Plutonium as an asset – the benefits and barriers

The 120 tonnes of plutonium stored at Sellafield could work as an asset and the benefits of recycling it to provide low-carbon energy and highly skilled jobs for the future should be explored.

That is the aim of a seminar being held on Friday 22 November at the Energus Centre, Workington, Cumbria which has been organised by the Sellafield Workers’ Campaign (SWC), which represents members of the three unions at Sellafield – Prospect, GMB and Unite.

The event will bring together members of the Cumbrian community; local MPs; key industry stakeholders; scientists; companies developing new nuclear technologies and the Sellafield workforce to explore the benefits and the barriers to recycling plutonium.

Prospect representative, and SWC Communications Officer, Steve Nicholson said: “Given that the plutonium store is set to rise to 140 tonnes in 2020 when the reprocessing facility at Sellafield comes off-line, the time is right for an open and balanced discussion to ensure confidence in whichever solution is chosen.

“One gram of plutonium can provide as much energy as one tonne of oil, but there is a open discussion to be had over the merits of different technologies. Similarly, storage provides some answers but does not achieve the long-term policy aim of putting the material ‘beyond reach’. It is vital that the voices of all interested parties are heard, as further drift and delay is no longer an option.

“Different solutions offer different pros and cons in terms of job opportunities and financial and environmental gains but the SWC believes that building on the existing skills and experience in west Cumbria should be at the heart of any policy for disposition and a low-carbon future.”

The seminar ‘Realising the benefits of plutonium re-use’ starts at 10am on Friday 22 November.