Page 341 - Beyond Decommissioning

Case studies of nuclear redevelopment 317

7.8 Calder Hall NPP, United Kingdom (Nuclear
Decommissioning Authority, 2007)

Calder Hall, a four-reactor NPP, was the world’s first nuclear station to be linked to a
national electrical grid. Currently, shutdown and awaiting decommissioning, there is
an opportunity to preserve the plant, and open it to the public. This feasibility study
given in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (2007) evaluates the heritage value
of Calder Hall and its viability as a tourist attraction, investigates the physical condi-
tions of the plant buildings and the mechanical and electrical systems, and describes
the work needed to allow and maintain public access.
Calder Hall could become a significant tourist attraction, given that the nearby
Sellafield Visitor Centre already receives some 100,000 visitors a year, with no access
to the inside of an NPP, which could be provided by Calder Hall. Tourism is the largest
industry in the region, and the establishment of new attractions is clearly in line with
the regional plans.
The general conditions of the plant have been found good in consideration that the
structures are over 50years old. However, the external enclosure of the buildings is in
poor conditions and the roof, cladding and glazing call for repair or replacement.
Water in-leakage into the Reactor 1 building has caused some damage and corrosion.
Replacement of the building mechanical and electrical systems is needed. Current
levels of radiation and contamination are low. After defueling and general decontam-
ination of the reactor buildings have been completed, it can be safely assumed that the
visitors would be exposed to a negligible radiological hazard.
Three options have been identified for Calder Hall.
Option 1 is “do nothing.” Calder Hall would be demolished with some portable heritage
items being displayed somewhere else.
Option 2 comprises the full preservation of Calder Hall Reactor 1 and associated buildings,
that is, Reactor 1 building, all four associated Heat Exchangers and both the Long and Short
Blower Houses, Turbine Hall A, and the Administration Building. This option involves the
repair and replacement of roofs, cladding and glazing, and some modifications to allow pub-
lic access. Initially, visitor tours will be conducted from the existing Sellafield Visitors Cen-
tre. Eventually, it is assumed that Calder Hall will replace the Visitors Centre.
Option 3 involves the partial preservation of Calder Hall, that is, Reactor 1 Building, a single
Heat Exchanger, Turbine Hall A, the Administration Building, and one of the Blower
Houses. Escorted tours will be conducted from the Sellafield Visitors Centre.

Each of the options has been assessed to produce an estimate of the life cycle cost over
100 years, including both capital and running costs.

7.9 Winfrith, United Kingdom—From Nuclear R&D Site
to Science and Technology Park

Any site decommissioning program should have a clear end-state that includes post-
decommissioning redevelopment. At Winfrith that vision is to create an outstanding
science and technology park. There are three prerequisites for achieving this goal: