Requirement for a nuclear site licence

A nuclear site licence (licence) is required under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (NuIA 1965) to use any site for the purpose of installing or operating:

1. •

   a nuclear reactor (other than one comprised in a means of transport, whether by land, water or air, such as a nuclear-powered submarine)

2. •

   a nuclear installation designed or adapted to:

   1. ◦

      produce or use atomic energy;

   2. ◦

      carry out a process, capable of emitting ionising radiation, that is related to atomic energy production or use; or

   3. ◦

      store, process or dispose of nuclear fuel or bulk quantities of matter irradiated by the production or use of nuclear fuel; or

3. •

   a nuclear installation prescribed by the Nuclear Installations Regulations 1971, SI 1971/381, eg an installation designed or adapted for the carrying out of any processes using enriched uranium and the production of isotopes and nuclear fuel elements

The Energy Act 2023 (EnA 2023) has recently amended section 1 of the NuIA 1965, to specify that the operation of