In this episode we’re focusing on the management of nuclear waste; one of the most complex, long-term, and often misunderstood aspects of the UK’s energy future.

Because while nuclear power is increasingly seen as a vital part of the transition to a low-carbon energy system, - and the UK government has just committed tens of billions of public pounds to accelerating its development - the question of what we do with the waste it produces remains both a technical and social challenge.

At the heart of the UK’s approach is Nuclear Waste Services, part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The organisation is charged with safely managing the UK’s radioactive waste — waste that includes the low level materials generated today by nuclear power stations through to the legacy waste from decades of energy production, reprocessing, and defence activity. 

It’s a huge task, requiring not just robust infrastructure and rigorous safety standards, but also long-term thinking, innovation, and trust.

Joining me to help make sense of this challenge is Mike Pigott, Director of Waste Operations and Sites at Nuclear Waste Services. 

Mike brings deep experience across the full lifecycle of the nuclear industry — from working on operational power stations and nuclear new builds to reprocessing and, now, long-term waste disposal. 

He’s also worked as a regulator, advisor, and duty holder in the UK and overseas. He currently oversees the UK’s Low Level Waste Repository, where over 750,000 cubic metres of radioactive waste has already been disposed of.

All of which make him well placed to explain the UK’s current and future approach to nuclear waste management!

Resources

• Nuclear Waste Services website
• Low Level Waste Depository
• Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
• Government announcement to invest in new nuclear
• Geological Disposal Facility