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This year the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority celebrates its Golden Jubilee. On 19 July 1954 the UKAEA came into being as the body responsible for taking forward the atomic energy research programme from the Ministry of Supply.
This year the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority celebrates its Golden Jubilee. On 19 July 1954 the UKAEA came into being as the body responsible for taking forward the atomic energy research programme from the Ministry of Supply. Later it pioneered the development of an entire industry and spearheaded many other scientific and technological advances. This continues in the equally challenging tasks it undertakes today.
During its fifty years UKAEA has:
- Designed and built the world's first commercial nuclear power station which led to 10 Magnox-type stations, and built the prototype for the next generation of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors.
- Developed the UK's fast reactor research programme with two major reactors at Dounreay.
- Successfully diversified its expertise into non-nuclear sectors, now taken forward as a business by AEA Technology plc.
- Established a world-leading role for the UK in research into fusion as a clean energy technology for future generations.
- Pioneered a new approach to nuclear decommissioning and site restoration
- Laid foundations for the former nuclear sites as future science and technology business centres.
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| Children competing in a race as part of the celebrations at Dounreay |
UKAEA's Chief Executive, Dipesh Shah, said: "I am fortunate that UKAEA is celebrating its Golden Jubilee during my watch as chief executive. UKAEA can be proud of its achievements over the past fifty years made possible by the commitment and innovation of our workforce. UKAEA is set to enter a new chapter with the formation of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the fast track development of fusion. I am sure the qualities that have sustained it for five decades will ensure our continuing success as we start our next fifty years."
UKAEA staff celebrated the jubilee on 18 September with a family fun day held at each of the sites. NIA congratulate UKAEA on their successes and look forward to UKAEA's next fifty years.
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