Hinkley Point B Decommissioning
Near Bridgwater, Somerset, UK · Permanently shut down August 2022; defueling phase (expected to take several years); decommissioning process expected to take 95 years.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchHinkley Point B's decommissioning is a long-term, complex project that will span nearly a century, reflecting the inherent challenges of nuclear legacy management. - The project involves a phased approach, starting with defueling, followed by a care and maintenance period, and then final site clearance. - Regulatory oversight from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency is crucial throughout the process to ensure safety and environmental protection. - Lessons learned from Hinkley Point B will inform future decommissioning projects for other AGRs in the UK. - The project highlights the significant financial and engineering commitment required for the entire lifecycle of nuclear power generation.
Key engineering challenges
Safely defueling the reactors and managing the highly radioactive spent fuel. - Dismantling and decontaminating highly active components and structures within the reactor buildings. - Managing and disposing of various categories of radioactive waste, including intermediate and low-level waste, over an extended period. - Ensuring long-term safety and security of the site throughout the 95-year decommissioning process, including a care and maintenance phase. - Developing and implementing innovative techniques for remote handling and dismantling of contaminated equipment.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- EDF Energy
- Lead contractor
- EDF Energy (managing the decommissioning process)
- Lead designers
- Not applicable for decommissioning in the traditional sense; involves specialist engineering firms for specific tasks.
- Project type
- decommissioning
- Scale
- Two Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGR); 46 years of operation; 95-year decommissioning process.
- Disciplines
- Nuclear engineering; civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; radiological protection; waste management; environmental engineering; safety engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- UK nuclear safety regulations (ONR); environmental regulations (Environment Agency); IAEA decommissioning guidelines; relevant British Standards.
Sources: New Civil Engineer: EDF's plan to decommission Hinkley Point B approved despite regulators' concerns (https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/edfs-plan-to-decommission-hinkley-point-b-approved-despite-regulators-concerns-31-10-2025/) - Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR): Notice of application to dismantle and decommission Hinkley Point B (https://www.onr.org.uk/our-work/what-we-regulate/sellafield-decommissioning-fuel-and-waste/decommissioning-fuel-and-waste/decommissioning/eiadr/decommissioning-sites-in-scope-of-eiadr/notice-of-application-to-dismantle-and-decommission-hinkley-point-b) - EDF Energy: Decommissioning of Hinkley Point B Nuclear Power Station (https://www.edfenergy.com/sites/default/files/808125-wood-xx-xx-rp-o-000025_s3_p01_scoping_report.pdf) - BBC News: Hinkley Point B to begin 95-year decommissioning process (https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedkingdom/comments/1opijgr/hinkley_point_b_to_begin_95year_decommissioning/)