Lifetime strategy
The current preferred strategy for decommissioning Bradwell Site, like all UK Magnox nuclear power stations, is deferred site clearance, allowing for total site clearance around 100 years after cessation of generation. It minimises risk to workers, public and the environment, minimises waste volumes, is technically straight forward and makes financial sense.
Magnox South is applying its knowledge and expertise to accelerate the decommissioning work plan which doesn’t preclude a reduction in the 100-year period to total site clearance.
Bradwell’s decommissioning programme is progressing well. The removal of the final fuel element from Reactor 2 in December 2005 marked the successful completion of a 33-month defuelling programme – three months ahead of schedule.
Bradwell's decommissioning plan
2002-2006 Defuelling
- Removal of spent nuclear fuel and 99% of radioactivity on site
- Despatch of spent fuel to Sellafield
2006-2017 Preparation for Care & Maintenance
- Streamlining the site by removing and demolishing facilities not requiring storage due to high levels of radioactivity
- Low-level waste transported to the Low Level Waste Repository in Cumbria
- Contents of non-radioactive facilities such as the offices and turbine hall reused or recycled where possible
- Erection of temporary buildings, including those required to facilitate retrieval, processing, packaging and storage of waste
- Cladding the remaining buildings with durable materials to provide safe, secure and weatherproof structures in readiness for passive storage
2017-2095 Care & Maintenance
- Site monitored for reactor conditions and security as the radioactivity inside the reactors naturally decays
- Radiological and environmental monitoring
- Regular inspection of site conditions and maintenance where necessary
2095-2104 Final Site Clearance
- All plants low enough in activity to be accessed and dismantled using routine equipment
- Waste appropriately treated, packaged and despatched from site to permanent disposal in line with UK policy
- Site is relicenced or delicenced and returned, clean and safe for a new purpose
Bradwell Lifetime Plan
