Draft guidance published today sets out how clauses in the Energy Bill requiring operators of new nuclear power stations to meet the full cost of decommissioning and their full share of waste management costs would work.

Companies would be required to:

* Demonstrate detailed and costed plans for decommissioning, waste management and disposal, before they even begin construction of a nuclear power station;

* Set money aside into a secure and independent fund from day one of generating electricity; and

* Have additional security in place to supplement the Fund should it be insufficient, for example, if the power station closes early.

In ensuring these safeguards, the Secretary of State will draw on expert advice from the soon to be established Nuclear Liabilities Financing Assurance Board.