Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Vulcan Hand Over Date

26 March 2025 · Ministry of Defence

Proposed by Maria Eagle Lab Liverpool Garston

DefenceEnergyScotland

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The MOD will continue to manage the Vulcan Naval Reactor Test Establishment until at least April 2027.
  • The site will then be handed over to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for decommissioning.
  • The MOD seeks to collaborate with the nearby Dounreay Civil Nuclear site to ensure cost-effective decommissioning.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the continued operation and eventual handover of the Vulcan Naval Reactor Test Establishment (NRTE) in Caithness, Scotland.

Action requested

The MOD will continue to manage the site until at least April 2027, after which it will be handed over to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for decommissioning. The MOD seeks synergies with the nearby Dounreay Civil Nuclear site to ensure cost-effective decommissioning.

Key facts

  • Vulcan Naval Reactor Test Establishment (NRTE) in Caithness has been used for prototype testing of nuclear propulsion plants for over 50 years.
  • The last test reactor was shut down in 2015, and the site is now focused on fuel management to support current nuclear submarines.
  • The site supports around 280 highly skilled jobs for Rolls-Royce Submarines and the MOD until at least April 2027.
  • Once complete, the site will be handed over to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for decommissioning.
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