The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

 

Energy Minister Lord Hunt has been touring the NDA's Sellafield site as part of an energy fact-finding mission.

And, in an online diary, he is sharing his thoughts on the sight-seeing trip as well as related discussions.

Lord Hunt arrived in West Cumbria on Monday, travelling north by train, to understand at first-hand the issues facing the nuclear industry and Sellafield site.

During the tour, he familiarised himself with the technical challenges associated with decommissioning the Legacy Ponds area and appreciating the progress made to resolve these complex issues.

Ian Hudson, Sellafield Programme Director, welcomed his efforts to see how Sellafield Ltd is dealing with our top priority of reducing the high hazard facilities.

Ian said:

"Lord Hunt's visit is part of the regular dialogue we have with Government and ministers to outline the decommissioning programme. This dialogue is critical for understanding priorities and the work required to maintain safe, secure and environmentally compliant site operations". 

 

The visit included a meeting yesterday with members of the Young Generation Network, nuclear professionals under the age of 35, who value the combined investments being made in training and education to support the future skills base for decommissioning.

NDA's Chairman, Chief Executive and a number of Non-Executive Directors joined Lord Hunt for dinner where they discussed the progress being made in nuclear decommissioning and the environmental remediation challenges faced on the Sellafield site.

Lord Hunt also met representatives from Nuclear Management Partners Ltd (NMPL), Sellafield Ltd's Parent Body Organisation, and Sellafield Ltd to appreciate how they are making moves to improve the operational efficiency and major project delivery on the site.

• More information see Lord Hunt's energy tour diary (DECC website)
• More information on NDA's skills and people strategy
• More information on decommissioning at Sellafield Ltd (Sellafield Ltd website)