The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has published its
latest strategy, setting out its long term roadmap for the safe
and secure decommissioning of the UK's legacy nuclear sites.
The strategy, which was subject to extensive public consultation,
sets out how the next phase of this mission will be delivered
through greater integration and collaboration across the NDA
group, sharper prioritisation and a continued focus on reducing
the highest hazards.
Decommissioning the UK's earliest nuclear sites is one of the
most complex environmental and engineering programmes in the
world, spanning generations, so establishing a clear strategic
direction is crucial.
NDA Group CEO David Peattie said:
This refreshed strategy continues to prioritise our core
commitments to safety and environmental stewardship, while also
reflecting how the operating environment and scope of our mission
has evolved, including our integrated group model.
It will enable us to build on the progress we've made over the
last 20 years and reaffirms our commitment to build a safer,
cleaner future for the next generation.
We thank everyone who took the time to engage with us during the
consultation process, and we look forward to continuing the
conversation as we deliver our collective vision.
In total nearly 100 responses were received during the
consultation period, from a variety of respondents including
regulators, local authorities, NGOs, academics, supply chain
organisations, operating companies, employees and members of the
public, reflecting a broad range of perspectives.
This fifth strategy update is an evolution, building on the
foundation of the 2021 strategy and previous strategies,
maintaining focus on the four strategic themes that underpin the
decommissioning mission:
- Site decommissioning and remediation - dismantling redundant
facilities and preparing land for future beneficial use.
- Spent nuclear fuels – managing spent fuel from first
generation Magnox reactors and advanced gas-cooled reactors in
line with UK policy through consolidation at Sellafield, safe,
secure interim storage and preparing for disposal via a
Geological Disposal Facility.
- Nuclear materials – delivering long-term plans for materials
such as plutonium and uranium, originating from fuel enrichment,
fabrication and reprocessing.
- Integrated waste management – ensuring consistent, safe
handling of radioactive waste across the estate, prioritising
waste reduction, reuse, recycling before considering disposal.
Critical enablers, such as research, innovation, people,
transport, and cyber security support these strategic themes and
are identified as being integral to creating conditions for
mission success.
The strategy also promotes integration and collaboration within
the NDA group to improve strategic alignment and better
facilitate knowledge sharing, resulting in stronger performance
and value for money.
Greater focus is also given to the broader role of the NDA group
within the sector – including the importance of sharing
expertise, developing skills, shaping policy, and supporting
clean energy and defence ambitions across Government and
industry, while still maintaining focus on the core
decommissioning mission.
You can read the NDA group's latest strategy here: The NDA group Strategy
Effective from March 2026 - GOV.UK
