Sellafield Pile Fuel Cladding Silo (PFCS) Retrievals
Sellafield, Cumbria, UK · 2010s-Present (retrievals began 2023) · Part of multi-billion pound decommissioning programme
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe silo was constructed without any means of waste retrieval, necessitating bespoke and highly complex engineering solutions. - Successful first waste retrieval in August 2023 marked a significant milestone in tackling legacy hazards. - Highlights the long-term challenges and costs associated with managing historical nuclear waste.
Key engineering challenges
Retrieving highly radioactive waste from a silo not originally designed for retrieval. - Developing and deploying complex remote handling systems (cranes, grabbers) in a hazardous environment. - Ensuring containment and shielding during waste retrieval operations to protect workers and the environment. - Managing the structural integrity of an aging facility while performing intrusive retrieval work.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Sellafield Ltd, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)
- Lead contractor
- Bechtel
- Lead designers
- Bechtel
- Project type
- decommissioning
- Scale
- Silo 29m long, 10m wide, 18m high, 6 compartments, contains irradiated fuel cladding
- Disciplines
- nuclear; mechanical; robotics; civil; structural; waste management; remote handling
- Standards & frameworks
- ONR
Sources: Bechtel: Sellafield Pile Fuel Cladding Silo Retrieval (https://www.bechtel.com/projects/sellafield-pile-fuel-cladding-silo-retrieval/) - GOV.UK: The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo - Case study (https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/the-pile-fuel-cladding-silo) - NDA Blog: Decommissioning the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo – progress so far (https://nda.blog.gov.uk/decommissioning-the-pile-fuel-cladding-silo-progress-so-far/) - World Nuclear News: Waste retrieval begins at Sellafield silo (https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Waste-retrieval-begins-at-Sellafield-silo) - Wired-Gov: Decommissioning the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo (https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/news.nsf/articles/decommissioning+the+pile+fuel+cladding+silo++progress+so+far+29042025111500?open)