The UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is set to receive more government funding than last year, despite its plans to decrease expenditure in 2009/2010.
According to the NDA’s approved three-year business plan, published today, its planned expenditure in 2009/2010 is £2788.7 million, a fall from £2855.0 million in 2008/2009.
Over £1.6 billion of this will be funded by the government, with the remaining £1.2 billion from commercial income. Part of this will come from extended electricity generation at Oldbury and Wylfa, the NDA said, adding that it will “continue to seek ways of maximising income from its existing assets.”
In recognition of the difficult economic circumstances, the NDA said that it will reduce its planned expenditure on its own running costs for this year by £7 million. This means a spend of approximately £60 million on core NDA activities and £20 million to spearhead the work on the geological disposal facility following the integration of Nirex into the NDA.
Once again, at £8.44 billion over the three years from 2008/09 to 2010/11, the NDA budget includes the highest ever level of government spending on nuclear decommissioning.
The approved business plan includes detailed funding levels for the NDA’s 19 sites.
Site funding has been allocated to ensure a balance of decommissioning progress is maintained, while addressing the cost pressures that continue to apply to Sellafield, the NDA said. However the site in Cumbria will still account for over 40% of next year’s budget, with some £1185 million allocated to it.
Related ArticlesAREVA NP announces recruitment drive Getting heavy
