Powered systems that controlled airflow and ventilation through
the two reactors at Wylfa nuclear power station, Anglesey have
been permanently switched off.
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.
