NDA to begin returning fuel to UK stocks
29th November 2011
Almost half the stock of nuclear fuel left over at Dounreay from its research role in the last century is to begin leaving the site next summer.
Forty-four tonnes of breeder material from the Dounreay Fast Reactor will be moved by rail from Caithness to Cumbria over a 4-5 year period.
The material is to be reprocessed at the Sellafield nuclear site to recover fuel that could be used to generate electricity in the future.
The announcement was made today by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which inherited the material after the research programme ceased.
A "preferred option paper" published by the NDA in July generated responses from 12 organisations and individuals. The NDA's response to these comments is also published today.
DSRL will work closely with train operator DRS, Sellafield Sites Ltd and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary to secure the safe delivery of the breeder material to Cumbria, following today's announcement.
"We've moved out the foreign nuclear fuel over the past 10 years and this decision lets us now start returning the UK fuel," said Alex Anderson, head of fuel and waste at site closure contractor DSRL. "It is the beginning of the end for nuclear transports in the Highlands."
Dounreay's other materials containing plutonium, such as unirradiated mixed oxide fuel, are currently the subject of an NDA assessment into potential future management routes. One of the options includes transportation to and management at Sellafield. NDA is expected to publish a paper on this subject early in 2012.
The site is in the process of being dismantled.
Links
NDA - www.nda.gov.uk/
DRS - www.directrailservices.com/
Civil Nuclear Constabulary - www.cnc.police.uk/
Related Businesses
Related Articles
3/12/2025
TAE Technologies and UKAEA partner to commercialise fusion tech
Joint venture to develop neutral beams for fusion and non-fusion applications, creating high-skilled jobs and establishing a critical supply chain. TAE Technologies, a leading US private fusion energy firm with over 25 years at the forefront of scientific innovation, today announces a bilateral and reciprocal investment commitment with the United Kingdom's national fusion laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to commercialise TAE's proprietary particle accelerator technology for the global market.
1/12/2025
Buried Hazards, Unfinished Business - What the NDA's 2025 Progress Report Really Tells Us
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has released its 2025 Mission Progress Report is a slightly sprawling document chronicling one of the UK's most complex environmental undertakings. The safe dismantling of its early nuclear legacy.
30/11/2025
New recruit officers join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) welcomes its newest recruits. The CNC hosted two passing out parades for the graduating Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) of Initial Foundation Programme (IFP) 106.
29/11/2025
Dounreay's next generation of talent honoured by apprentice award
Nuclear Restoration Services Dounreay's Kate Thomson has won Modern Apprentice of the Year at the Highlands & Islands Apprenticeship Awards in Inverness. Kate, who is in the second year of her apprenticeship in commercial and quantity surveying, said she was thrilled by the honour.
24/11/2025
Taskforce calls for radical reset of nuclear regulation in UK
Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce publishes final report and calls for radical reset of overly complex nuclear regulatory system. An overly complex nuclear regulatory system has contributed to the "relative decline" of the UK's ability to deliver faster and cheaper nuclear projects.
18/11/2025
Funding approved for Wick Harbour port consultant
A specialist ports consultant has been appointed to develop a long-term strategic plan for Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in Caithness. WHA has secured £47,775 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Nuclear Restoration Services, NRS Dounreay towards the cost of the services.
11/11/2025
Fallon Campbell From Melvich Near Thurso Named As Apprentice of the Year At Awards In London
Rising star from North Scotland honoured at event to celebrate brightest and best in industry. An electrical apprentice from North Scotland is celebrating after being recognised for her contribution to industry at the 13th annual Engineering Construction Industry ECI Training and Development Awards in London.
15/10/2025
The NDA Group Graduate Programme: more than a job
The NDA group graduate scheme offers far more than just a stepping stone into the nuclear industry; it's a chance to grow professionally, explore new places, and become part of a supportive community. Nuala Ledward, Assurance and Performance Graduate, shares how her secondment to Dounreay brought these benefits to life.
4/8/2025
UKAEA develops 3D printing for fusion components
At its recently opened Central Support Facility (CSF), UKAEA has commissioned an electron beam additive manufacturing machine that can be used to incorporate tungsten into components, alongside a selective laser manufacturing machine. Fusion can play a key role in a global low carbon energy future.4/8/2025
Advancing Fusion Remote Maintenance: Industry Collaboration Driving Innovation
As part of the Fusion Futures (FF) programme, UKAEA's Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) has partnered with industry leaders to develop two groundbreaking technologies for remote maintenance in fusion energy engineering. Thanks to FF funding, industry has taken the lead in maturing UKAEA technology concepts—delivering real-world solutions that enhance operational autonomy and reduce maintenance burdens in extreme environments.
Our Social Media
