UK has £10 billion per nuclear reactor decommissioning bottomless pit

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🗞️ Driving the news: The UK is grappling with escalating nuclear decommissioning costs, now estimated at £10 billion per reactor
• Despite the high costs, the UK government remains committed to nuclear technology, including the construction of new reactors at two nuclear sites, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell

🔭 The context: The UK's nuclear program, initiated between 1957 and 1995, is facing a transition phase with most reactors set to be decommissioned by 2028
• The Hinkley Point C project is significantly over budget and behind schedule, highlighting the financial risks of new nuclear developments

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These high decommissioning costs challenge the economic viability of nuclear power, especially when compared to cheaper renewable alternatives like wind and solar
• The decommissioning process is lengthy and complex, with significant implications for environmental safety and sustainability

⏭️ What's next: The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's (NDA) mission involves a long-term strategy spanning over 120 years, focusing on spent fuel, nuclear materials, waste management, and site remediation

📈 One stat: The official estimate of the UK’s NDA was £149 billion in late 2022, but recent projections suggest costs could reach £260 billion, averaging £10.4 billion per reactor

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