Skip to main content
Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2016/07/07/defence-minister-philip-dunne-on-dismantling-decommissioned-submarines/

Defence Minister Philip Dunne on dismantling decommissioned submarines

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Ministerial comment

Today marks an important moment in the process of dismantling some of our decommissioned submarines.

Minister of State for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne MP
Minister of State for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne MP

Over a necessarily thorough and lengthy period, which has involved a lot of hard work from our teams here in the MOD and a great deal of input from the general public, we have decided  where to store the Intermediate Level radioactive Waste (ILW) from our decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines. From a shortlist of five sites, I am pleased to announce that Capenhurst Nuclear Services in Capenhurst, Cheshire, has been chosen as the MOD’s preferred option.

The protection that nuclear submarines afford the UK is nationwide, so it is right that everyone in the UK has had the chance to comment on the disposal of those vessels when they reach the end of their useful lives. In particular, the opinion of those local communities, who are geographically closest to the shortlisted sites have been invaluable, and their feedback – alongside, statutory consultees and regulators and other factors such as environmental and value for money – has been crucial in our decision-making process.

Operators Capenhurst Nuclear Services already handle radioactive material and are well-versed in dealing with this material safely and responsibly. The ILW will be stored at the site until some time after 2040, when a Geological Disposal Facility is due to be available, a programme run by our fellow Government Department, Department for Energy Climate Change (DECC).

CNS, Capenhurst proposed two options in terms of radioactive waste storage. Our decision is to use an existing facility available on site, but if this proves unfeasible as the project progresses, then a contingency option on the same site will be to build a new store. In the very unlikely event that this also proves unfeasible for any reason, then AWE Aldermaston has been named as the contingency site.

It is right that we recognise that our submarines and submariners make an invaluable contribution every day to the security of the UK but we also recognise that radioactive waste is one of the consequences of a nuclear submarine programme. That’s why it is of fundamental importance that, as a responsible nuclear operator, the MOD stands up and meets those responsibilities when it comes to difficult decisions like where to store radioactive waste. I am confident that the planning and delivery of the Submarine Dismantling Project will ensure that all 27 submarines under this project will be disposed of in a safe, secure, cost-effective and environmentally sound manner.

The three other sites which are no longer bring considered were Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Chapelcross (Dumfriesshire), NDA Sellafield (Cumbria) and  AWE Burghfield (Berkshire). 

For a more detailed discussion of how consultation affected the decision-making process, please visit the Response to Consultation and SEA Post-Adoption Statement report, also published online today: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/submarine-dismantling-project-site-for-the-interim-storage-of-intermediate-level-radioactive-waste. 

Sharing and comments

Share this page