MoD selects Capenhurst as nuclear storage site

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected Capenhurst Nuclear Services in Cheshire to store its intermediate level radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines, prior to disposal.

The location was selected following a thorough public consultation process and after Capenhurst was found to suitably meet the Submarine Dismantling Project’s (SDP) requirements.

The site will be responsible for storing the Reactor Pressure Vessels (RPVs), classified as Intermediate Level radioactive Waste (ILW) from decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines. The site will store the substance on an interim basis until permanent disposal in a UK Geological Disposal Facility (GDF), led by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, some time after 2040.

Commenting on the development, Defence Minister Philip Dunne said: “When submarines in the Royal Navy fleet reach the end of their lives, we need to dispose of them in a way that is safe, secure and environmentally sound.

“We have worked closely with the local communities around potential sites to listen carefully to their views, and the opinions and feedback we received has played an important part in formulating our final decision.

“With Capenhurst as our recommended site, we know that the radioactive waste from our decommissioned submarines will be dealt with properly and responsibly.”