Five years of project and environmental compliance support for EDF

EDF operates the UK’s nuclear power stations, which are at various lifecycle phases, from generation through defueling to decommissioning preparation. EDF’s operations across the fleet of stations require ongoing compliance with their Radioactive Substances Regulations (RSR) Environmental Permit, Nuclear Site License (NSL), and an in-depth understanding of evolving regulatory and policy frameworks for radioactive waste management.

EDF engaged CEA to provide specialist regulatory expertise to support RSR environmental permit, and nuclear site licence compliance, alongside delivery of surveillance, strategic and technical support. CEA are supporting the development and delivery of an effective functional assurance capability for the transfer of EDF stations to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), as they enter decommissioning.

Our methodology

Our team includes nuclear specialists with regulatory backgrounds, including former Environment Agency inspectors and those with experience working for nuclear licensees. These specialists integrate with EDF’s Environmental Safety & Sustainability and Functional Assurance teams to provide technical support across the fleet.

CEA have supported with:

• Nuclear site licence and RSR permit compliance.
• Development of guidance on radioactive waste characterisation and optimisation.
• Delivery of assurance and surveillance programme and activities.
• Development of governance such as the Fleet Site Wide Environmental Safety Case and review of the Integrated Waste Strategy.
• Development of BAT assessments, Position Statements, and Engineering Advice Notes.
• Specialist training courses for radioactive waste engineer accreditation and to support EDF’s corporate Radioactive Waste Advisor arrangements.
• Project management and interface support on key decommissioning projects.
• Support navigating changes to policy and regulatory frameworks, including response to consultations.

The work has included liaising and supporting station-based teams and EDF’s central support teams, collaborating with NRS, and engagement with regulators.

Outcome

Through this ongoing collaborative work, CEA has supported EDF in maintaining robust regulatory arrangements and the technical development of their staff to ensure continued optimisation of radioactive waste management and decommissioning strategies.