"Unaffordable" nuclear waste dump not a problem

The government said it remained committed to delivering a nuclear waste

site in the UK despite affordability concerns cited in a Treasury report.
Two potential areas have been identified in Cumbria for a geological
disposal facility (GDF), but a report by the National Infrastructure and
Service Transformation Authority (Nista) said overall expected costs of
between £20bn and £53bn would make it “unaffordable”. The report also noted
the Infrastructure and Projects Authority had dropped its confidence rating
in GDF from amber to red. But Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “I know
at times these things seem like they move very slowly, but we are making
progress on this.” He added: “When we’re successful, this will bring
thousands of skilled jobs, investment and economic growth to the local
area.” Potential GDF sites in Cumbria have been shortlisted after a lengthy
process which included technical investigations into their suitability, as
well as community engagement. The Nista report, which assesses how major
projects are progressing, said the drop in confidence rating “reflects the
unaffordability of the GDF Programme” and the £33bn fluctuation in expected
cost was down to uncertainties in how a GDF would be delivered. “This range
reflects the uncertainty of the programme associated with potential host
site, geology and technical requirements,” the report said. Nista said
further updates would be available early next year, accounting for the
impacts of the spending review.

BBC 1st Sept 2025

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8e1zw9rr36o