Sellafield Faces Regulatory Action Over Plutonium Transport Error

• •Sellafield transported plutonium oxide to the wrong facility in February 2026.
• •The Office for Nuclear Regulation criticized Sellafield's internal investigation for inadequacies.
• •Sellafield has suspended plutonium oxide movements and enhanced transport controls.

Sellafield has come under scrutiny from the UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) after a mishandling incident involving plutonium oxide. On February 27, 2026, a consignment was incorrectly transported to the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) in Workington instead of its intended destination at Sellafield. The package was deemed unsuitable for transport and was accepted by NNL before being returned to Sellafield. Following the incident, Sellafield suspended all plutonium oxide movements and implemented enhanced interim transport controls. ONR's report, published on October 16, 2026, criticized Sellafield's internal investigation for its lack of thoroughness in assessing risks and corrective actions. Although Sellafield classified the incident as Level 1 on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), ONR is considering further regulatory action due to identified shortcomings. No immediate enforcement actions have been announced, and Sellafield maintains that there was no risk to public safety.