Magnox Electric Ltd’s main focus over the next three years will be maintaining Sizewell A’s excellent safety record and commencing the site’s Defuelling and Decommissioning programme.

Preparations for Defuelling and Decommissioning are well advanced and the site will continue to draw on the experience of other Magnox sites to develop opportunities for innovation and acceleration within its Decommissioning programme.

Defuelling and Decommissioning

Following cessation of generation on 31 December 2006, the process of Defuelling Sizewell A's twin reactors has begun. After removing the spent fuel from each of the two reactors, the elements are safely packaged within secure flasks then despatched to Sellafield in Cumbria for reprocessing. This work will take approximately two and a half years to complete. Around 53,000 individual fuel elements will be removed from Sizewell A’s reactors.

In parallel with this, work is currently underway preparing the site for its Care and Maintenance phase. This initially involves isolation, de-planting and demolition of the majority of the site.

Key achievements

• In 2005/06, Sizewell A generated 3.22TWh against a target of 2.88TWh - this represented significant extra income for our customer, the NDA
• A new modular open-plan accommodation building now houses Sizewell A's Administration and Business resources. This concentrates the majority of personnel in one area, providing a safe working environment which is suitable for the duration of Defuelling and Care and Maintenance Preparations.