Sellafield, Europe’s most hazardous nuclear site, has a worsening leak from a huge silo of radioactive waste that could pose a risk to the public, the Guardian can reveal.
Concerns over safety at the crumbling building, as well as cracks in a reservoir of toxic sludge known as B30, have caused diplomatic tensions with countries including the US, Norway and Ireland, which fear Sellafield has failed to get a grip of the problems.
This site isn’t one of the safer newer types, it’s an old build that was used for weapons as well, and it’s currently in the process of being decommissioned. Nuclear isn’t perfect by any means, but it can be improved to a point where it’s one of several acceptable options and it is gradually maturing.
A big problem with nuclear has been the highly bespoke nature of each build. Increased standardisation of designs will improve safety as well as cost.
You are right that the news doesn’t really have a sensible take. But we know reasonable and consistent information isn’t where their profit motives are aligned.