Regulator & Climate
Posted: 1st August 2025
The Chief Nuclear Inspector’s (CNI) Themed Inspection report on climate change, from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), has been published which concludes a two-year targeted regulatory focus on the topic. The report reveals that continued work is needed by the nuclear industry to ensure sites remain resilient against the future effects of climate change in the medium and long-term. However, progress made by the nuclear sector to ensure climate change effects are understood and mitigated against is noted, with no fundamental shortfalls identified that challenge their robustness against future external hazards. The 52-page report examines how the nuclear sector is responding to recent climate change projections and implementing appropriate safeguards. Five targeted site-based inspections at representative facilities across the UK, including Heysham 2 in Lancashire, Sizewell B in Suffolk, Sellafield in Cumbria, Dounreay in Caithness, Scotland, and AWE Plc Aldermaston in Berkshire. The five site-based inspections assessed how nuclear sites are preparing for climate change impacts and building operational resilience. The results showed that AWE Aldermaston met ONR’s expectations for climate resilience, while Dounreay, Heysham 2, Sellafield and Sizewell B partially met expectations.