The recurring tone of "blip, blip, blip" serves as a crucial reminder that we are at Sellafield, one of the world's most hazardous nuclear sites. This sound indicates that all systems are operating correctly, which is reassuring given that Sellafield in Cumbria houses the bulk of the UK's radioactive nuclear waste and the largest global stockpile of plutonium. This waste, generated from the UK's nuclear power plants, is extremely radioactive and remains dangerous for up to 100,000 years, as noted by Claire Corkhill, a professor of radioactive waste management at the University of Bristol.

Sellafield is nearing its capacity, and experts agree that finding a new storage site is essential. The UK government aims for "clean power by 2030," which means increasing nuclear power and, consequently, nuclear waste. Within Sellafield’s fuel-handling plant, operations are conducted behind thick, lead-lined glass where robotic arms, controlled by large game-controller-like joysticks, handle used nuclear fuel rods that are still highly radioactive.

Sellafield operates round-the-clock with a workforce of 11,000, costing over £2 billion annually. It encompasses more than 1,000 buildings connected by 25 miles of roads. Recently, concerns about the site's security and structural integrity have surfaced. An old waste storage silo is leaking radioactive liquid, a problem dating back to the 1970s. Additionally, the site faces scrutiny over its safety practices and has recently pleaded guilty to cyber-security violations. Although hackers have targeted the site, there’s no evidence that they exploited any vulnerabilities.

Originally a key player in the Cold War’s nuclear arms race, Sellafield no longer produces or reprocesses nuclear materials but still stores decades of radioactive waste. Efforts are underway to clear and demolish aging facilities like the leaking silo, transferring the material to newer, safer storage units.

The long-term solution for nuclear waste involves finding a site for deep geological disposal. This involves converting the waste into a stable, solid form like glass or ceramic, and then encasing it in multiple barriers before burying it underground. However, identifying a suitable location is complex both scientifically and politically.

Six years ago, the UK invited communities to express interest in hosting a geological disposal facility (GDF). Ideal sites must have stable geology and a willing community. To date, five communities have shown interest, though some have been ruled out due to unsuitable conditions or local opposition. For instance, Allerdale in Cumbria and South Holderness in Yorkshire have been dismissed. Currently, three communities are under consideration, including one near Sellafield in Seascale.

Local leaders, like Seascale’s David Moore, are more open to the idea due to their proximity to the existing site. Moore emphasizes the importance of relocating the waste safely and believes that if the GDF is built, it should benefit the local community. Meanwhile, other potential sites face opposition, such as Theddlethorpe in Lincolnshire, where residents have protested against the project.

Despite financial incentives for communities, some local activists remain skeptical of the government’s approach and the transparency of the consultation process. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero maintains that a GDF will ensure safe, long-term disposal of hazardous waste.

Globally, countries like Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, and France are at various stages of developing their own disposal facilities. In the UK, the process of site selection and community consultation is ongoing, with construction of a GDF not expected to begin until the 2050s. Until then, Sellafield will continue to manage the nuclear waste, as we remain a long way from resolving the legacy of nuclear energy in the UK.