Nuclear space saver: A British world first

A collaboration of British companies has resulted in the creation of the world's first nuclear space saver, reducing dismantling costs and speeding up operations at Sellafield.
Économiseur d'espace nucléaire

Partagez:

The world’s first nuclear space saver has been produced thanks to a collaboration in Cumbria. It is the result of a synergy between British companies West Cumberland Engineering, Bendalls Engineering and TEAM Industrial Services. They have developed a technology called “Hybrid 1 63 Can Rack”. This nuclear space saver has been delivered to the Sellafield power plant. Via a new nuclear decommissioning site licensing company controlled by the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

This nuclear space saver offers significant savings

This new technology was expected to save England £2 billion on nuclear decommissioning costs. In addition, this installation would help reduce the time needed to remove fuel from AGR reactors.

Andrew Pringle, head of Sellafield’s AGR program, told Cumbria Crack:

“This will enable us to support ongoing AGR receipts and accelerate the bulk unloading of AGR reactors from 8 years to 3.5 years. This is good news for the taxpayer, as it will save around £2 billion on decommissioning costs.”

Triple the storage capacity of underwater containers

This first is considered a major step forward. Until now, the country has had only limited space in the single storage basin dedicated to fuel for the Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR). Now, the Nuclear Space Saver would save three times as much space in the same Sellafield basin.

A unique solution for storing nuclear fuel from AGR power plants reaching the end of their operational life. The country currently has seven AGR power plants, all operated by EDF Energy.

Andrew Pringle said:

“The current storage compartments can hold up to 20 fuel containers. We knew this wouldn’t be enough. So we worked for several years to come up with a solution. The answer is the Hybrid 1 63-can rack, which, as its name suggests, can store 63 fuel cans in a single rack. The first rack has been installed in the Thorp (Sellafield) reception and storage basin. We have 15 more to follow, and then the Hybrid 2 rack, which is an improved design to optimize manufacturing, will be used to store the fuel cans”.

Energy companies collaborate on nuclear space saver

The project has received contributions from Sellafield, EDF Energy, the NDA Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Direct Rail Services. A tender for the manufacture of Hybrid 2 design racks has been published on Sellafield Ltd’s CTM system (ref. 12613.) The contract is due to be awarded in August 2021.

This new project is a major opportunity for the nuclear sector, but also for energy companies’ decommissioning projects.

Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.