceptionally damaging to the UK’s prospects for attracting investment and meeting our energy needs and carbon reduction obligations.

“The industry is committed to continually improving the way it operates. Engineers will play a key role in ensuring that the UK nuclear sector is a world leader.”