Before they can build and operate a nuclear power station, companies need to show that:
So, companies that satisfactorily complete the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process also need a number of licences, authorisations and consents. These include:
The safety of nuclear installations in the UK is regulated through the nuclear site licence granted by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) and the licence conditions that NII attach to it. Nuclear site licences cover the lifetime of the power station from construction, operation and modification through to decommissioning.
Each licence is unique to the nuclear power station. As well as operating the nuclear reactor, the licence will cover ancillary activities such as storing nuclear fuel and the associated waste. A new licence would be required if a new operating company wished to take over the operation of the nuclear power station.
In considering an application for a site licence, the HSE will take into account any work done as part of the generic assessment process.
Before an operator can begin building the nuclear power station, they must prepare a construction security plan, approved by the HSE’s Office for Civil Nuclear Safety (OCNS). The construction security plan must cover all phases of construction, considering the numbers of contractors and types of equipment used. It will need to show that proper management arrangements are in place to maintain an appropriate security regime.
Once construction and commissioning is substantially complete, the agreed construction plan will develop into a Site Security Plan which will apply as the facility moves into commercial operation. The Construction Security Plan will incorporate the features identified in the Conceptual Security Plan generated during the GDA process.
Before the operator of a nuclear power station can bring nuclear materials on site, they must have a site security plan approved by OCNS.
This plan details the security arrangements to protect the nuclear power station site, any radioactive materials and any sensitive nuclear information. The arrangements cover physical security, such as:
It also covers arrangements to protect sensitive nuclear information and IT systems. OCNS carries out regular inspections to ensure compliance with the requirements of security plans.
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary is an integral part of security for existing civil nuclear installations, providing resources that complement the other measures applied at sites.
In considering an application for security plan approval, OCNS will consider any work done as part of the generic assessment process and identified in the Construction Security Plan.
To protect people and the environment from disposals of radioactive wastes from a nuclear power station, the Environment Agency issues authorisations. Although authorisations can cover disposals through the lifetime of the power station, they must be regularly reviewed and updated.
These authorisations set out limits and conditions on the amount and way the operator disposes of waste. They cover all radioactive waste disposals including discharges to air and water, and transfers of waste for incineration or disposal to land.
In considering an application for radioactive waste disposal authorisation, the Environment Agency will take into account any work done as part of the generic assessment process.
A number of other environmental permits or approvals may be required from the Environment Agency during construction and operation of a new nuclear power station. These relate to activities including:
Some of these permits/approvals may be required as early as the site preparation stage – see our development guidance for further information:
