The GNEP Executive Committee was informed of a proposal by the UK to establish a working group on radioactive waste management. My right hon. Friend, the then Minister for Energy said that the GNEP should have a credible strategy for the management of radioactive waste and this strategy should cover operational waste produced during power station operation; decommissioning waste; and any spent fuel for which no reprocessing is planned.
The concept was well received, although some GNEP partners requested more time to consider if there is a need for a separate working group and whether the timing is right to establish a new working group now. A workshop has been organised by GNEP in December to discuss this and recommend the best way forward.
With the UK proposal for a working group on radioactive waste management still under consideration, GNEP has yet to consider any substantive aspect of radioactive waste management including regional repositories.