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Wednesday 9 December 2009Final journey for generator
Dungeness has chalked up another major decommissioning success with the removal of one of the largest items of plant from site, generator transformer 4.
More than 50 staff were involved in the project to shift the huge transformer, weighing in at just under 200 tonnes. Its final act of generation was to net £55,000 for the UK taxpayer as it was successfully sold to a recycling company in Barnsley for use as scrap metal and parts.
The sale is a great example of staff following the recycle/reuse principles and spotting a commercial opportunity. The money will go back into the Government’s Treasury pot for reinvestment into decommissioning.
Mark England, site director, said: “This project is a true testament to the success that can be achieved when lots of people pull together to make things happen. A massive ‘well done’ is due to all the staff involved, as well as our contractors.”
Mark added. “We account for about half the total waste transported from the Magnox South estate this year, a good indication of the amount of work undertaken here, and I’m passionate about continuing our decommissioning progress.”
Keith Arter was site engineer for the removal of the unit. Colleague Steve Tull said: “The teamwork shown throughout this project was remarkable. By close working with the contractor we have arrived at a blueprint for the removal of the remaining three units and we’re keen to get on with the next one.”
The generator took three days to reach its final destination as it could only travel at 23mph due to the size and weight of its load. Dungeness has released more than 1,200 tonnes of waste since the start of decommissioning.
