News story

New NWS films explain how a GDF works and the opportunities it creates

NWS Professor Neil Hyatt presents ‘Inspired by nature, perfected by science’ and ‘Building the future today’

Prof Neil Hyatt, Chief Scientist, NWS

Prof Neil Hyatt, Chief Scientist, NWS

Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has today published two short films about geological disposal.

NWS’ Chief Scientist, Professor Neil Hyatt, introduces the short film ‘Inspired by nature, perfected by science’ which explains how natural geology provides inspiration for the secure, long-term isolation and containment of nuclear waste in a GDF. Neil describes how science perfected this further with the multi-barrier concept for the design of a GDF, with natural and engineered barriers working together.

GDF - Inspired by nature, perfected by science - YouTube

Professor Hyatt also presents a second short film, ‘Building the future today’, in which he describes how different towns of all sizes have prospered in the past by building on an opportunity, involving new industries, skills or infrastructures. As a new infrastructure, a GDF too may present an opportunity for the local community that chooses to host it. A GDF, as well as providing a secure, permanent underground home for nuclear waste, brings with it plenty of investment, jobs, and skills.

GDF - Building the future, today - YouTube

Professor Hyatt said:

We’re making real strides in the search for a suitable site and a willing community for a GDF – with a number of communities engaging in the process in different parts of the country.

It was a real privilege to present these films and, as we continue to make progress in delivering a UK GDF, it’s important that we explain how a GDF works and the opportunities created by this important and unique project.

Published 30 September 2022