Major Demolition Milestone Achieved at Sellafield’s Fellside Plant
Sellafield Ltd has reached a significant milestone with the safe demolition of obsolete infrastructure at the Fellside Combined Heat and Power Plant. The removal of two waste heat recovery boiler units and their gas turbines marks a critical progression in the site’s ongoing redevelopment.
Function and Retirement of the Units
Initially commissioned in the early 1990s, these units provided essential steam and electricity for over 25 years, playing a crucial role in supporting nuclear operations at Sellafield. However, they were taken offline between 2019 and 2020 due to various factors, including:
- Innovative approaches to steam generation.
- A shifting energy strategy for the site.
- A substantial decrease in steam demand following the cessation of reprocessing activities.
- Implementation of an integrated energy strategy focused on carbon reduction.
- Updated environmental regulations necessitating the retirement of certain units.
After being decommissioned, these units faced accelerated corrosion due to the coastal conditions, prompting concerns over the integrity of the structures and necessitating a swift demolition programme.
Safe and Efficient Demolition Process
In collaboration with partners including PX Ltd, Ainscough Cranes, Bailey International, and TDS Demolition Services, the project team acted promptly to securely disconnect and dismantle the obsolete components. The demolition involved:
- Removing the two exhaust stacks, each measuring 12 metres in height and weighing 11 tonnes.
- Utilising 300-tonne and 150-tonne cranes for safe lifting operations.
- Dismantling high-pressure steam drums, paving the way for subsequent demolition efforts.
- Employing controlled charges, authorised by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), to safely bring down the heat exchanger units.
The application of controlled charges, while not typical at Sellafield, provided a safer and more efficient alternative to conventional demolition methods, underscoring the importance of innovation in such operations.
Statements from Sellafield Ltd
Paul Brennan, head of operations, security and resilience at Sellafield Ltd, emphasised the significance of this project, stating, “This project represents a significant step forward in overall hazard and risk reduction while delivering safely and efficiently.” He added that the collaborative approach and use of engineered cutting charges greatly mitigated safety risks typically associated with manual operations.
The successful removal of these structures not only mitigates risks linked to deteriorating assets but also facilitates further demolition activities, contributing to overall risk reduction at the Fellside site.
Looking Ahead
This achievement highlights a pivotal move towards the removal of aging infrastructure at Sellafield, supporting a safer, more efficient, and reliable energy supply for the future.
To learn more about Sellafield Ltd’s ongoing priorities and progress, visit their Priorities and Progress page.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-chapter-for-the-sellafield-skyline-as-fellside-units-are-demolished
