THE DECOMMISSIONING OF NUCLEAR SITES AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF FRAGILE RURAL COMMUNITIES

摘要

This paper discusses the economic development issues of decommissioning nuclear sites located in fragilernrural areas. It uses as an example the decommissioning of UKAEA's site at Dounreay in the Highlands ofrnScotland. The paper gives brief outlines of the economic development infrastructure of Scotland, therneconomy of Caithness and the Dounreay Site Restoration Plan. It argues that in a changed culture,rncorporate social responsibility is a core business activity linked to clear business goals and thatrncommunity investment created through decommissioning can serve as a benchmark of best businessrnpractice. The opportunities and challenges are considered under four headings: the decommissioningrnprocess; diversifying the local economy; creating a skills based centre of excellence; the globalrndimensions. If the industry is to gain public acceptability for the high cost of decommissioning it mustrnensure that the process is used to deliver economic and community benefits that would not otherwise havernbeen achieved.