Over 700kg of explosives have been used in the first stage demolition of four gigantic concrete plinths as part of work to decommission the turbine hall.
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This significant achievement sets a new record for the largest use of explosives on a nuclear site for conventional demolition purposes in decades.
Over 1,200 holes were drilled into the plinth structures that bore the weight of two turbo generator units weighing 605 tonnes each.
The charges were then set and the plinths wrapped ready for detonation. This method reduced the need for heavy machinery – saving time, cost, reducing noise and dust levels.
This significant achievement sets a new record for the largest use of explosives on a nuclear site for conventional demolition purposes in decades.
The ONR strictly governed the use of explosives. Their presence and oversight gave confidence that every aspect of the set up and execution had been thoroughly checked to ensure maximum safety.
Large machinery has now removed the weakened material, taking this significant demolition project a huge step forward.
Over 7,100 tonnes of metal have been removed – that’s more than three London Eyes. This is being recycled and sold on the metals market to generate income. Over 17,000 tonnes of demolition rubble will also be re-used and recycled.
The overall turbine hall structure is expected to be demolished in Spring 2025 creating a footprint the size of a large football pitch. This land will eventually be restored and released for re-use.
It follows the sale of 1.2 hectares of land on the site transferred to EDF Nuclear Generation Limited (ENGL) earlier this year. This delivered on a multitude of NDA and NRS strategic objectives - marking tangible progress in the completion of the decommissioning mission and delivering benefit to the local community and the wider economy. ■
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