Lifetime strategy
The current preferred strategy for decommissioning Chapelcross 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 North 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.
Chapelcross ceased electricity generation in 2004. The immediate priority in terms of the phased decommissioning programme is hazard reduction through the safe and efficient removal of all spent nuclear fuel from the reactors and storage ponds and dispatch to Sellafield for reprocessing.
The decommissioning plan at Chapelcross
2004-2011 Defuelling
- Removal of 530 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel from the reactors and storage ponds and dispatch to Sellafield for reprocessing – scheduled for completion 2011
- Modification of the fuel route including the construction of a new flask handling building to enable reactor core defuelling
- Establishment of a new post operational safety case
- Streamlining of the organisational structure
- Demolition of the 4 cooling towers
2011-2018 Care & Maintenance Preparations
- Deplant and demolish approximately 60 buildings
- The four reactor buildings and one intermediate level waste store will remain
- Low Level Waste packaging and shipment to a National Low Level Waste Repository will continue
2018-2116 Care & Maintenance
- Natural decay of residual radioactivity in the 4 reactors and stored intermediate level waste
- 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
- Transportation of all intermediate level waste for permanent disposal off site in line with UK strategy
2116-2128 Final Site Clearance
- Construction of a waste management facility
- Dismantling and demolition of all remaining buildings on site
- Removal and management of waste
- Land remediation
- Site delicensed and made available for potential reuse
