The last box of spent fuel from the UK’s fast reactor program that was being held in the plant’s ponds has been successfully treated by workers at Sellafield’s Magnox Reprocessing Plant.
The facility will complete its reprocessing on July 18 and begin a new phase of decommissioning and cleanup, as was announced in May.
In a journey that began in 1964, this most recent accomplishment represents its final significant contribution to managing the UK’s nuclear legacy.
The Dounreay fast reactor in the UK was constructed in the 1950s, a time when uranium for the production of electricity was in short supply all over the world. Before being shut down in 1977, it became the first fast reactor in the world to supply electricity to a national grid.
In the UK, fast reactors were phased out in the 1980s. But the program also left behind spent fuel with a distinctive chemical make-up.
Until the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and nuclear regulators approved it could be transported to Sellafield for storage and reprocessing, this was left in Dounreay, on the north coast of Scotland, for 35 years.
Martin Chown, Sellafield Ltd chief executive officer, said:
“Throughout its history, the Magnox Reprocessing Plant has delivered on behalf of the UK.”
“The current workforce has carried on this proud tradition by achieving another significant milestone in its final weeks of operations.”
“It’s a significant achievement and another demonstration of us delivering our purpose to create a clean and safe environment for future generations.”
The completion of a 10-year program will be marked by the reprocessing of the last box of Dounreay fuel stored in the Magnox plant. Reprocessing the fuel was necessary to reduce the amount that will eventually need to be stored dry.
Teams from Dounreay, Sellafield Ltd, and Nuclear Transport Solutions worked together on the initiative as part of the NDA Group.
Chris Wratten, Dounreay Fast React Reactor senior project manager, said:
“This has been a key project for the NDA and the entire UK nuclear industry.”
“By blending and consolidating the material with routine Magnox fuel, the teams have also supported the UK’s non-proliferation and security objectives.”
“This has been delivered through hard work, determination and perseverance by all those involved, and they should be very proud of this achievement.”
Only a small amount of fuel is still present at Dounreay, and it will be moved there to be dry stored before being shipped to the UK’s Geological Disposal Facility.