The powered systems that controlled airflow and ventilation through the two reactors at the former Wylfa nuclear power station, Anglesey have been permanently switched off and decommissioned.
The systems were fundamental to maintaining dry air flow and humidity levels to support the safe conditions needed for fuel transfer and the removal of the 87,890 fuel elements during the site’s defueling phase.
As the systems are no longer required, turning them off brings environmental benefits and delivers efficiencies in energy costs.
All 22 of the first-generation Magnox nuclear reactors in the current Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) decommissioning programme are breathing naturally – marking a pivotal point in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group’s mission.
Wylfa Site Director, Stuart Law, said:
“This is a great achievement for NRS and the NDA. It reflects years of careful planning and collaboration with our regulators to ensure compliance while delivering real benefits for the site and the environment.”
This success has simplified long-term operational processes, enhanced environmental safety by eliminating the use of hazardous substances such as glycol and refrigerant gases and saved around £130,000 in annual energy costs.
Ross McAllister, NDA Group Environment Health Safety and Wellbeing Director, said:
“This is an important milestone for Wylfa and the wider NRS estate. These systems have been vital for many years and switching them marks tangible progress towards simpler, more sustainable and cost-effective operations on site. It also demonstrates how collaboration supports progress across the NDA group as we deliver on our mission to leave a positive legacy for generations to come.”
Approximately 1 tonne of the associated steelwork, pipework and cabling removed was recycled. A further 1.4 tonnes of scrap metal from the four dehumidifier units will be recycled when the hazardous components inside have been removed and treated by waste management specialists Robert Hopkins Environmental.
The completed breathing reactors project paves the way for the installation a new electrical system that will disconnect Wylfa from its aging 132kV transformer and connect it to a smaller, more efficient electrical supply from a neighbouring village.
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