Sellafield could be set for used plutonium recycling

Hopes for a future processing plant at Sellafield, creating 5,000 construction jobs, have been sparked by politicians’ ambitions to convert nuclear waste products into MOX fuel.

MOX — mixed plutonium and uranium oxide fuel — was revealed as the Government’s preferred solution to the country’s 112-tonne stockpile of separated civil plutonium.

Sellafield is thought to be a likely candidate for recycling because of the industry expertise already found on Cumbria’s west coast.

Furness MP John Woodcock said: “This could be an important source of energy for the UK and would make a positive contribution to Cumbria’s economy.

"It will also be a good source of jobs, which would otherwise be likely to wind down at Sellafield.

“The government have set out their preferences but it’s early days.

"They are still scoping out their options and it could be years before a MOX site is seen on our west coast.”

Coun Tim Knowles, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for nuclear issues, said: “This is a significant step in the right direction.

“The Government is indicating that right now, a new generation of MOX processing plant is its preferred option.

"Using the existing stocks as an asset rather than a liability makes sense environmentally, economically and from a safety and security perspective.

“Given the location of the majority of the UK's plutonium stockpile, Sellafield would clearly be the logical location for this development and the best place to get the job done safely and securely.”

However, anti-nuclear campaigners have hit out at the idea as ‘ill-considered’ and a waste of resources.

Martin Forwood, of Cumbrians Opposed to a Radioactive Environment, said: “The site wouldn’t be financially-viable because conventional uranium is a cheaper fuel for companies.

“Squandering billions of hard-pressed taxpayers’ money into a plant that will directly support just 600 workers is an obscene nonsense.”