International engagement
Nuleaf is active in international networks and research projects. Through these we learn from the experience of others on decommissioning, Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) siting processes and the social, economic and environmental aspects of nuclear legacy management. We are also able to share our insights on the large and complex nuclear legacy in the UK, and the role that local authorities and communities play.
GMF Europe
The Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities (GMF) is a network for local authorities from across the continent. It has members in countries as diverse as Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and Russia.
The network organises meetings and site visits to nuclear facilities and engages with the European Union and Commission to represent members views and influence nuclear policy and strategy. Nuleaf’s Executive Director is currently a Vice-President of the organisation.
GMF membership encompasses municipalities with an interest in legacy, operational and new nuclear sites. Nuleaf’s interest in the group is in the decommissioning and radioactive waste management aspects of its work.
IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a global organisation based in Vienna. It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. Its objective is to “… seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world.”
There is growing recognition within IAEA that local communities have an essential role to play in radioactive waste management programmes, both in decision making processes and programme implementation. In 2017 Nuleaf was invited to act as the UK representative at a technical meeting on Learning from Experience of Local Involvement in Radioactive Waste Management and this was followed up by a further meeting in 2018 where two Nuleaf member authorities also participated.
Subsequently Nuleaf’s Executive Director has been involved in producing the report on this workstream which is currently in the process of being signed off by member states. It is anticipated that the IAEA will undertake further engagement with Nuleaf and others representing the local level in future.
Forum on Stakeholder Confidence (FSC)
The Forum for Stakeholder Confidence (FSC) is an ongoing forum set up by the Nuclear Energy Agency, an agency which aims to facilitate the sharing of experience in the societal aspects of radioactive waste management. The NEA is part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Nuleaf has been invited to act as an observer on the FSC and participate in its meetings. Our Vice-Chair, Cllr David Moore, addressed an NEA workshop on the decommissioning of nuclear facilities in the United Kingdom in late 2020.
Eurad
The European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (Eurad) is implementing a Strategic Programme of research and knowledge management activities at the European level, bringing together and complementing EU Member State/UK programmes. The aim is to inform delivery of safe, sustainable and publicly acceptable solutions for the management of radioactive waste now and in the future.
Nuleaf is a member of its Civil Society group made up of NGOs, community partnerships and other national and local community representative organisations.