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Science Cafe: Nuclear Waste & Decommissioning

How To Solve A Problem Like Trawsfynydd

Nuclear Waste & Decommissioning

BBC Radio Wales - Science Cafe, Nuclear Waste & Decommissioning

Adam Walton explores strategies for the long-term disposal of nuclear waste.

Adam Walton visits the former nuclear power station at Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd to explore the decommissioning process and the long-term disposal of nuclear waste.

In the face of a potential climate catastrophe we’re exploring alternatives to generating energy from fossil fuels. And alongside solar and wind energy, tidal power and biofuels, one of the most powerful and efficient alternatives is nuclear energy. However, as we're only too aware, nuclear power comes with its downsides. There are questions about the safety of operational nuclear power stations – highlighted by incidents like Chernobyl and, more recently Fukushima – but perhaps the biggest challenge is the long-term storage of nuclear waste. 

And that's why this week's programme comes from the former nuclear power station at Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd. The Station ceased operation in 1991 and is now in the process of decommissioning. It's one of 30 locations around the UK where intermediate level nuclear waste is currently stored – waste that will eventually be buried deep underground in what’s known as a Geological Disposal Facility. These facilities, which will also contain high level waste such as spent nuclear fuel elements, will need to be safe and secure for hundreds of thousands of years. 

Adam Walton explores plans for the disposal of nuclear waste. And he discovers the role that facilities like Trawsfynydd can play while a long-term location is decided upon. He's joined by Professor Cherry Tweed, Chief Scientific Advisor to the government agency Radioactive Waste Management and Tom Williams, Head of Waste here at Trawsfynydd for the nuclear decommissioning company Magnox. 

We also hear from scientists considering the future of nuclear power and the next generation of power stations. Adam talks to Prof. Bill Lee, Dr. Michael Rushton, Dr. Simon Middleburgh and Ph.D student Megan Owen from Bangor University's Nuclear Futures Institute.

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