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This snapshot taken on 26/07/2008, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
In May 2007, the Government launched a consultation on The Future of Nuclear Power: The role of nuclear power in a low carbon UK economy to examine whether nuclear power could play a role, alongside other low carbon forms of electricity generation, in meeting the twin challenge of tackling climate change and ensuring energy security.
The Government carefully considered the responses to the consultation and, in January 2008, issued Meeting the energy challenge: a white paper on nuclear power. The White Paper concluded that nuclear power stations could have a role to play in this country’s future energy mix alongside other low-carbon sources; that it would be in the public interest to allow energy companies the option of investing in new nuclear power stations; and that Government should take active steps to facilitate this, which included creating a level playing field for investment in new nuclear power stations.
At the same time as consulting on the role of nuclear power, we consulted on the proposed process for considering applications to Justify new nuclear power:
There was broad support for the draft process set out in the consultation document and where possible we have taken on board suggestions to clarify and expand explanations of the key steps. Details are included in Annex B of The Future of Nuclear Power: The role of nuclear power in a low carbon UK economy.
The concept of Justification is based on the internationally accepted principle of radiological protection that no practice involving exposure to ionising radiation should be adopted unless it produces sufficient benefits to the exposed individuals or to society in general to offset any health detriment it may cause. This principle is derived from the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and, in particular, ICRP 60.
Therefore, in the UK, before a new class or type of practice can be introduced, it must be Justified. It is not necessary to show that the class or type of practice is the best of all available options, but instead that there is a net benefit.
There are four Justifying Authorities in the UK, namely, the relevant Secretary of State and the three Devolved Administrations to the extent that they have competence in respect of the subject matter of a particular justification application. Since nuclear energy is a reserved matter, it is anticipated that the responsibility for reaching a Justify decision will rest with the Secretary of State for BERR who would be the sole Justifying Authority in the UK.
Where the Secretary of State for BERR is the sole Justifying Authority, then any Justification decision would be UK-wide. However, before making a decision the Justifying Authority will consult the Devolved Administrations. There is a Concordat between the Government and Devolved Administrations on the Justification of Practices Involving Ionising Radiation Regulations 2004 which sets out the working relations in a way that respects the devolution settlements.
We are issuing guidance to provide specific advice to anyone seeking a Justification decision in relation to new nuclear power. This guidance builds on the Justification Guidelines produced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): The Justification of Practices Involving Ionising Radiation Regulations 2004 – Guidance on their Application and Administration, and sets out the administrative procedures that will be used by the Justifying Authority to consider applications and provides additional advice for applicants.
Please see the Guidance below for applications relating to new nuclear power for more information. The closing date for applications is 7 June 2008.
For more information, please contact The Justification Assessment Centre on 020 7215 5000 or e-mailing justification@berr.gsi.gov.uk.
In response to the call for applications for the Justification of new nuclear power stations, issued on 31 March 2008, the Secretary of State for BERR has recently received an application from the Nuclear Industry Association on behalf of those energy utilities that have expressed an interest in developing nuclear power in the UK.
We will be publishing a package of information, including the application, in shortly and will invite the public to comment. We will also be consulting on any draft decision document and arranging public engagement events as part of the assessment process.
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