HC Deb 01 April 1985 vol 76 cc461-2W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the estimated costs per tonne of (a) reprocessing and (b) storing spent nuclear fuel.

Mr. Goodlad

British Nuclear Fuels plc provided the following information on the storage and reprocessing of oxide fuels in its evidence to the Sizewell inquiry (BNFL/P/1/Exhibit 26).

Cost estimates for a notional 600tU pa reprocessing plant and associated facilities and operations
Costs (March 1982 Money Values)
Plant or Operational Item *Capital Operating
(£ million) (£ million pa)
Storage pond (600tU module) 55 2
Fuel dismantler (AGR only) 115 2
Reprocessing plant (including buffer storage for HLW liquid) 860 30
Waste treatment facilities (including storage prior to disposal) 280 10
Waste Disposal
High level (HLW) 230 5
Intermediate level (ILW) †40 †3
Low level (LLW) — †0.2
* Excludes decommissioning costs which are assumed at 40 per cent. of the initial capital expenditure (in constant money terms).
† Based on information supplied by NIREX.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if it is the policy of his Department that the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel is an indispensable part of nuclear power generation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

I refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's answer to his question on 18 January 1985 at columns 235–236.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the current annual requirement of the United Kingdom nuclear power industry for reprocessing capacity; and what proportion this represents of total United Kingdom reprocessing capacity.

Mr. Goodlad

British Nuclear Fuels plc can reprocess up to 1,500 tonnes (uranium) per year of spent Magnox fuel. The United Kingdom generating boards' typical requirement for reprocessing this fuel is about 800 to 900 tonnes per year. AGR fuel is currently stored pending reprocessing in the THORP facility.