In a groundbreaking development, Sellafield is set to save billions of pounds with the introduction of a new space-saving storage solution: the 63-can rack. This innovative storage system is designed to increase the Thorp pond’s capacity to store spent nuclear fuel by 50%, a move that will significantly extend the site's storage capabilities.
The 63-can rack allows Sellafield to safely store all the spent nuclear fuel expected from the UK’s currently operational nuclear power stations. This is a crucial development for the country’s nuclear industry, as the UK no longer reprocesses spent fuel. Instead, the fuel is stored underwater in the Thorp pond before eventual disposal.
Without the new rack, Sellafield would have faced the daunting and costly task of building a new storage pond, a project that could have cost billions. The need for this storage upgrade arose when it became clear that more fuel would require storage than initially anticipated.
The new racks have been 16 years in development and are a true success story for UK manufacturing. Standing at 5.5 metres tall and weighing in at seven tonnes, the stainless steel racks are being produced by a consortium of manufacturers from Cumbria and Stoke-based Goodwin International. The initial order calls for 160 racks, with another 340 expected to be needed in the future.
This project represents a key contract for Carlisle-based Bendalls Engineering and West Cumbria Engineering in Workington, who are leading the Cumbria Manufacturing Alliance and responsible for producing half of the racks.
Roddy Miller, Sellafield Ltd’s nuclear operations director, praised the collaboration between Sellafield, the NDA group, EDF Energy, and the wider supply chain. He noted that
Sellafield’s long-standing role in the nuclear industry continues with a new focus on safely managing the nation’s nuclear legacy.
“These racks will increase fuel capacity from 4,000 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes,” Miller said, highlighting the importance of the new storage system. “This negates the need for a new storage facility and ensures we can accommodate all current and future arising fuel.”
Fuel transfers into the new racks began in the summer, with operators who previously managed reprocessing now overseeing the placement of fuel into the new storage units. As the fuel will now be stored for longer than originally planned, additional modifications to the Thorp pond have been made, including pH adjustments to prevent corrosion and the installation of new cooling systems.
This new storage rack represents not just a technical achievement, but a major financial and environmental win for the UK’s nuclear sector. It showcases the power of innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for a more sustainable approach to managing spent nuclear fuel and ensuring the safe continuation of low-carbon energy production for years to come.
Source: www.msn.com "Sellafield's new storage racks to save billions" by Erin Gaskell
