Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group publishes overview of progress being made against sustainability goals.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group has recently published an overview of its ongoing progress towards achieving its sustainability goals. This comprehensive review highlights the group’s environmental mission and its commitment to embedding sustainability across all operations. Featuring a series of case studies, the report showcases practical examples of sustainability in action, covering crucial areas such as hazard reduction, skills development, and creating positive workplaces.

Sustainability at the Core of NDA’s Mission

David Peattie, CEO of the NDA group, expressed pride in the organisation’s achievements, stating, “I take great pride in leading a group that has sustainability at its core, and I’m delighted that we’re sharing some of the progress we’ve made. Our mission is unique in considering the impact of decommissioning on our communities, the local economy, job creation, environmental protection, and skills investment. We can be proud of our achievements so far, but this is a long-term mission, and we have much more to do. Together, we’re making a difference.”

The NDA group has made notable strides in delivering its long-term mission sustainably. Key highlights from the report include:

• Decommissioning 22% of buildings to date.

• Achieving a 34% reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions since 2019/20.

• Recruiting 665 apprentices over the last two years, with over 470 graduates currently in its programmes, as part of a £45 million annual investment in early careers.

• Diverting more than 95% of conventional and non-radiological waste last year, with a target of zero landfill disposal by 2035. Additionally, 99% of waste destined for disposal at the Low Level Waste Repository was diverted for treatment or disposal at alternative locations.

• Investing £50 million in socio-economic funding over the past four years for projects that foster permanent and sustainable change in site communities.

A Commitment to Sustainable Decommissioning

The NDA group is responsible for the safe, secure, and sustainable decommissioning of the UK’s oldest nuclear facilities, with the aim of leaving a positive and enduring legacy. This work represents one of the most significant environmental programmes in the world and plays a critical role in enabling new nuclear developments.

Sustainability is integral to this decades-long mission, which encompasses reducing on-site hazards, safely disposing of waste, managing and protecting 5,000 hectares of land, and investing in people, communities, and the supply chain.

With a workforce of around 17,000 people and a supply chain comprising up to 5,000 companies, the NDA group is committed to reducing hazards safely while ensuring the protection of its employees. The group invests over £100 million annually in research and development, focusing on innovative techniques that reduce potential harms to its workforce.

The report highlights several cutting-edge remote technologies being utilised by the group, including advanced radiation detection, laser cutting, and robotics, which not only enhance safety but also support high-quality job creation.

Innovative Technologies and Environmental Impact

The NDA group is also making significant investments in technology to improve its environmental impact, including the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps, and the adoption of more sustainable transport methods. These initiatives are part of the group’s broader goal of achieving carbon net zero by 2050, with a more ambitious target of 2045 in Scotland.

One notable example of the NDA’s positive impact is the Maentwrog hydroelectric plant in North Wales, which generated 81.4 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity last year—enough to power 30,150 homes. Additionally, the Energus training centre in West Cumbria is now generating 50% of its annual energy usage from 650 solar panels, reducing emissions by 30 tonnes each year.

Looking Ahead: Building on Progress

The NDA group remains committed to building on its progress to date, guided by its five-year Sustainability Strategy published in 2022. Recognising the importance of maintaining focus throughout its long-term programme, the group’s work is aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations and adopted by countries worldwide, including the UK.

The NDA group’s ongoing efforts reflect its dedication to sustainability and its role in shaping a safer, more sustainable future through the careful and responsible decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

The link to the full report can be found here.

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