The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority announced investment to develop new capabilities for safely disposing of the UK’s civil plutonium stockpile, with initial research focused at Sellafield.
Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “We welcome this initial investment in additional research capability at Sellafield.
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“We also recognise that there will need to be further investment in skills, education and training in Cumberland to ensure a suitably qualified workforce and supply chain is in place to support delivery of this major long-term programme.”
He emphasised the need for plutonium immobilisation to progress alongside ongoing waste management and hazard reduction efforts at the site.
Councillor Fryer said: “We intend to work collaboratively with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd on all these nationally significant programmes.”