Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has received any indication from British Nuclear Fuels plc as to the likely cost and timetable for(a) the closure and decommissioning of the Calder Hall and Chapelcross nuclear production reactors, (b) the redundant reprocessing buildings at Sellafield and (c) the capping of trenches and repackaging of radioactive wastes at Drigg.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI understand that BNFL hope to operate the Calder Hall and Chapelcross reactors until 1998. During the first three years after closure the reactors would be defuelled; subsequently the external plant items would be removed. The remainder of the reactor would be decommissioned within 100 years of closure. The discounted cost, excluding the cost of reprocessing any fuel remaining in the core but excluding a substantial contingency, is estimated at £224 million.
Decommissioning of redundant reprocessing facilities at Sellafield has already commenced where this is possible. Currently redundant facilities are expected to be decommissioned by 2000, except for three facilities due to be decommissioned by 2016. The estimated cost of £250 million will be incurred throughout the period.
The filled trenches at Drigg are being capped now. This work is expected to be completed in mid 1989. The remaining trench and future vaults will be capped as they become full. The estimated total cost is £5 million.
All wastes currently stored at Drigg are to be transported to Sellafield at a cost of around £5 million. Any necessary repackaging will be carried out as part of this exercise.