Decommissioning
UKAEA offers bespoke decommissioning solutions, based on our extensive experience. By applying our specialist knowledge and techniques to each project, we can control contamination and safely remove, process, contain and package waste in line with industry regulations.
We have unparalleled experience in planning, implementing and overseeing nuclear reactor and plant decommissioning – having removed 15 reactors and more than 50 radioactive facilities. In the past we have worked on a range of decommissioning projects, from early prototype piles to fast breeder reactors to complex radioactive support facilities.
Drawing on our track record, we develop leading-edge strategies and programmes of work for dismantling and disposing of all types of nuclear reactors and plants.
Our capabilities
We develop a decommissioning project design and strategy, with advice on techniques and technology. Our team surveys the site for potential hazards and creates a detailed project plan, together with any required method statements and technical specifications.
UKAEA ensures that decommissioning project delivery is on time and to budget, by supervising project progress and safety from start to finish. Our services include detailed planning and cost estimation, project monitoring and control, resource planning, work package management, waste and environmental management, and specialist decommissioning implementation.
Key achievements in decommissioning
- Safe destruction of over 1,100 tonnes of hazardous reactor coolant at Dounreay – using the world’s largest liquid metal destruction plant.
- Removal of the Winfrith ZEBRA zero energy fast reactor two years ahead of schedule and on budget.
- Removal of GLEEP reactor at Harwell, Europe’s first nuclear reactor, freeing the site for delicensing and redevelopment.
