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Hinkley Point B Nuclear Plant Begins 95-Year Decommissioning Process
5 Nov
Summary
- Hinkley Point B nuclear power station granted approval to begin decommissioning
- Decommissioning process expected to take 95 years in 3 phases
- New nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C, being constructed nearby
In a significant development, the Hinkley Point B nuclear power station, located on the Somerset coast near Stogursey, has been granted formal consent to begin its 95-year decommissioning process. The power station, which had been in operation for nearly 46 years, reached the end of its operating life in August 2022.
The decommissioning process, which will be overseen by the Nuclear Restoration Services, is set to unfold in three distinct phases. The first phase, lasting until 2038, will involve the dismantling of all buildings and plant materials, with the exception of the site's safestore structure. This facility will be used to store and manage the radioactive waste from the power station.
The second phase, spanning up to 70 years from 2039, will see a "period of relative inactivity" to allow for the safe decay of the radioactive materials within the safestore. The final phase will then see the former reactor and debris vaults being dismantled and removed.
Notably, while Hinkley Point B is being decommissioned, a new nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C, is currently under construction just a few miles away. This new facility is expected to play a crucial role in the region's future energy landscape.
