Sellafield Ltd has completed an important milestone in the demolition of redundant infrastructure at the Fellside Combined Heat and Power Plant. Two waste heat recovery boiler units and their associated gas turbines have now been safely removed.
Commissioned in the early 1990s, the units were originally built to provide steam and electricity across the Sellafield site and have played a vital role in supporting nuclear operations for more than 25 years.
They were taken out of service in 2019 to 2020 due to
- new approaches to steam generation
- the site’s evolving energy strategy
- the end of reprocessing, which significantly reduced steam demand
- adoption of the integrated energy strategy and its carbon‑reduction targets
- updated environmental emission requirements that supported retiring units 2 and 3
Since being retired, the units experienced accelerated corrosion due to the coastal environment. Over time, degradation of the assets posed an increasing risk, prompting the need for an accelerated programme of demolition.
Working in partnership with its operations, maintenance and management partner PX Ltd, and with support from Ainscough Cranes, Bailey International and TDS Demolition Services, the project team moved quickly to safely disconnect and dismantle the redundant structures.
This included
- disconnecting and removing the 2 exhaust stacks, each 12 metres high and 11 tonnes in weight
- using 300‑tonne and 150‑tonne cranes supplied by Ainscough Cranes to lift the stacks from the top of the boilers
- dismantling the high‑pressure steam drums, clearing the way for further demolition work
- using controlled charges, approved by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), to bring down the heat exchanger units
The use of controlled charges is not common on the Sellafield site, but in this case provided a safer, quicker and more cost‑effective method than traditional demolition techniques.
Fellside timelapse
Paul Brennan, head of operations, security and resilience, Sellafield Ltd said
This project represents a significant step forward in overall hazard and risk reduction while delivering safely and efficiently.
With a collaborative approach and approving the use of engineered cutting charges, we significantly reduced the safety risks associated with manual cutting operations.
Removing the stacks and associated components removes the risk posed by the deteriorating structures. It also allows the team to continue with the remaining demolition activities and further progress risk reduction on the Fellside site.
These achievements mark a pivotal step forward in removing ageing infrastructure at Sellafield and support a safe, efficient and reliable energy supply for the future.
To find out more about our priorities and the progress we’re making across Sellafield, visit our Priorities and Progress page.