- Date released: 10 August 2026
- Request number: FOI202607025
- Release of information under: FOIA
Information requested
Am I able to request the following documentation:
- Lessons Learnt from Fukushima, GHX00100112DOZJ03GN, Rev A, November 2019, CGN, CM9 Ref. 2019/347028
- Mobile Water Supply Equipment Design Scheme, GHX00100018DCHS03GN, Rev. A, March 2021, CGN, CM9 Ref. 2021/22359
- Mobile Diesel Generator Design Scheme, GHX05000045DEDQ45GN, Rev. B, 27 April 2021, CGN, CM9 Ref. 2021/34978
Our response
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold the information quested. However, we are refusing to provide the requested information under the exemption provided by s.27(2): confidential information obtained from a State other than the UK.
China General Nuclear Power (CGN) is a Chinese state-owned enterprise of the People’s Republic of China, and the information requested was received during the HPR1000 Generic Design Assessment (GDA) from the UK requesting party (CGN majorityral Nuclear Systems Ltd), on the understanding that it would be treated as proprietary and confidential.
In addition, the GDA was undertaken under a charging agreement containing a clause that says we will not release commercial confidential information. All three requested documents are marked as proprietary. Therefore we consider the information was obtained in confidence for the purposes of s.27(2
Further information
ONR inspectors would be happy to discuss publicly available information on the GDA is further information is required.
Exemptions applied
S.27(2)
Public Interest Test (PIT)
As this is a qualified exemption, we are required to balance the public interest between disclosure and non-disclosure. we have therefore applied the Public Interest Test as set out below:
Factors for disclosure
ONR is committed to being an open and transparent regulator;
- As set out in our policy for openness and transparency, we aim to be an exemplar of transparency and openness to retain, and enhance, the trust and confidence of the workers and public we serve;
- Disclosure promotes accountability and public confidence that appropriate governance measures are maintained; and,
- Matters related to the nuclear industry are subject to close scrutiny and debate.
Factors against disclosure
Disclosure of the proprietary information would be likely to prejudice relations between the UK and China, as it would be against the agreement made under the GDA process to not release commercial confidential information. This may negatively impact future collaboration between the UK and China, especially with regard to nuclear technologies; and,
The information relates to the HPR1000 which is not currently being deployed in the UK, and therefore there is limited benefit to the public in disclosing the information.
Conclusion
ONR operates with a presumption of disclosure and has sought to provide as much information as possible in response to your request. However, we consider that the public interest in the UK’s international relations with the People’s Republic of China outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information withheld unders.27(2) of the FOIA.