18 August 2025

In this episode of WSP’s Positive Impact podcast series, we explore the role of nuclear energy in the UK’s energy future and the critical importance of managing radioactive waste safely and responsibly. Host Lucy Siegle is joined by Professor Neil Hyatt, Chief Scientific Adviser at Nuclear Waste Services, and Professor Chris Jackson, Technical Director of Subsurface Storage at WSP, to unpack the science and strategy behind the UK’s Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) programme.

They discuss the evolution of the UK’s nuclear industry, the origins of radioactive waste and why long-term deep geological disposal has become the internationally preferred solution. They also explore the collaboration and cutting-edge geoscience needed to deliver a project of this scale, how communities are engaged in the siting process and why transparency is vital for building trust.

It’s a fascinating look at one of the biggest engineering and societal challenges of our time.

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We’re working on one of the most exciting and challenging subsurface projects the UK has ever seen and may see for a long time to come. It’s making a real, positive impact in two key ways. First, it addresses the legacy issue of nuclear waste we already have. If we want to be remembered as good ancestors by future generations, dealing with this is something to be genuinely proud of. Second, these facilities could also take nuclear waste from new power stations being built to help achieve our net zero ambitions, which is another reason for WSP to feel positive about contributing to this programme.

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Meet the speakers

Professor Chris Jackson, Technical Director of Subsurface Storage, WSP

Chris is a geologist and science communicator, with a research background spanning sedimentary basin analysis and energy geoscience. He’s published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and is a passionate advocate for sustainable resource management. A familiar face to many, Chris has appeared on numerous television programmes including BBC’s Expedition Volcano and Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, National Geographic’s X-Ray Earth, and Channel 5’s The Pompeii Prophecy. He is also a committed advocate for Early Career Researchers and is actively engaged in improving diversity and inclusion in Earth Science.

Professor Neil Hyatt, Chief Scientific Adviser, Nuclear Waste Services

Neil Hyatt is Chief Scientific Adviser to Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), which is responsible for the safe and secure management of the UK’s radioactive waste. NWS operates the Low-Level Waste Repository, is delivering the UK’s Geological Disposal Facility for higher activity waste and is developing new waste treatment technologies. Before joining NWS, Neil was an internationally recognised expert in radioactive waste management and disposal research, with a career spanning strategic advisory roles to government and leadership in major research programmes. His work focuses on understanding how materials evolve over deep time, particularly in the context of nuclear waste disposal. He has made significant contributions to the study of technetium, actinides, and radiation damage in materials, supporting decommissioning and waste management efforts around the world.

Key takeaways from the podcast

  1. Nuclear’s role in the UK’s energy mix: Nuclear currently supplies around 15% of the UK’s electricity, providing a reliable, low-carbon baseload. As the UK aims to decarbonise, nuclear is being discussed as a vital part of our future energy strategy.

  2. Managing waste is central to nuclear’s future: Safe and permanent disposal of radioactive waste is essential to enabling the UK’s nuclear energy strategy and realising its net zero ambitions. 

  3. Why deep disposal is the international standard: Radioactive waste can’t stay on the surface forever. It carries ongoing cost, risk and disruption. Deep geological disposal is the globally recognised solution, isolating waste from people and the environment until it is no longer hazardous.

  4. Solving complex challenges needs joined-up thinking: Delivering a GDF requires collaboration across many disciplines from geoscience and engineering to community engagement. It’s about combining deep technical knowledge with a shared commitment to safety and problem-solving.

  5. Understanding the subsurface and explaining It: One challenge is bridging the gap between short-term science and long-term outcomes. Understanding how rocks and fluids interact to what that means over tens of thousands of years. Equally important is communicating that science clearly and effectively.

  6. Building trust: Earning the confidence of communities is essential. That means being open about the science and the process, supporting people to make informed decisions and recognising that trust is built over time, not assumed.
 

Want to learn more about our work in nuclear energy?

Discover how WSP is supporting the safe, sustainable future of nuclear power across the UK.

Explore the sector

The WSP’s Positive Impact podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for independent, tailored professional advice. No reliance may be placed on the content of this podcast and listeners will need to seek independent professional advice tailored to their specific needs. The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, nor WSP and its affiliates. 

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