Radioactive waste

Nuclear power stations do not burn fossil fuel while generating electricity, so they avoid fuel-combustion emissions during operation. Instead, they produce radioactive waste, some of which remains dangerous for thousands of years. An accident could release radioactive material and contaminate the surrounding area.

Nuclear generation produces radioactive waste. Ionising radiation from this material can damage living tissue, so the waste must be contained and kept away from people and the environment. Some waste remains hazardous for a long time, making secure storage, transport and eventual disposal a responsibility extending beyond the station’s operating life.